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Ethyl maltol

Ethyl maltol suppliers and sourcing guide

Ethyl maltol is a synthetic pyrone closely related to maltol, with an ethyl group in place of maltol's methyl group. It does not occur in nature in meaningful amounts and is made by chemical synthesis. It is sold as a white crystalline powder and has a sweet caramel, cotton-candy aroma several times stronger than maltol, so it is dosed at very low levels in confectionery, baked goods, beverages, flavor blends and fragrances.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
2-Ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one · Ethyl pyromeconic acid · FEMA 3487 · CAS 4940-11-8
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of ethyl maltol

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Crystalline powder

    White crystals or powder, the usual form for dry mixes and for making flavor solutions.

  • Flavor solutions

    Ethyl maltol dissolved in propylene glycol or ethanol at a set strength so very small doses can be measured accurately.

  • Food and fragrance grades

    Food-grade material made to a food chemical specification, sold alongside fragrance or technical grades.

  • Blends

    Pre-mixed with vanillin, maltol or other aroma chemicals in caramel and sweet-brown flavor bases.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Ethyl maltol purity by GC or HPLC, specified as a minimum percentage.
Identity
IR spectrum or GC retention time matched against a reference standard, plus odor check against a retained sample.
Melting range
Melting range checked against the specification.
Water
Moisture by Karl Fischer or loss on drying.
Heavy metals and residue on ignition
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS, plus residue on ignition.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place out of light; ethyl maltol can discolor and is strongly odorous, so keep it away from materials that could pick up its aroma. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of assay, color and odor for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay and appearance per lot and keep a retained sample, since small differences in odor show up at the low use levels. Rotate stock first in, first out and check color on aged lots.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 172.515 lists ethyl maltol (2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one) among synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists ethyl maltol (CAS 4940-11-8) with the technical effects color or coloring adjunct, flavoring agent or adjuvant, and processing aid, citing 21 CFR 172.515.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Ethyl maltol suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking ethyl maltol suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell ethyl maltol? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of ethyl maltol can brands buy?

Common forms include crystalline powder, flavor solutions, food and fragrance grades and blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for ethyl maltol include?

Expect assay, identity, melting range, water and heavy metals and residue on ignition, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should ethyl maltol be stored?

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place out of light; ethyl maltol can discolor and is strongly odorous, so keep it away from materials that could pick up its aroma. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of assay, color and odor for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of ethyl maltol?

21 CFR 172.515 lists ethyl maltol (2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one) among synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists ethyl maltol (CAS 4940-11-8) with the technical effects color or coloring adjunct, flavoring agent or adjuvant, and processing aid, citing 21 CFR 172.515.

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