Natural flavors such as birthday cake is listed as "Natural Flavor" on the ingredient label.
The term "natural flavors" can encompass a wide range of additives, including popular flavors like birthday cake. Contrary to what the name suggests, birthday cake flavor is not derived from real birthday cakes or natural ingredients traditionally associated with them. Instead, it is typically a blend of synthetic chemicals designed to mimic the taste of a sweet, vanilla-like cake. These synthetic compounds can include ethyl maltol, vanillin, and other flavoring agents. The creation of birthday cake flavor involves a complex process of chemical manipulation and extraction, often using solvents and artificial techniques. The result is an artificial flavor that attempts to replicate the nostalgic and familiar taste of a birthday cake but falls short of being derived from real, wholesome ingredients. It is crucial to understand that such flavors may not provide the nutritional benefits or authenticity associated with genuine foods. Choosing whole, minimally processed options is a better approach for those seeking truly natural and healthy flavors.
A. Government regulations define natural flavors as those that derive their aroma or flavor chemicals from plant or animal sources, including fruit, meat, fish, spices, herbs, roots, leaves, buds or bark that are distilled, fermented or otherwise manipulated in a lab. This distinguishes them from artificial flavors, which use man-made chemicals to give a product its particular flavor or aroma.
The loophole, as it were, is that for nonorganic foods, the regulations do not restrict the dozens of other ingredients like preservatives and solvents that can go into a so-called natural flavor. Ultimately, because of the wide variety of ingredients that typically go into “natural” flavorings, “there does not seem to be much of a difference between natural and artificial flavors,” said David Andrews, a scientist at the Environmental Working Group, a research and advocacy organization.
While food processors must list all of the ingredients on a food label, flavor manufacturers do not have to disclose their ingredients. They can add synthetic solvents, preservatives, emulsifiers, carriers and other additives to a flavor that qualifies as natural under current regulations. Natural flavors allowed for use in certified organic foods are subject to a different, far more restrictive set of regulations. They cannot contain a long list of ingredients, including synthetic solvents, carriers and emulsifiers or artificial preservatives, said Gwendolyn Wyard, the Organic Trade Association’s vice president of regulatory and technical affairs. They must use non-petroleum-based solvents, cannot be irradiated and cannot use flavor extracts derived from genetically engineered crops.
Flavors labeled “organic flavors” or “organic natural flavors” are even more strictly regulated, consisting almost entirely of organic ingredients; the latter may contain a small amount of natural flavor as well.
Some food safety advocates recommend people with food allergies or dietary restrictions avoid food flavorings because the ingredients are not disclosed, but that is a difficult task. Food manufacturers add them to a surprising number of basic items, not just highly processed foods like candy, granola bars and frozen dinners but also to some cold cereals, flavored yogurts, canned soups and spaghetti sauces and even to some apple sauces and ice creams
FAQs
Natural flavorings in food aren't necessarily healthier than artificial flavors. Even though they're made from plant and animal sources rather than man-made sources, they are not nutritionally comparable to whole plant or animal foods. On top of that, natural flavors provide no nutritional value to food.
What are natural flavors and why are they bad? ›
The original source of natural flavors must be plant or animal material. However, natural flavors can be highly processed and contain many chemical additives. In fact, in some cases natural flavors aren't much different from artificial flavors in terms of chemical composition and health effects.
What is a natural flavor? ›
Spices (e.g., black pepper, basil, and ginger), spice extracts, essential oils, oleoresins, onion powder, garlic powder, celery powder, onion juice, and garlic juice are all ingredients that may be declared on labeling as "natural flavor," "flavor," or "flavoring." Spices, oleoresins, essential oils, and spice extracts ...
What does the FDA say about natural flavors? ›
The FDA requires that all natural flavorings used in food products must be safe for consumption, and they must be derived from natural sources. This means that artificial or synthetic ingredients cannot be used to create a natural flavoring.
Why are natural flavors addictive? ›
The truth is, foods with natural flavors added are typically higher in calories and sodium and taste better making them addictive and resulting in unhealthy cravings and diets.
Are natural flavors bad for me? ›
Both natural and artificial flavors are probably safe for most of us to consume, Hansen says. But because the specific ingredients generally aren't reviewed by the FDA—and companies are usually not required to disclose the ingredients of natural or artificial flavors on food labels—it's difficult to know for sure.
Is sparkling water with natural flavors bad for you? ›
The reality is that food chemists make "natural flavors" in a lab, re-creating specific tastes by extracting substances from plants or animals. That's why they're still labeled "natural." Unlike squeezing a lemon wedge into your carbonated water, however, natural flavors are only meant for taste, not nutrition.
What are the hidden ingredients in natural flavors? ›
Natural flavor mixtures can contain more than 100 chemicals, including solvents, emulsifiers, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. In fact, some natural flavors, classified as safe, are made of more than 90% other substances used to enhance the flavor being created.
What does 100% natural flavors mean? ›
According to the FDA, a 'natural flavor' must be derived from a natural source like a fruit, vegetable, or animal. But just because something says 'natural grapefruit flavor' does not mean the only ingredient is grapefruit.
Does natural flavors mean artificial? ›
The main difference between a natural and artificial flavor is the origin of the flavor chemicals. Natural flavors must be derived from plant or animal material. Artificial flavors are synthesized in the lab.
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) products may not be used at any stage in the process of making natural flavors.
Does natural flavor mean pork? ›
According to the FDA, one of the U.S. agencies overseeing food additives, natural flavors can be isolated from vegan foods, including spices, fruits, vegetables, yeast, and other plants. Likewise, animal-derived meat, seafood, eggs, poultry, and dairy can also serve as the base for natural flavors.
What is natural flavor in popcorn? ›
Natural flavors can come from spices, fruits, vegetables, yeast, herbs, plants (bark, bud, root, leaf), meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy, or fermentation of these items.
Should I worry about natural flavors? ›
According to the FDA, unless there is a severe allergy to worry about or you have particular dietary preferences, natural flavors are generally safe to eat. Besides anecdotal experience from consumers, there are no researched side effects of consuming natural flavors at this time.
Are natural flavors carcinogens? ›
While most natural flavors are deemed safe by regulatory bodies, research is still ongoing. Potential concerns linger, particularly regarding specific compounds used as natural flavoring and their impact on health.
Are natural flavors addictive? ›
Usually, what's nutritional in the food is not the flavor molecule.” The fact is, both natural and artificial flavors are often used to make processed foods enticing, even addictive.
What does artificial flavoring do to your body? ›
In some cases, adulteration of food and additives causes potential health risks, such as learning disabilities, hyperkinesis, kidney damage, tumors, skin rashes, migraine, asthma, sleep disturbance, and gastric upset.
