Hops

Hops are the flowers of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), a perennial climbing vine native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The cone-like flowers are harvested and dried. They are primarily used to add bitterness, flavor, and aroma to beer, but also contain compounds with preservative qualities.

Hops are most famously used in brewing to impart a bitter taste and floral or citrusy aroma to beer. They also act as a natural preservative, helping to prevent spoilage. While most common in beer, hops may also be found in some snack foods and beverages where their unique flavor is desired.

Hops are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a flavoring agent. They have been evaluated by EFSA, which has stated that hops do not pose a safety concern at typical consumption levels. Some research suggests hops may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but more studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans. There are no widespread controversies regarding the use of hops in food.