Natural Flavors Dextrose

Natural flavors are complex mixtures of aromatic chemicals, essential oils, and extracts derived from plant or animal sources. They are created by physically, enzymatically, or chemically processing natural raw materials. The resulting flavor compounds are then added to foods to impart specific tastes and aromas.

Manufacturers use natural flavors to enhance or create specific taste profiles in a wide variety of foods, from savory snacks like chips and pretzels to sweet items such as cakes and ice cream. They can mimic the taste of fruits, spices, meats, or other ingredients without using the actual source material.

In the U.S., natural flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many flavor compounds, but specific evaluations for 'natural flavors' as a general category are complex due to their diverse composition. While generally considered safe in the amounts used in food, some individuals may have sensitivities to specific flavor compounds.