Sugar And Natural Flavor

Sugar is a common carbohydrate, typically sucrose derived from sugar cane or sugar beets, or glucose and fructose from corn. Natural flavors are substances extracted or distilled from natural sources like spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products, whose primary function is to impart flavor rather than nutrition.

This combination is primarily used to sweeten foods and add specific taste profiles. Sugar acts as a sweetener and can contribute to texture, while natural flavors enhance or create distinct tastes. They are found in a wide variety of processed foods, snacks, beverages, and confectionery items.

Sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal, due to links between excessive intake and health concerns. Natural flavors are also defined and regulated by the FDA and are generally considered safe for consumption. JECFA has evaluated many individual flavor compounds but does not set an ADI for the general term 'natural flavor'; similarly, JECFA has not specified an ADI for sugars as they are macronutrients.