Described is a process for preparing natural benzaldehyde and acetaldehyde and compositions of matter containing natural benzaldehyde and acetaldehyde as well as products produced thereby and organoleptic utilities thereof, which process comprises the step of contacting with base naturally occurring cinnamaldehyde or a natural product rich in cinnamaldehyde such as Ceylon oil of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon bark, Saigon cinnamon bark, cassia oil, Ceylon cinnamon quills, cinnamon leaf oil, oil of cinnamon Madagascar or the like according to the reaction: ##STR1## the reaction taking place in aqueous media and in the presence of a food grade or natural nonionic emulsifier, preferably a nonionic sorbitan derivative emulsifying agent and in the absence of any other reagents.