Understanding Processed Foods: Are Motts Artificially Flavored?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group, 'natural flavors' are the fourth most common ingredient on food labels. This ubiquity often raises consumer questions about what they are really eating, particularly concerning snacks like Mott's fruit snacks. So, are motts artificially flavored or is there a deeper story behind their ingredients? This article will delve into the complexities of food labeling and flavorings to provide clarity.

Quick Summary

The article explains that Mott's fruit snacks are not labeled with artificial flavors but contain 'natural flavors,' a term the FDA broadly defines. It details the processing involved in creating these flavors and contrasts them with whole food options, exploring the nutritional implications for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Mott's Uses 'Natural Flavors': Mott's fruit snacks are labeled as free from artificial flavors, but they contain 'natural flavors'.
'Natural' is Heavily Processed: FDA-defined natural flavors are derived from natural sources but are chemically processed in labs and can contain synthetic chemicals not required to be disclosed.
Not a Nutritional Replacement: Mott's fruit snacks are made from fruit juice concentrates and added sugars, providing minimal nutritional value and fiber compared to whole fruit.
Marketing vs. Reality: The term 'natural' can be a marketing tool. Consumers should scrutinize ingredient lists and understand food processing rather than relying on front-of-package claims.
Whole Foods are Preferable: For genuine nutrition, prioritizing whole foods is a healthier choice than relying on processed snacks, regardless of their flavoring source.

The 'No Artificial Flavors' Label and What It Means

Many Mott's products, including their popular fruit-flavored snacks, feature labeling that proudly declares "no artificial flavors" and "no colors from artificial sources". Instead, the ingredient list reveals the presence of "natural flavor". While this may sound inherently healthier, the term "natural flavor" is subject to extensive processing and can be misleading to the average consumer. Understanding the distinction between natural and artificial flavorings is crucial for making informed dietary decisions, especially when evaluating processed snacks.

Mott's fruit snacks are also not based on whole fruit but on juice concentrates from pear, apple, and carrot. These concentrates, alongside sweeteners like corn syrup and sugar, form the foundation of the product. The flavor and color then come from natural sources, such as fruit and vegetable juice, and the aforementioned 'natural flavors'. This highlights that a product free from artificial flavors is not necessarily equivalent to eating a piece of whole fruit.

Decoding 'Natural' vs. 'Artificial' Flavors

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides a definition for natural flavors based on their origin. They must be derived from a natural source, such as a spice, fruit, vegetable, meat, or dairy product. In contrast, artificial flavors are synthesized from chemical sources. However, this distinction is often more academic than practical for consumers. Here's why:

Both are formulated and processed in laboratories by flavor chemists known as flavorists.
Natural flavor compounds are chemically isolated from their source, and this process can involve synthetic solvents and other chemicals not disclosed on the label.
The final chemical composition of a natural flavor can be remarkably similar, and sometimes identical, to its artificial counterpart.
In some cases, artificial flavors may have a simpler, more controlled chemical makeup than a complex natural flavor mix.

The Lack of Transparency

One of the main concerns with natural flavors is the lack of transparency. The FDA does not require manufacturers to specify the chemicals that make up the "natural flavor" blend. While the flavor compound itself must come from a natural source, the substances used to extract and process it do not have to be disclosed. This poses a problem for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to specific ingredients not listed among the eight major food allergens. A class-action lawsuit filed against Mott's in 2018 alleged that the company's fruit snacks concealed artificial flavorings, specifically synthetic d-l malic acid, despite being marketed as natural. The lawsuit was later dismissed, but it brought attention to the often-murky world of food additives.

Nutritional Considerations in a Diet

When evaluating a product's place in a nutrition diet, focusing solely on the presence of artificial flavors can be a mistake. The overall nutritional profile is far more important. For example, Mott's fruit snacks, while having no artificial flavors, are primarily composed of corn syrup, sugar, and juice concentrates. They offer minimal fiber and protein but do provide a dose of added Vitamin C. For those seeking true nutrition, a whole food is a much better choice.

Fruit Snacks vs. Whole Fruit Comparison


Aspect	Mott's Fruit Snacks	Whole Fruit (e.g., an apple)
Nutritional Value	High in added sugar, some Vitamin C. Low in fiber, no significant protein.	Contains natural sugars, high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Ingredient Transparency	Flavor blend is not disclosed in detail. Primarily concentrates and sugars.	Single, whole-food ingredient. No additives.
Processing Level	Ultra-processed, with multiple additives like colors and waxes.	Unprocessed or minimally processed.
Added Sugars	Contains significant added sugars, such as corn syrup and sugar.	No added sugars; contains naturally occurring fructose.
Satiety	Less filling due to low fiber content and high sugar.	More filling and promotes better digestion due to high fiber content.

Practical Steps for a Healthier Diet

Read the full ingredient list: Don't be swayed by marketing phrases like "natural." Look beyond the bold claims and examine the full list of ingredients to understand what you are consuming.
Prioritize whole foods: Build your diet around whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. These provide genuine nutrition without any hidden additives.
Flavor your own foods: To control the ingredients completely, use whole fruit to flavor plain yogurt or sparkling water instead of relying on processed versions that contain "natural flavors".
Be aware of processing: Understand that even products with "natural" labels can be highly processed. High-sugar snacks, regardless of their flavor source, should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

To answer the question, are motts artificially flavored, the company's label states they are not. However, the term "natural flavors" is not a synonym for unprocessed or whole food. It refers to highly processed, concentrated flavor compounds that can contain undisclosed chemicals. For a healthier nutrition diet, consumers should look past the marketing and evaluate the full ingredient list, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods as the primary source of nutrition and flavor. While an occasional fruit snack may be harmless, relying on them for daily nutrition is a misguided approach that overlooks the superior benefits of real fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in their origin: natural flavors are derived from plant or animal sources, while artificial flavors are synthesized in a lab. However, both are heavily processed to isolate and concentrate flavor compounds.

Mott's fruit snacks are made with fruit and vegetable juice concentrates from ingredients like pear, apple, and carrot. These are processed, not whole fruit, and are not intended to replace fruit or vegetables in the diet.

A class-action lawsuit filed against Mott's in 2018 alleged that the use of synthetic d-l malic acid reinforced the fruit flavor, implying an artificial flavoring. While the suit was later dismissed, it highlighted the debate over such ingredients.

The FDA's definition allows for broad interpretation and does not require manufacturers to disclose the chemicals used in the flavor blend, as long as the base comes from a natural source. This lack of transparency allows for processing aids to be included without being listed.

Not necessarily. Due to the high level of processing, natural and artificial flavors can have very similar chemical structures. In terms of nutrition, the flavorings themselves offer negligible benefits, and the healthiest diet focuses on whole foods rather than processed items.

To avoid hidden additives, prioritize consuming whole foods that don't have extensive ingredient lists. For products that require flavoring, like yogurt or water, add your own fresh fruit to maintain control over the ingredients.

Key ingredients typically include corn syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, and fruit and vegetable juice concentrates. Other components like citric acid, malic acid, and pectin are also used.