Juniper

Juniper berries are the female seed cones of the juniper plant, a coniferous shrub native to the Northern Hemisphere. The berries are typically dried before use and have a strong, pine-like, slightly bitter flavour.

Juniper is primarily used as a spice and flavouring agent in food and beverages. It is most famously used to flavour gin, but also appears in savoury dishes like stews, pâtés, and cured meats, as well as in some soft drinks and flavoured waters.

Juniper is not an authorised food additive in the UK and is used as a flavouring ingredient. While historically used in traditional remedies, there is limited robust scientific evidence to support specific health benefits or risks at typical dietary intake levels. Regulatory bodies have not set specific limits for juniper as a food ingredient.