What is another name for natural flavors? Decoding the term on nutrition labels

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Over a fifth of packaged foods contain "natural flavors," making it one of the most common ingredients. But what is another name for natural flavors? The answer is more complex than you might think, involving specific industry terms and regulatory definitions, which can be a point of consumer confusion.

Quick Summary

There is no single alternate name for natural flavors, a broad category of substances derived from plant or animal sources. The flavor industry uses specific designations, like FTNF or WONF, to clarify their composition and origin, but these are not disclosed on consumer labels.

Key Points

No Single Name: There is no one alternative name for "natural flavors"; it is a broad regulatory category defined by the FDA.
Industry-Specific Terms: In the food industry, more specific names like FTNF ("From the Named Fruit") and WONF ("With Other Natural Flavors") are used to describe flavor composition.
Synthetic Additives Possible: Despite the name, "natural flavors" can include synthetic solvents, emulsifiers, and preservatives as incidental additives, which are not required to be labeled.
Not Inherently Healthier: Natural flavors are not nutritionally superior to artificial ones, as both serve the purpose of flavoring and contain no nutritional value.
Focus on Whole Foods: For better health outcomes, dieticians recommend focusing on a diet rich in whole foods and limiting processed foods, rather than being swayed by the term "natural flavors".
Allergen Concerns: Individuals with uncommon food allergies should be cautious, as the source of a natural flavor may not be fully disclosed on the ingredient list.

Understanding the broad FDA definition

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "natural flavor" is a broad, umbrella term for any substance that provides flavor but is derived from a natural source. This definition is surprisingly extensive, covering flavor-giving substances derived from a variety of sources, including spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products, and fermentation products. The key distinction is that its primary function must be flavoring, not nutritional. This allows manufacturers to add flavoring derived from an animal source to a product that is otherwise plant-based, without explicit disclosure of the source.

Decoding industry-specific terms for natural flavors

While the consumer label only shows the generic "natural flavors," the flavor industry uses more specific nomenclature to describe the composition and origin of the flavoring for food manufacturers. These include:

FTNF (From the Named Fruit/Source): This means the flavor consists exclusively of ingredients from the named source.
WONF (With Other Natural Flavors): This term indicates that the flavor includes ingredients from the named source, along with additional flavor notes derived from other natural sources to achieve a more robust flavor profile.
Flavoring Preparations: These can be 100% derived from the named source and can sometimes be listed as an extract on the ingredients list.

Natural vs. Artificial flavors: The process is similar

The processes for creating natural and artificial flavors are quite similar, often created by food chemists in a laboratory. The fundamental difference lies in the origin of the raw material. Natural flavors start with a natural source, with flavor compounds extracted through processes like distillation or heating. Artificial flavors are synthesized in a lab from non-natural sources. Both are essentially chemical molecules, and in some cases, the final compound can be chemically identical whether derived naturally or artificially. However, the mixtures can differ, with natural flavors sometimes being more complex.

The hidden additives in natural flavors

The final "natural flavor" on a food label is not just the flavor extract but a mixture that can contain other ingredients, known as "incidental additives". These can include solvents, emulsifiers, and preservatives. The FDA does not require these additives to be listed on the label unless they are a major allergen. For certified organic products, stricter regulations prohibit these synthetic incidental additives.

Impact on your nutrition diet

Understanding flavors is crucial for a nutrition-focused diet. The term "natural" does not inherently mean healthier, as both natural and artificial flavors enhance taste without adding nutritional value.

Comparison: Natural vs. Artificial Flavors


Feature	Natural Flavors	Artificial Flavors
Origin	Derived from natural sources.	Synthesized from non-natural sources.
Production	Extracted and formulated by chemists.	Chemically created in a lab.
Nutritional Value	No nutritional value.	No nutritional value.
Chemical Composition	Can contain various chemicals and incidental additives.	Often simpler chemical mixtures.
Consumer Perception	Perceived as healthier.	Often perceived as less healthy.
Allergen Disclosure	Common allergens listed, uncommon are not required.	Common allergens listed.

Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods is a more effective strategy for a healthy diet than considering whether a food contains "natural" or "artificial" flavors.

Conclusion

There is no simple answer to what is another name for natural flavors? It's a broad term for substances from natural sources that are often processed and mixed with additives. Industry terms like FTNF and WONF offer more detail but aren't on consumer labels. For a healthy diet, prioritize whole foods over processed items, rather than relying on the term "natural flavors" as a health indicator.

For more information on general healthy eating guidelines, you can consult the World Health Organization's fact sheet on a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA defines a natural flavor as a substance derived from a natural source, such as a spice, fruit, vegetable, meat, or dairy product, whose significant function in food is for flavoring rather than nutrition.

Not necessarily. While the flavoring agent must be derived from a natural source, the final flavor mixture can contain synthetic "incidental additives" like solvents and preservatives that don't have to be listed on the label.

For most consumers, the specific source is not disclosed on the label. To find out, you would need to contact the food manufacturer directly. The FDA only requires disclosure for the eight major allergens.

Yes. For a product to be labeled "certified organic," any natural flavors used must also be compliant with organic regulations, which prohibit the use of synthetic solvents or artificial preservatives in their production.

No, not necessarily. Both natural and artificial flavors are complex chemical mixtures created in labs to add taste, not nutrition. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that natural flavors are a healthier choice.

Yes. While major allergens must be disclosed, the label may not list less common allergens used to create the flavor. If you have a less common allergy, it is best to contact the manufacturer.

Natural flavors are used to provide a consistent and specific taste profile to processed foods. While they can be more expensive than artificial flavors, many consumers prefer products with a "natural" label.

FTNF stands for "From the Named Fruit" or "From the Named Source." This indicates that the flavor ingredients are derived entirely from the specific fruit or source listed.