2-Isobutyl-4,5-dimethylthiazole is used as a specialty additive in both the flavor and fragrance industries due to its potent roasted, nutty, and meat-like aroma. In flavors, it enhances savory, umami, and grilled notes in processed foods such as soups, sauces, snacks, seasonings, and meat or poultry products (both real and plant-based). It is also utilized in pet food to improve palatability. In fragrances, it imparts warm, intense, and dimensional scents in products like men's perfumes, body care items, and cosmetics seeking roasted or meaty undertones. Its strong odor allows effective use at low concentrations, often in combination with other compounds to create complex profiles.