Spices & Flavorings
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What it is
Spices are dried parts of plants, such as seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or leaves, used in small amounts for flavoring food. Flavorings are substances added to food to impart or enhance taste and aroma, which can be natural extracts or synthetic compounds.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use spices and flavorings to add taste and aroma to a wide variety of foods, from savory dishes like frozen dinners and processed meats to sweet baked goods and beverages. They are essential for creating the complex flavor profiles consumers expect in many packaged foods.
Health notes
Spices and flavorings are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used for their intended purpose. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many flavoring substances. While generally considered safe in typical food amounts, some individuals may experience sensitivities or adverse reactions to specific spices or flavor compounds.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen. However, some spices can be cross-contaminated with major allergens during processing.