My diet:

E392 Rosemary extract

E392AntioxidantsOrigin: Plant
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Every diet

VeganYes

The extract is rosemary leaves.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes

The dose is milligrams in a fat, not a carbohydrate.

Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Rosemary extract (E392) is a concentrated antioxidant from rosemary, rich in carnosic acid. It is allowed, the EU caps the dose, and it is not the same as a sprig of the herb.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE392
Comes fromPlant
What it doesAntioxidants
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledRosemary extract, Extract of rosemary

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

The EU authorizes rosemary extract as E392 and caps it in fats, sauces, snacks and meat, measured as the sum of carnosol and carnosic acid. The US treats rosemary extract as a GRAS flavor and antioxidant. Canada permits it with limits. It is a plant extract. The cap exists because it is concentrated, not because the herb on a roast chicken is restricted.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

The extract is a brown-green liquid or powder with a faint herbal smell. Oil makers add it so chips and dressings stay fresh longer without a synthetic antioxidant on the label.

Where it comes from: Rosemary extract used as an antioxidant is a solvent extract of rosemary leaves, refined so the active molecules are carnosic acid and carnosol. A sprig of rosemary in a stew is the herb. E392 is the concentrated extract, added in milligrams to keep fat from going stale.

Why it’s in food

  • Slows rancidity in oils and snacks
  • Protects meat color
  • Replaces BHA or TBHQ on a cleaner label
  • Adds a whisper of herb

Often found in

Snack oilsSausagesDressingsDehydrated soupsChewing gumSauces

Also listed as: Rosemary extract, Extract of rosemary, Carnosic acid, E392

Health & gut impact

A concentrated leaf, with a capBenefit

EFSA's authorization of E392 is for the extract standardized on carnosic acid and carnosol, at maximum levels in specific foods. That is an allowed use, not a ban.

EFSA opinion and EU authorization of rosemary extract (E 392)

Not a dose of the kitchen herbUnder study

A pinch of dried rosemary in a stew is a food. E392 is refined so the antioxidant molecules are much stronger per gram.

Specification of E392 versus culinary rosemary

What can I use instead?

Tocopherols

Ratio: Use the vitamin E antioxidant when a neutral oil matters

Best for: A bland fat

Ascorbic acid

Ratio: It works better in water than in straight oil

Best for: A fruit drink

Related

More antioxidants:

Alpha-tocopherol (Synthetic vitamin E) E307Alpha-tocopherol (E307) is the synthetic form of vitamin E. It stops oils and fats from going rancid. It's safe, vegan and gluten-free, and it's the same molecule the body uses.Generally safeAscorbic Acid (Vitamin C) E300Ascorbic acid (E300) is plain vitamin C. It keeps food from browning and is one of the safest additives there is.Generally safeAscorbyl palmitate (Fat-soluble vitamin C) E304Ascorbyl palmitate (E304) is vitamin C joined to a fatty acid, so it can protect oils instead of water. It stops fats going rancid, and most people tolerate it well.Generally safeBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) E320BHA (E320) is a synthetic preservative that keeps fats fresh. The US National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."Best to avoid

Common questions

Is rosemary extract the same as rosemary?

The extract is made from the leaves and then concentrated. The herb on a roast is not E392.

Why not just use the leaves?

The leaves taste like rosemary. The extract can protect a fat at a dose you barely taste.

Is Rosemary extract safe?

Generally safe (90/100). The EU authorizes rosemary extract as E392 and caps it in fats, sauces, snacks and meat, measured as the sum of carnosol and carnosic acid. The US treats rosemary extract as a GRAS flavor and antioxidant. Canada permits it with limits. It is a plant extract. The cap exists because it is concentrated, not because the herb on a roast chicken is restricted.

Is Rosemary extract vegan?

Yes. The extract is rosemary leaves.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E392
  • EFSA opinion and EU authorization of rosemary extract (E 392)
  • Specification of E392 versus culinary rosemary

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