What Are 'Natural Flavors' in Foods?
What Are Natural Flavors?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines natural flavors as substances extracted from plant or animal sources, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, meat, seafood, and dairy. These extracts are then processed to enhance the taste of food and beverages.
The key distinction between natural and artificial flavors is their source: natural flavors come from real food ingredients, while artificial flavors are synthesized from non-food sources. However, both types often undergo significant processing before making their way into your favorite snacks and drinks.
How Are Natural Flavors Made?
Although natural flavors originate from food sources, they don’t always remain in their pure, whole-food form. The process of creating a natural flavor typically involves:
Extracting the flavor compounds using heat, fermentation, or other methods.
Refining the extract to isolate the desired taste molecules.
Mixing the extract with solvents, preservatives, or carriers to stabilize and enhance the flavor.
This means that while the original source may be natural, the final product can be highly processed and may contain additives not explicitly listed on the ingredient label.
Are Natural Flavors Healthy?
Natural flavors don’t necessarily make a product healthier. Because they are designed to intensify taste, they can make processed foods more appealing, leading people to consume more than they might otherwise. Additionally, food manufacturers are not required to disclose the exact ingredients used in their natural flavor blends, which can be a concern for people with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Some natural flavors may also contain trace amounts of solvents, emulsifiers, or preservatives that aren’t listed on the label, though they are generally recognized as safe by the FDA.
Should You Avoid Natural Flavors?
While natural flavors aren’t inherently bad, it’s always best to prioritize whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible. If you want to be cautious:
Choose products with simple, recognizable ingredients.
Opt for whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for natural flavors.
Contact manufacturers if you have dietary concerns about specific natural flavor ingredients.
Natural flavors can add taste and appeal to food products, but they don’t necessarily make them healthier. If you aim to eat clean, focus on whole, unprocessed foods and be mindful of ingredient lists. When in doubt, homemade meals with fresh ingredients are always a great option!