Flavorings & Spices

Flavorings are substances added to food to impart or enhance taste and aroma. They can be derived from natural sources like plants, herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables, or they can be synthesized artificially. Spices are dried seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or vegetative substances used primarily for flavoring, coloring, or preserving food.

Flavorings and spices are used to make foods more appealing by adding desirable tastes and smells. They are found in a vast array of processed foods, including baked goods, beverages, dairy products, meats, and snacks. Their specific function is to provide or modify the flavor profile of the final product.

The FDA regulates flavorings and spices. Many natural spices and flavorings are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Artificial flavorings are reviewed by the FDA before they can be used in food. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many flavoring substances. Generally, when used as intended, they are considered safe. Some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to specific flavorings or spices.