Natural Hickory Smoke Powder

Natural hickory smoke powder is made by burning hickory wood and capturing the smoke. The smoke is then condensed and dried into a powder form. This process concentrates the flavor compounds found in wood smoke.

Manufacturers use this powder to add a smoky flavor to foods without using liquid smoke or traditional smoking methods. It is often found in snack foods like popcorn and nuts, as well as processed meats such as bacon and jerky.

In the US, natural hickory smoke powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. It is used to impart flavor, and at typical consumption levels, no adverse health effects are expected. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated smoke flavorings, but no specific numeric limits are set for this ingredient. Research into the long-term effects of consuming smoke-flavored products is ongoing.