Naturl Flavor

Natural flavors are complex mixtures derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and other plant or animal materials. They are created through physical processes (like heating or pressing) or enzymatic/microbial action, and are intended to impart a specific taste or aroma to food.

Manufacturers use natural flavors to enhance or add specific tastes to foods, such as fruity, savory, or spicy notes. They are commonly found in a wide variety of processed foods, including snacks, dressings, candies, and baked goods, to make them more appealing to consumers.

Natural flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many flavoring substances, but specific evaluations for 'natural flavor' as a broad category are not typically assigned numerical limits. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, the exact composition of natural flavors can vary widely, and some individuals may have sensitivities to specific components.