Abstract:The effects of four exogenous additives—gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and tea polyphenols—on the key quality attributes of purple sweet potato wine were investigated by adding them during fermentation. Changes in physicochemical parameters, methanol and anthocyanin contents, volatile flavor compounds, and sensory properties were systematically evaluated using GC–MS and other analytical methods. The results showed that the addition of phenolic acids and tea polyphenols had no significant effects on conventional fermentation parameters, including pH, total acidity, and alcohol content, whereas yeast growth was inhibited to varying extents. In particular, the addition of 10 mg·L?1 gallic acid reduced the yeast population by 2.5 × 10? CFU/mL. All additives significantly suppressed methanol formation, with methanol contents reduced by 28.46% and 19.86% following the addition of gallic acid and tea polyphenols, respectively. Moreover, the anthocyanin contents in the wines supplemented with gallic acid and tea polyphenols reached 408.91 mg·L?1 and 406.36 mg·L?1, respectively. Volatile compound analysis combined with sensory evaluation indicated that wines fermented with p-coumaric acid and tea polyphenols exhibited more harmonious flavor profiles and higher sensory acceptability, with esters and alcohols contributing predominantly to aroma characteristics and overall flavor balance. Overall, tea polyphenols were demonstrated to be an effective additive for reducing methanol formation, enhancing anthocyanin retention, and improving sensory quality, while complying with food additive regulations, thereby providing theoretical support and practical guidance for the safe production and quality improvement of purple sweet potato wine.