Natural Bitters
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What it is
Natural bitters are extracts derived from botanical sources, such as roots, barks, fruits, and herbs. These extracts are typically produced by macerating or percolating plant material with a solvent, often alcohol or water, to capture their complex flavors.
Why it's used
Bitters are primarily used to add a bitter or complex flavor profile to foods and beverages. They are most commonly found in alcoholic drinks, particularly cocktails, but also appear in non-alcoholic beverages like tonic water and some baked goods.
Health notes
In the US, natural bitters are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as flavoring agents. Regulatory bodies like JECFA have evaluated various flavoring substances. While some individual botanical components of bitters may have traditional medicinal uses, their contribution to health at the low levels found in food is not well-established.
Allergen info
Natural bitters are not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. Gluten content depends on the specific botanicals used; some may contain gluten if derived from grains.