Natural Spices And Flavors

Natural spices and flavors are derived from plant sources like herbs, roots, fruits, and seeds. They are processed using methods such as drying, grinding, extraction, or distillation to capture their aromatic and taste compounds. These ingredients add specific sensory qualities to food products.

Manufacturers use natural spices and flavors to enhance or impart desirable tastes and aromas in a wide variety of foods. They are commonly found in savory items like pickles, olives, relishes, crackers, and deli products, as well as in baked goods and snacks.

Natural spices and flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used for their intended purpose. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated many natural flavor compounds. While generally considered safe in typical food use, some individuals may experience sensitivities to specific spices.