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E636Flavor enhancerLow concern
Maltol
In plain words
The short version
A flavour enhancer adding a warm baked / caramel-malt aroma that boosts perceived sweetness.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
No specific ADI; regarded as safe at flavour-use levels.
The detail
Occurs naturally in roasted malt, baked bread, and chicory; produced synthetically for use.
A flavour enhancer that adds a warm, freshly-baked, caramel-malty aroma and boosts perceived sweetness — letting recipes use less sugar in baked goods, sweets, and drinks.
White crystalline powder with a caramel-like smell.
Not on the EU list of approved food additives (there is no authorised E 636), but maltol is authorised in the EU as a flavouring substance. Permitted in the US as a synthetic flavouring (21 CFR 172.515).
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Maltol (INS 636), evaluations 2005 and 2018 (86th meeting) — World Health Organization / JECFA, 2018. No specific ADI; safe at flavour-use levels
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II Part B (list of all additives), consolidated text of 18 August 2026 — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. E 636 is not on the EU list of approved food additives
- Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, Annex I Union list of flavourings, consolidated text of 16 February 2026 — maltol FL 07.014 — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. Maltol is authorised in the EU as a flavouring substance
- FDA Substances Added to Food inventory — Maltol — US Food and Drug Administration, 2026. Permitted in the US as a flavouring (21 CFR 172.515; FEMA GRAS 2656)
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.