A method for the preparation of an alkali metal cinnamate powdery product, preferably potassium cinnamate or sodium cinnamate, is disclosed herein. The resulting product has novel structural properties. The powder of the present disclosure is made via spray-drying and/or spray agglomeration and has a higher flowability, is less cohesive and less dusty, has an improved dissolution rate and in particular has a very favorable organoleptic profile. The disclosure is also directed to product applications in which the novel cinnamate product of the present disclosure may be applied.