Nootkatone
Nootkatone is a naturally occurring citrus flavor compound; FEMA has assigned it GRAS status as a flavoring substance, and it is registered by EPA as an insect repellent active.
What it is
Nootkatone is a sesquiterpene ketone found naturally in grapefruit and Alaska yellow cedar; used as a flavor/fragrance and EPA-registered insect repellent.
Used as a natural flavoring substance for citrus/grapefruit flavor.
What regulators actually say
"Nootkatone is a natural, non-toxic compound found in cedar trees and grapefruit... Now that EPA has registered nootkatone, the compound can be used in the development of insect repellents and insecticides."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
FEMA GRAS flavoring substance (FEMA 3166)
European Union — EFSA
Listed in EU flavoring substances database
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app