Coated With Natural Flavors

Natural flavors are complex mixtures of aromatic chemicals derived from natural sources like plants or animal byproducts. They are created through physical processes such as distillation or extraction, or through enzymatic or microbiological processes. The goal is to mimic or enhance specific tastes and smells found in nature.

Manufacturers use natural flavors to add or boost taste and aroma in foods without using artificial ingredients. They are common in a wide variety of products, including baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and savory items like processed meats.

Natural flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for their intended use. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated many flavoring substances. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, some individuals may have sensitivities to specific components within natural flavor blends. Research into the broad health effects of complex flavor mixtures is ongoing.