Includes Hickory Smoke

Hickory smoke is a flavoring made from burning hickory wood. The smoke is captured and condensed, often into a liquid form, to impart a smoky taste and aroma to foods without direct smoking. It is used to mimic the flavor of foods cooked over a wood fire.

Manufacturers add hickory smoke flavoring to provide a smoky taste to a variety of foods. It is commonly found in snacks like popcorn, peanuts, and seeds, as well as in processed meats such as jerky and sausages. This ingredient allows for consistent smoky flavor without the need for traditional smoking methods.

Hickory smoke flavoring is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a flavoring agent. Regulatory bodies like JECFA have evaluated smoke flavorings, but specific ADIs are not always set. While traditional smoking can produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are monitored for health effects, the processing of smoke flavorings aims to reduce these compounds. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical consumption of foods containing hickory smoke flavoring.