With Natural Flavors
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What it is
Natural flavors are complex mixtures derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and even animal products. They are created through physical, enzymatic, or microbiological processes, aiming to replicate or enhance specific tastes and aromas found in nature.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use natural flavors to add or boost taste and aroma in a wide variety of foods, from snacks and beverages to dairy products and baked goods. They are essential for creating appealing flavor profiles that consumers recognize and enjoy.
Health notes
In the U.S., 'natural flavors' are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated many flavoring substances. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, the exact composition of natural flavors is proprietary, leading to occasional consumer interest in transparency.
Allergen info
Natural flavors are not among the nine major allergens, nor do they typically contain gluten. However, very rarely, a natural flavor could be derived from a source that is itself an allergen, though this is not common.