Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbons, such as polynuclear aromatic compounds, like benzo(a)pyrene, from liquid smoke and flavoring compositions by contacting said compositions with a nonionic residue. The method reduces the hydrocarbon concentration by about at least about 80% by weight, and reduces the benzo(a)-pyrene content to about 1 part per billion or less, without adversely affecting the phenolic content of the liquid smoke and flavoring composition.