Natural Flavor With Other Natural Flavors

Natural flavors are complex mixtures of aromatic chemicals, essential oils, and other plant or animal-derived substances. They are derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, or animal products through processes such as extraction, distillation, or fermentation. These flavors are intended to impart specific tastes and aromas to food products.

Manufacturers add natural flavors to enhance or impart desirable taste and aroma profiles in a wide range of foods. They are commonly found in baked goods, dairy products, beverages, and confectionery. Their purpose is to make food more appealing and to replicate or enhance the taste of natural ingredients.

In the U.S., 'natural flavor' is a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) category by the FDA. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated flavorings, and while they generally consider them safe at typical consumption levels, specific evaluations vary by compound. There are no widespread health controversies associated with the typical use of natural flavors.