What Does It Mean If the Ingredients Say Natural Flavors?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, natural flavors are substances derived from a plant or animal source, used to provide flavor rather than nutritional value. However, this blanket term often masks a complex truth for consumers, obscuring what exactly it means if the ingredients say natural flavors despite extensive processing.

Quick Summary

Natural flavors are complex chemical mixtures derived from natural sources like plants and animals, but often involve significant processing with undisclosed carriers and solvents. Consumer perception associating 'natural' with 'healthy' is often misleading, as these flavors are frequently found in ultra-processed foods.

Key Points

Natural Origin, Complex Reality: The term "natural flavors" indicates an ingredient is derived from natural sources, but it undergoes extensive lab processing and can contain numerous undisclosed chemicals.
Vague Labeling: Food companies are not required to disclose the specific components or exact source of a natural flavor blend, which protects trade secrets but reduces consumer transparency.
Not Always Vegan or Allergen-Free: Natural flavors can be derived from animal products like meat, eggs, or dairy, making them a concern for vegans and those with certain allergies.
Marketing Misconception: The 'natural' label is often a marketing tool, not an indicator of health. These flavors are frequently found in ultra-processed, nutritionally sparse foods, contrary to consumer assumptions.
Similar to Artificial Flavors: Natural flavors can have an identical chemical composition to artificial ones, with the key difference being the original source. Artificial flavors are often cheaper and more consistent.
Organic Is Stricter: Certified organic products have more stringent rules regarding natural flavors, prohibiting synthetic processing aids and solvents.

Demystifying "Natural Flavors" on Food Labels

When you see the term "natural flavors" on an ingredient list, it's easy to assume the contents are simple, pure, and minimally processed. The reality, however, is far more complex. The designation is legally defined, but its definition allows for significant processing and the inclusion of many other substances that most consumers would not consider "natural".

The FDA's Official Definition and Its Loopholes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a natural flavor as an extract derived from natural sources like spices, fruits, vegetables, or animal products, primarily for flavoring rather than nutrition. While this definition exists, it doesn't require manufacturers to list all the specific components, and the production process can involve undisclosed incidental additives. This allows for a final product that can be highly processed despite its natural origin. Major allergens must still be identified separately.

How Natural Flavors are Created

Flavorists isolate and concentrate chemical compounds from natural sources using methods like distillation or solvent extraction. These compounds are then blended to create consistent, intense flavor profiles often needed for processed foods, as relying solely on natural sources is impractical.

The Health and Dietary Implications

Natural flavors are generally considered safe by regulatory bodies. However, transparency issues pose concerns:

Allergies: Undisclosed components mean those with allergies should be cautious; contacting the manufacturer is recommended.
Dietary Restrictions: Natural flavors can be derived from animal products, a concern for vegans and vegetarians.
The Health Halo Effect: The "natural" label can misleadingly imply healthiness, even in highly processed foods high in sugar, sodium, or fat. The flavor's nutritional impact is minimal compared to the overall product.

Natural vs. Artificial Flavors: What's the Real Difference?


Feature	Natural Flavors	Artificial Flavors
Origin	Derived from plant, animal, or microbiological sources.	Synthesized in a lab from chemical sources.
Chemical Composition	Can have the exact same chemical makeup as their artificial counterparts.	Engineered to mimic natural flavor compounds.
Cost	Often more expensive to produce due to sourcing and extraction.	Generally cheaper to produce.
Consistency	Can have slight variations due to source and harvest.	Highly consistent and predictable flavor.
Transparency	Specific components not disclosed on labels.	Specific components not disclosed on labels.
Health Perception	Often perceived as healthier due to the "natural" label, despite similar processing.	Viewed with more suspicion by consumers.

How to Minimize Your Consumption of Natural Flavors

Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods is the best strategy. Additionally:

Choose unflavored products and add your own fruits or spices.
Read ingredient lists and look for products without "natural flavors".
Opt for certified organic products, which have stricter additive regulations.
Contact manufacturers with specific questions, especially concerning dietary restrictions or allergies.

Conclusion

"Natural flavors" is a broad, often misleading term that doesn't guarantee a product is healthier or less processed. While generally safe, the lack of transparency is a concern for those with allergies, dietary needs, or those avoiding ultra-processed foods. Consumers should be aware the label primarily relates to taste, not nutrition, and prioritize whole foods.

For more information, consult resources like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website at https://www.fda.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. The term 'natural' refers only to the flavor's origin, not its processing or nutritional value. Both types can contain complex chemical mixtures, and the chemical structure of natural and artificial flavors can sometimes be identical.

Yes. The FDA's definition of natural flavors includes sources like meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. This is why vegans and vegetarians should be cautious and may need to contact the manufacturer directly.

The specific composition is considered a proprietary trade secret for the manufacturer. Federal regulations allow companies to use the broad term to protect their unique flavor formulas from competitors.

Natural flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) in the quantities used in food. However, this safety assessment is sometimes criticized for a lack of transparency.

If you have an allergy, especially a less common one, it is wise to be cautious. While major allergens must be disclosed, the specific components of a natural flavor mixture are not. Contacting the manufacturer is the safest option.

Yes. Natural flavors used in certified organic products must adhere to stricter regulations, which prohibit the use of synthetic solvents and artificial preservatives during processing. This means they are often less processed than their non-organic counterparts.

The most effective way is to choose whole, unprocessed foods. For packaged products, opt for unflavored versions, read ingredients carefully, or look for certified organic labels, which have stricter standards for these additives.