Methyl cinnamate is the methyl ester of cinnamic acid and is a white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor.

It is found naturally in a variety of plants, including in fruits, like strawberry, and some culinary spices, such as Sichuan pepper and some varieties of basil.

[4] Eucalyptus olida has the highest known concentrations of methyl cinnamate (98%) with a 2–6% fresh weight yield in the leaf and twigs.

[1] It is known to attract males of various orchid bees, such as Aglae caerulea.

[8] It is combustible as a liquid, and when heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.