Abstract: A liquid smoke concentrate having a 3,4-benzpyrene- and 1,2,5,6-dibenzanthracene content of less than 0.2 nanograms, having a tar content (calculated as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) below 1 microgram/kg, and a phenolic compounds content (calculated as phenol) of 0.90-1.60 g/l, preferably 1.0-1.4 g/l, and in which the ratio of phenolic compounds content to carbonyl compounds content (calculated as acetone) to total titratable acid content (calculated as acetic acid) is 1:(17.0-47.0):(13.0-40.0), preferably 1:(20.0-37.0):(14.0-34.0).The concentrate is obtained by destructive distillation of cellulosic and/or lignin material, removing fly ashes, and separating two tar fractions by cooling to a temperature between 150.degree.-200.degree. C. and 80-120.degree. C., respectively, non-condensable gases being separated off upon cooling to room temperature. The concentrate may be used in various physical forms as a flavoring agent in foodstuffs and as aromatizing agent.