Isoamyl butyrate is an ester best known for its bright banana-and-pear aroma. It occurs naturally in small amounts in bananas, pears and pineapples, but nearly all commercial supply is synthetic.
It’s a workhorse in the flavor and fragrance industries. FEMA GRAS-approved, it adds authentic fruity notes to candies, soft drinks and baked goods. In perfumes and cosmetics, it brings a fresh, lively touch to fruity and floral blends.
Unlike many harsh synthetic chemicals, it’s fully biodegradable with low environmental impact, fitting well with today’s clean-label trends. Versatile and cost-effective, it remains one of the most widely used fruity flavor ingredients globally.
