Tag: Flavorists

According to food scientists, many artificial flavors are surprisingly created from inedible substances such as paper pulp or petroleum, with flavorists replicating the chemical structure of naturally occurring flavor compounds. This process is a testament to modern chemistry, answering the question of where artificial flavoring comes from with a surprising twist.

According to the FDA, artificial flavoring is any substance used to impart flavor that isn't derived from a natural source like a spice, fruit, or vegetable. This definition reveals that the complex flavors in many of our favorite foods are actually the product of advanced chemical engineering, not a simple plant or animal extract.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), "natural flavor" is the fourth most common ingredient listed on food labels in the United States. But despite the name, what does natural flavor consist of? It is a complex, engineered additive derived from natural sources, rather than a simple, single ingredient.

Starbucks has committed to eliminating artificial flavors from its beverages in all company-operated and licensed U.S. and Canada locations. But for years, the question of whether Starbucks hazelnut is artificial has stirred debate among loyal fans, with the answer depending on the specific product and time period.