Ingredient

Natural & Artificial Flavors

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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.

FDA

Both natural and artificial flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA under proper usage conditions.

Research

Research reveals no specific health issues for these flavorings, but concerns about the long-term effects of synthetic molecules persist among some scientists.

Vegan

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.

More from Scout's analyses

Mix of proprietary and undisclosed synthetic flavors.

from the analysis of SweeTarts Ropes

Contains artificial flavors — synthetic chemical compounds with no nutritional value and lack of transparency in sourcing. The label explicitly states 'artificially flavored'.

from the analysis of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein

This ingredient includes flavorings that may contain synthetic additives, which some consumers prefer to avoid.

from the analysis of Bucked Up Lightly carbonated protein green apple