Artificial & Natural Flavors

Artificial and natural flavors are substances added to food to give it a specific taste or smell. Natural flavors are derived from plant or animal sources, while artificial flavors are created synthetically in a lab. Both types are complex mixtures, often containing dozens of individual chemical compounds.

Manufacturers use flavors to enhance or impart taste and aroma to a wide range of foods. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and processed snacks. Their purpose is to make food more appealing to consumers.

In the U.S., both artificial and natural flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated many flavor compounds. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, some individuals may experience sensitivities or adverse reactions to specific flavorings. Research into the long-term health effects of consuming complex mixtures of flavor compounds is ongoing.