Food Flavor

Food flavor is a general term for substances added to food to impart or modify taste and aroma. These can be natural, derived from plants or animals, or artificial, created synthetically. They are designed to enhance the sensory experience of food products.

Manufacturers add flavors to make foods more appealing by mimicking natural tastes or creating novel flavor profiles. They are used in a wide variety of processed foods, including baked goods, beverages, candies, and dairy products, to provide specific tastes like fruit, spice, or savory notes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food flavors. Many natural and artificial flavors are considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) or are approved food additives. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also evaluate flavorings. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, some individuals may have sensitivities. Research into the long-term effects of artificial flavors is ongoing.