mushroom extenders

Mushroom extenders are a class of flavoring agents characterized by their ability to impart earthy, mushroom-like notes to food products. These compounds typically present as colorless to pale liquids and possess specific physiochemical traits useful in flavor formulation. Also referred to as mushroom flavor compounds, they are valued in the food industry for enhancing savory profiles. Detailed chemical structures vary, but their sensory impact is consistently associated with an earthy aroma and taste. Mushroom extenders can be naturally derived or synthesized and are catalogued in chemical databases such as PubChem. Their use primarily targets flavor enhancement in culinary applications, especially in savory food products.

These flavor compounds often occur naturally in mushrooms and related fungi, contributing to their characteristic taste profiles. In industrial applications, mushroom extenders serve as flavoring agents to replicate or intensify mushroom and savory notes in processed foods. Their use aligns with standards such as FEMA (US), which governs flavor additive usage and safety. The compounds facilitate flavor modulation in soups, sauces, snacks, and meat substitutes. Their chemical properties enable incorporation into diverse formulation matrices, primarily those favoring non-aqueous solvents.

Mushroom extenders exhibit a specific gravity of approximately 0.826 to 0.836 at 20 °C and a refractive index ranging from 1.43 to 1.44 under the same conditions. Their flash point is measured at 134 °F, indicating moderate volatility and flammability considerations during handling. These compounds are soluble in alcohols and oils but demonstrate insolubility in water, influencing their selection and behavior in food and flavor formulations. Such properties necessitate compatible solvent systems for effective dispersion. Understanding these traits is fundamental in optimizing their incorporation and stability within flavor blends and finished products.

Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavoring agents
Recommendation for mushroom extenders usage levels up to:
	not for fragrance use.
Recommendation for mushroom extenders flavor usage levels up to:
	10.0000 ppm in the finished product.

Safety references

WISER:UN 2929