Natural Flavors
Definition
According to the FDA (21 CFR 101.22), 'natural flavor' is any flavoring derived from a plant or animal source — including fruits, vegetables, herbs, bark, roots, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, or dairy — through heating, distillation, or fermentation. A single 'natural flavor' listing can contain dozens of individual chemical compounds, solvents, emulsifiers, and preservatives.
Why It Matters
'Natural flavors' is the 4th most common ingredient listed on food labels in the US (after salt, water, and sugar), yet it is essentially a black box. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the individual compounds that make up a 'natural flavor.' It can legally contain incidental additives like propylene glycol (a solvent), BHA (a preservative), or polysorbate 80 (an emulsifier) without separate disclosure.
Commonly Found In
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Related Terms
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
CautionThe sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally found in some foods. In its industrial form, it is manufactured through bacterial fermentation of starch or sugar and used as a flavor enhancer to amplify umami taste.
Artificial Flavors
CautionAny flavoring substance not derived from a natural source. Manufactured entirely through chemical synthesis in laboratories to mimic natural flavors. The chemical structure may be identical to natural counterparts, but the source is synthetic.