And Natural And Artificial Flavors

These are substances used to add flavor to food. They can be derived from natural sources like plants and animals, or they can be created artificially in a lab. The exact composition is often proprietary and not fully disclosed by manufacturers.

Flavoring agents are added to foods to enhance or impart a specific taste. They are used in a wide variety of processed foods, including baked goods, beverages, snacks, and dairy products, to make them more appealing to consumers.

In the U.S., both natural and artificial flavors are regulated by the FDA. Many flavoring substances are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) or approved food additives. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated many flavoring substances. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, some individuals may experience sensitivities to specific flavoring compounds. Research into the long-term health effects of consuming complex mixtures of artificial flavors is ongoing.