What is allowed under natural flavors? A comprehensive breakdown

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. FDA, natural flavors are derived from plant or animal sources, but can still contain a complex mixture of non-flavor ingredients. This ambiguity leads many consumers to wonder what is allowed under natural flavors, and whether they are as wholesome as they seem.

Quick Summary

Natural flavors are substances extracted from plant or animal sources, but are often complex mixtures that include other additives. The FDA requires flavors to come from natural origins but allows the use of synthetic processing aids and carriers that aren't disclosed on labels. Organic natural flavors have stricter rules, prohibiting synthetic substances.

Key Points

Broad FDA Definition: The U.S. FDA defines natural flavors based on their origin from plants, animals, or fermentation, but not the manufacturing process.
Hidden Ingredients: Conventional natural flavors can contain undisclosed 'incidental additives,' such as synthetic solvents and preservatives, used during processing.
Not Always "Natural": The final natural flavor product can be a complex mixture of compounds, potentially containing over 100 chemicals.
Organic Is Stricter: Organic natural flavors are a better choice for purity, as they must adhere to stricter USDA standards that prohibit synthetic processing aids.
Flavor vs. Nutrition: Natural flavors are added for taste, not nutritional value, and are the fourth most common ingredient on food labels.
Lack of Transparency: Consumers can't know the exact components of a natural flavor blend from the label, unless it contains a major allergen.
Processing Matters: A flavor can be deemed 'natural' simply because its initial source is, even if it has been heavily processed and altered.

The Official Definition of Natural Flavors

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides a specific, albeit broad, definition for natural flavors under 21 CFR 101.22. The regulation defines natural flavoring as an "essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis," derived from a comprehensive list of natural sources.

Sources Approved for Natural Flavors

The raw materials for natural flavors must be sourced from plants, animals, or fermentation products. This includes various plant parts like spices, fruits, and roots, as well as meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Microbiological and fermented products are also approved sources.

The Unexpected Truth: The "Incidental Additives"

While the core flavor compound must originate from a natural source, the finished natural flavor product can legally contain synthetic ingredients known as "incidental additives". These are used during the manufacturing process to help extract, preserve, or carry the flavor and do not need to be disclosed on the label.

What are these hidden ingredients?

The use of these synthetic ingredients is a primary reason why "natural flavors" can be ambiguous to consumers. They can include synthetic solvents, artificial preservatives like BHT and BHA, and emulsifiers.

Natural vs. Artificial vs. Organic: A Crucial Comparison

Understanding the nuanced differences between natural, artificial, and organic flavors is critical. The key distinction lies in the manufacturing process and sourcing.


Feature	Natural Flavors	Artificial Flavors	Organic Natural Flavors
Source	Derived from plant, animal, or microbial sources.	Synthesized in a lab from chemical sources (e.g., petroleum).	Derived from organic-certified plant, animal, or microbial sources.
Sourcing Requirements	Must originate from a listed natural source.	No natural source requirement.	Must follow USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) standards.
Manufacturing Process	Can involve synthetic solvents, carriers, and preservatives.	Can involve the same chemical processes, but without natural source material.	Cannot use synthetic solvents, carriers, GMOs, or artificial preservatives.
Label Transparency	Specific additives and extraction methods are not required to be disclosed.	Ingredients are generally proprietary and not disclosed, though regulated.	Must meet stricter labeling requirements, with more transparent sourcing.

The Bottom Line for Consumers

The term "natural flavors" focuses on the initial source, not the end product's purity. A natural flavor can be a complex blend of naturally-derived compounds and synthetic additives. These specific components are considered trade secrets and typically not listed on the label, except for major allergens. This lack of transparency can be concerning for consumers with sensitivities or those avoiding synthetic chemicals. While regulatory bodies generally consider both natural and artificial flavors safe, the potential for hidden additives in conventional natural flavors is a factor for some consumers.

Choosing for Purity

For the purest option, look for products with "organic natural flavor" certification. This ensures the flavor is from organic sources and processed without synthetic solvents or preservatives. The most transparent choice remains using whole, unprocessed foods and adding flavor with fresh ingredients.

Conclusion

The definition of "what is allowed under natural flavors" highlights a system where the natural origin is key, but the use of undisclosed synthetic processing aids is permitted. To navigate this, consumers should understand the differences between flavor types and read labels carefully, or prioritize whole foods to minimize added ingredients.

For more information on food labeling and safety, consult the official U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/guidance-industry-questions-and-answers-related-food-labeling-part-ii.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the original source. Natural flavors come from a plant, animal, or fermented product, while artificial flavors are synthesized from chemical sources not found in nature.

Yes. While the flavoring compound must be naturally derived, the manufacturing process can involve synthetic solvents, preservatives, and other incidental additives that do not need to be listed on the label.

In the United States, yes. The FDA's definition of natural flavors does not preclude ingredients derived from genetically modified crops.

Organic natural flavors are held to a much higher standard. They must be derived from organic sources and cannot be processed with synthetic solvents, carriers, or artificial preservatives.

No. The primary function of a natural flavor is to provide taste, not nutrition, so they do not add any meaningful vitamins or minerals to a food product.

Using concentrated natural flavors can be more cost-effective and provide a more consistent taste profile than relying on fresh ingredients, which can vary in flavor seasonally and geographically.

Unless the flavor contains one of the major food allergens, the manufacturer is not required to disclose the specific components on the label. Your best option is to contact the food company directly and ask.