Ingredient · Updated
Natural & Artificial Flavors
Found in 10 productsSee all
What is Natural & Artificial Flavors?
Natural and Artificial Flavors are compounds used to enhance the taste and aroma of food and beverages. Natural flavors are derived from extracts of plants or animals, while artificial flavors are synthetically created in a lab.
These flavors are used to provide consistent taste and aroma, replacing or enhancing natural ingredients that may lose flavor over time. While generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities, some consumers express concerns about the lack of transparency in the specific chemicals used.
Seeing 'Natural & Artificial Flavors' on a label means the product contains a blend of both extract-derived and lab-created compounds, with the specific makeup often being proprietary and not disclosed on the packaging.
Commonly found in: Beverages, Snack foods, Candies, Baked goods, Dairy products, Condiments
What to watch
- Lack of label transparency can conceal allergens or undesired additives.
Benefits
- Can enhance or perfect flavor in processed foods where natural sources are impractical.
Both natural and artificial flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA under proper usage conditions.
Research reveals no specific health issues for these flavorings, but concerns about the long-term effects of synthetic molecules persist among some scientists.
Natural flavors may be animal-derived, so it depends on the sourcing. Not all flavors are vegan-friendly.
Sources: GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Database
Scout's take
Mix of proprietary and undisclosed synthetic flavor compounds.
The case against
Potential for allergic reactions or sensitivities due to undisclosed compounds.
from the analysis of Bucked Up Lightly carbonated protein green appleMore from Scout's analyses
Mix of proprietary and undisclosed synthetic flavors.
from the analysis of SweeTarts RopesNatural and artificial flavors are used to enhance taste but lack transparency in their composition. They can include a wide range of chemical compounds, some of which may have health concerns. The lack of disclosure makes it difficult to assess their safety comprehensively.
from the analysis of Bucked Up Lightly carbonated protein green appleNatural and artificial flavors are used to enhance taste but do not provide nutritional benefits. Artificial flavors are chemically synthesized and may have unknown health effects. The use of these flavors can mask the quality of the underlying ingredients.
from the analysis of Ensure Original Nutrition Shake VanillaAll 10 products with Natural & Artificial Flavors
Where Natural & Artificial Flavors shows up
- Candy 7 products
- Energy Drinks 1 product
- Protein Powders 1 product
- Beverages 1 product
Higher-scoring picks without Natural & Artificial Flavors
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Natural & Artificial Flavors, scoring 80 or above.
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