2-Methylbutyric acid has a pungent, spicy Romano cheese odor; at low concentrations it presents a pleasant fruity aroma, with a spicy taste, and at the characteristic taste threshold of 10 mg/kg it exhibits a fruity, dairy, and acidic cheese flavor. It is used in the formulation of food flavorings such as strawberry, cheese, apricot, jackfruit, butter, apple, nut, and brandy flavors, imparting a characteristic spicy fermented aroma in dairy products and cheese products. The concentration in the final flavored food is approximately 0.5–5 mg/kg.
Cheese aroma enhancement
Imparts a characteristic spicy fermented aroma to cheese products and is a key acidic flavor component of cheese flavorings.
Strawberry formulation
Used in strawberry flavor formulation; at low concentrations it presents a pleasant fruity aroma and enhances the authenticity of the fruity note.
Dairy flavor
Used in dairy and cream flavorings to simulate natural fermented flavor and enhance the aroma layering of dairy products.
Nut note enhancement
Used in nut flavor formulation to provide an acidic and savory aroma base note.