Is Linalool Safe to Drink? Understanding Food-Grade vs. Concentrated Forms

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), linalool is considered a "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) substance when used as a flavoring in foods and beverages. However, this regulatory approval applies only to properly diluted food-grade versions and not to the highly concentrated forms found in essential oils.

Quick Summary

Food-grade linalool, safely used as a flavoring in many foods and drinks, is different from highly concentrated linalool in essential oils, which is unsafe for consumption. The safety depends entirely on the concentration and formulation of the substance.

Key Points

Food-grade is safe: When used as a regulated food additive in small, diluted quantities, linalool is considered safe to drink.
Concentrates are dangerous: Ingesting highly concentrated forms, such as essential oils, can be toxic and is not recommended.
Source matters: The linalool in flavored sparkling water is not the same as the undiluted substance in a bottle of essential oil.
Regulatory approval exists: The FDA classifies food-grade linalool as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS).
Read labels carefully: Products with high concentrations of linalool, like essential oils, are intended for topical or aromatic use, not ingestion.
Know the difference: Understand that the same compound can have safe and unsafe applications depending on its form and concentration.

Linalool's Common Presence in Foods and Drinks

Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol with a pleasant, floral scent often found in over 200 plant species, including lavender, mint, and cinnamon. Its presence in our diet is quite common, with some estimates suggesting average consumption is around two grams per year from food alone. It is used commercially as both a flavor and fragrance additive, contributing to the distinct taste profiles of various products. This includes everything from flavored sparkling waters and candies to certain beers and spices.

Examples of linalool's culinary use:

Beverages: Used as a flavor enhancer in some alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including hoppy beers and flavored seltzers.
Spices and Herbs: Naturally present in everyday ingredients like basil, thyme, and coriander.
Processed Foods: Incorporated into candies, chewing gum, and other processed foods for flavoring.

The Critical Difference: Food-Grade vs. Concentrates

The key to understanding the safety of drinking linalool lies in its concentration. The substance in food is highly diluted and specifically processed for safe human consumption. The high potency of essential oils, conversely, makes them toxic if ingested directly.

Ingestion of Concentrated Linalool is Dangerous

Essential oils, which contain high concentrations of linalool, are not meant for internal consumption. Ingesting these concentrated oils can be toxic and lead to serious health problems, including chemical pneumonitis if aspirated. Safety Data Sheets for high-purity linalool explicitly warn against using it for household food or drink purposes. Always follow label directions and consult with a healthcare professional before considering internal use of any concentrated botanical extract.

Why Ingestion of Essential Oils is Harmful

Ingesting essential oils is not the same as consuming a cup of herbal tea or a flavored beverage. The concentration is vastly different. While the aroma of linalool in aromatherapy is known for its calming effects, drinking a potent oil is hazardous.

Reasons for caution:

High Potency: Essential oils are extremely concentrated and potent, delivering a dose far exceeding what the body is designed to handle through ingestion.
Aspiration Risk: Swallowing oils can lead to aspiration into the lungs, potentially causing chemical pneumonitis.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Ingesting large amounts of concentrated linalool can cause significant gastrointestinal discomfort and toxicity.
Oxidation: Linalool can become an allergen once it has oxidized (reacted with oxygen). Storing products with concentrated linalool in airtight containers is recommended.

Understanding Regulatory Approval and Controversy

The FDA's GRAS status for linalool is a critical point of information. It means that when used under specified conditions, it is deemed safe. This approval is based on a long history of safe use and scientific data. The safety of regulated food-grade flavorings was put into the public spotlight during the LaCroix lawsuit, which falsely claimed that the presence of linalool (referred to as an ingredient in insecticide) was a danger. However, as the Institute of Food Technologists clarified, this ignores the different grades and uses of the compound. Just as lavender can be used in cosmetics and food, the same compound can have safe uses in different industries under different regulations. For more information, you can read about the science behind flavorings on the IFT website.

Comparison: Food-Grade vs. Essential Oil Linalool


Feature	Food-Grade Linalool	Concentrated Essential Oil Linalool
Source	Natural plant extracts or synthetic versions approved for flavorings.	Extracted from plants, but highly concentrated for fragrance or topical use.
Concentration	Highly diluted and present in small, safe amounts.	Extremely potent and concentrated.
Regulatory Status	Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use.	Not approved for oral consumption unless explicitly stated by a qualified professional in a safe, diluted form.
Oral Safety	Safe to drink in approved food and beverage products.	Dangerous and potentially toxic if ingested.
Intended Use	Flavoring agent in beverages, candies, and foods.	Aromatherapy, topical application, fragrances.
Risks of Ingestion	Minimal risk in regulated quantities.	Risk of toxicity, gastrointestinal discomfort, aspiration.

Conclusion

While a variety of products we consume contain food-grade linalool as a safe and regulated flavoring agent, the notion of drinking linalool as a concentrated substance, such as from essential oils, is dangerous. The critical distinction lies in the concentration and intended use. When found in approved food products, linalool is safe for oral consumption, but essential oils are highly potent and not formulated for ingestion. Always be mindful of the source and concentration of linalool, and never ingest essential oils unless explicitly directed and safely prepared under expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not safe to drink lavender essential oil or any other essential oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic if ingested, potentially causing severe health issues.

You should not add essential oils to drinks for flavor. Use only food-grade flavorings that are specifically designed, tested, and approved for safe consumption.

Yes, the linalool used as a flavor additive in regulated sparkling water is food-grade, highly diluted, and considered safe for consumption by the FDA.

Accidental ingestion of concentrated linalool can be harmful. Seek immediate medical attention, especially if you experience symptoms like gastrointestinal distress, irritation, or breathing difficulties.

The purported health benefits of linalool, such as calming effects, are primarily observed from inhalation in aromatherapy, not from drinking concentrated oils. Consuming food with trace amounts is not for therapeutic purposes.

Only consume products specifically labeled as food or beverage items, with ingredients approved for consumption by regulatory bodies like the FDA. Never assume concentrated oils are safe to drink.

Linalool's presence in both is an example of versatility, not danger. In food, it's a dilute flavoring, but in insecticide, it's used as a scent to attract insects to a toxic compound, not as the toxic agent itself.