Less Than 1%: Natural & Artificial Flavors

This ingredient refers to a blend of flavoring substances used to impart taste and aroma to food products. Natural flavors are derived from plant or animal sources, while artificial flavors are synthesized compounds created to mimic natural tastes. The specific components are proprietary and vary by manufacturer.

Manufacturers use natural and artificial flavors to enhance or create specific taste profiles in a wide range of foods, including dairy products, baked goods, beverages, and snacks. They are added in very small amounts to provide desirable flavors like fruit, spice, or savory notes.

In the U.S., flavorings are regulated by the FDA and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or approved food additives. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many flavoring substances. At the low levels typically used in food, they are not associated with adverse health effects for most people. Some individuals may have sensitivities to specific flavor compounds.