“Natural flavors” appear on countless ingredient lists, but what does the term actually mean? While it may sound wholesome, natural flavors are often more processed than consumers realize.
What Are Natural Flavors?
According to the FDA, natural flavors are derived from plant or animal sources but can undergo extensive processing, including heating, fermentation, and extraction. They are used to enhance taste without significantly contributing to nutrition.
How Are They Different from Artificial Flavors?
- Natural flavors come from real food sources but may be chemically altered.
- Artificial flavors are entirely lab-made and often mimic natural tastes.
- Both can contain similar chemical compounds, meaning the distinction is less significant than it seems.
What’s in Natural Flavors?
Natural flavors often include:
- Flavor compounds from fruits, vegetables, spices, or even animal products.
- Solvents and preservatives to maintain stability.
- Other additives to enhance taste and aroma.
Are Natural Flavors Safe?
Most are considered safe, but because they’re proprietary blends, companies don’t have to disclose exact ingredients. This can be concerning for people with allergies, dietary restrictions, or those wanting to avoid unnecessary additives.
Should You Avoid Them?
While not inherently harmful, natural flavors can be misleading. If you prefer whole, unprocessed foods, it’s best to focus on fresh ingredients and minimally processed products.
Natural flavors may come from real food sources, but they are still highly processed and can be just as engineered as artificial flavors. If transparency in ingredients matters to you, choosing foods with simple, recognizable ingredients is the best approach.
