And Flavors
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What it is
Flavors are substances that give food a particular taste or smell. They can be derived from natural sources like fruits, spices, or herbs, or they can be created synthetically in a lab. "And Flavors" is a broad term used on ingredient lists when multiple flavorings are present, often to simplify the list.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add flavors to enhance or impart specific taste profiles to a wide range of food products. This includes processed foods, beverages, baked goods, and confectionery. "And Flavors" is typically used when the specific flavorings are proprietary or too numerous to list individually.
Health notes
The FDA considers flavors to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) when used as intended. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated many flavor compounds. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, some individuals may experience sensitivities to certain flavorings.
Allergen info
Flavors are not typically derived from the major allergens. However, if a flavor is derived from a source that is a major allergen (e.g., a spice derived from a nut), that allergen must be declared. Gluten is not typically associated with flavors.