What is Natural Flavor in Food Products?

Understanding “Natural Flavor” on Food Labels

Have you ever noticed the term “natural flavor” on a food product’s ingredient list and wondered what it really means? You’re not alone. This common but often confusing label appears in many foods, yet its definition and implications are not always clear. In this article, we’ll clarify what natural flavors are, how they are made, and whether they are safe to consume.

What Is Natural Flavor?

“Natural flavor” refers to flavoring agents derived from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and sometimes animal products. These substances are added to foods to enhance their taste and provide the distinctive flavors and aromas we associate with certain items.

It’s important to understand that natural flavors can vary widely. They may come from a single source or a blend of different natural ingredients to create a specific flavor profile.

For instance, vegetable powders are produced by drying and crushing vegetables into flakes or powders. Similarly, the natural flavor in strawberry ice cream might be a carefully crafted mix of strawberry extracts and other natural components to achieve the perfect taste.

How Are Natural Flavors Made?

Natural flavors are created by extracting and isolating the volatile compounds that give a food its distinctive taste or aroma. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Source Selection: Manufacturers choose natural ingredients—such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, or spices—that contain the desired flavor.

2. Powder Preparation: For powders like onion, carrot, or garlic powder, the ingredients are dried using methods like air drying, dehydration, or freeze-drying, then crushed into flakes, granules, or fine powder.

3. Extraction: Flavor compounds are extracted from the selected sources through techniques such as distillation, pressing, or solvent extraction.

4. Isolation: The extracted volatile compounds are purified to obtain a concentrated flavor essence.

5. Blending: Sometimes, multiple isolated extracts are combined to create a more complex and balanced flavor profile.

6. Formulation: Finally, the natural flavor is carefully measured and incorporated into food products to achieve the desired taste.

Are Natural Flavors Safe?

Many consumers wonder about the safety of natural flavors. It’s important to know that natural flavors are regulated by strict safety standards set by government agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These regulations ensure that natural flavors used in food products are safe for consumption when used as intended.

Natural flavors are generally considered safe for several reasons:

• Regulatory Oversight: Food safety authorities carefully review and approve natural flavor ingredients before they are allowed in foods.

• Thorough Testing: Natural flavors undergo extensive testing, including toxicity assessments and evaluations for potential allergens.

• Derived from Natural Sources: Since they come from natural ingredients, natural flavors are often viewed as safer than some artificial alternatives.

• Used in Small Amounts: Natural flavors are typically added in minimal quantities, which further reduces any possible health risks.

Allergens and Natural Flavors

Allergen Disclosure

In many countries, including the United States, food manufacturers are legally required to clearly disclose the presence of the “Big 9” common allergens: milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame, and wheat. These allergens cannot be concealed within natural flavors or any other ingredient. If any of these allergens are present in natural flavors, they must be explicitly listed on the ingredient label.

MSG and Natural Flavors

The MSG Controversy

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer widely used in processed foods to boost savory or umami taste. While generally recognized as safe, some people report sensitivities or adverse reactions to MSG.

Labeling of MSG

In the United States, the FDA mandates that MSG be clearly listed on food labels if it is added as a separate ingredient. Contrary to a common misconception, MSG cannot be hidden under the term “natural flavors.” If MSG is included, it must be specifically disclosed on the label, just like any other ingredient.