Less Than 1%: Natural Flavors

Natural flavors are complex mixtures derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, or animal products. They are created through physical processes (like extraction or distillation) or enzymatic or microbiological processes. The goal is to impart a specific taste or aroma to food.

Manufacturers add natural flavors to enhance or create specific tastes in foods, often when the natural ingredient itself is not present or in insufficient amounts. They are commonly found in processed foods like yogurts, beverages, baked goods, and snacks.

In the U.S., 'natural flavor' is a recognized term by the FDA, and these ingredients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as intended. 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, the exact composition of natural flavors is proprietary, making specific health impact assessments challenging.