Flavor

Flavor is a general term for substances added to food to give it a specific taste or aroma. These substances can be derived from natural sources (like fruits, vegetables, spices, or animal products) or created artificially through chemical processes.

Flavors are added to a wide variety of processed foods and beverages to enhance existing tastes, replace flavors lost during processing, or create new flavor profiles. They are crucial for making many packaged foods appealing and consistent in taste.

In the US, flavors are regulated by the FDA. "Natural flavors" are typically considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) if they meet specific criteria, while "artificial flavors" are food additives that require FDA approval before use. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA evaluate individual flavoring substances for safety, rather than the broad term "flavor" itself. At typical intake levels, flavors are generally considered safe. However, the broad labeling of "flavor" means the specific components are not always disclosed to consumers, which can be a point of concern for some.