Ingredient

Mace

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Mace is used as a spice to add flavor to a variety of foods. …

What is Mace?

Mace is the outer covering, or aril, of the nutmeg seed. It is a bright red, lacy layer that is dried and ground into a powder. The flavor is similar to nutmeg but more delicate and pungent.

Is Mace vegan?

Mace is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Mace gluten-free?

Mace is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens and does not contain gluten.

What is Mace used for?

Mace is used as a spice to add flavor to a variety of foods.

Is Mace safe?

Mace is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food flavoring.

Why it's used

Mace is used as a spice to add flavor to a variety of foods. It is commonly found in baked goods, custards, dairy products, and processed meats. Manufacturers use it to impart a warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor.

Health notes

Mace is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food flavoring. It is not typically consumed in large quantities, and no adverse health effects are associated with its use as a spice. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated spices, but specific evaluations for mace are not widely publicized.

Allergen info

Mace is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Mace

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.