Natural & Artifical Flavor

Natural and artificial flavors are substances added to food to impart or enhance taste and aroma. Natural flavors are derived from plant or animal sources through processes like heating or fermentation. Artificial flavors are created synthetically, often to mimic natural flavors or create novel taste experiences.

Manufacturers use these flavors to make foods more appealing to consumers by adding or intensifying specific tastes, such as fruit, spice, or savory notes. They are found in a wide variety of processed foods, including beverages, baked goods, candies, dairy products, and snacks.

In the U.S., both natural and artificial flavors are regulated by the FDA. Many flavor ingredients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or are approved food additives. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated many flavor substances. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, the scientific community continues to research the long-term effects of consuming a wide array of synthetic flavor compounds.