noun
- Plural of diacetyl; organic compounds containing two acetyl groups, used as flavoring agents in food and beverages.
Usage: chemistry; food industry; commonly used in butter flavoring
Examples
- Diacetyls are frequently added to microwave popcorn butter flavoring.
- The food industry uses diacetyls to create authentic butter taste in processed foods.
- Workers exposed to diacetyls in popcorn factories have reported respiratory issues.
- Many manufacturers have reduced or eliminated diacetyls from their products due to health concerns.
- Diacetyls are also found naturally in some fermented beverages like beer and wine.