Hydrocinnamic acid, also known as phenylpropanoate or dihydrocinnamate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phenylpropanoic acids. Phenylpropanoic acids are compounds with a structure containing a benzene ring conjugated to a propanoic acid. Hydrocinnamic acid is a drug. Hydrocinnamic acid is a weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa). Hydrocinnamic acid exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Phenylpropanoic acid can be prepared from cinnamic acid by hydrogenation. Hydrocinnamic acid is a sweet, balsamic, and cinnamon tasting compound. Outside of the human body, hydrocinnamic acid has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as macadamia nuts, watercress, bamboo shoots, lupines, and ohelo berries. This could make hydrocinnamic acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. This compound is used frequently in cosmetic products such as perfumes, bath gels, detergent powders, liquid detergents, fabric softeners, and soaps as it gives off a floral scent. A characteristic reaction of phenylpropanoic acid is its cyclization to indanones. Phenylpropanoic acid is used in the food industry to preserve and maintain the original aroma quality of frozen foods. Phenylpropanoic acid is also added to food for technological purposes in a wide variety including manufacturing, processing, preparation, treatment, packaging, transportation or storage, and food additives. This compound is used as a sweetener as well to sweeten food and can be found in table top sweeteners. It is a white, crystalline solid with a sweet, floral scent at room temperature.