Ingredient · Updated

Natural flavors / sweeteners

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Found in 1 product

What is Natural flavors / sweeteners?

Natural flavors and sweeteners are ingredients derived from plant or animal sources, processed to retain the aromatic components. They are created by extracting the desired flavor or sweetness compounds using physical methods like heating, fermentation, or distillation.

These ingredients are used to enhance taste and sweetness in products without introducing artificial additives. The health evidence around natural flavors and sweeteners is mixed; while generally recognized as safe, some consumers prefer to avoid them due to the lack of specific disclosure about their source and processing.

When you see them on a label, it is usually an indication of flavor enhancement using ingredients that are not synthetically produced. However, specifics about the exact source or process are often not disclosed.

Commonly found in: Energy Drinks, Sodas, Snack Bars, Flavored Waters, Fruit Juices

What to watch

  • Some individuals may have sensitivities to certain natural flavors, depending on their source.
FDA

The FDA considers natural flavors and sweeteners to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

Research

Research is mixed; while safe for most, there is concern over lack of transparency and potential allergens.

Vegan

Whether natural flavors are vegan depends on their source, which is not always disclosed.

Sources: Food Ingredient & Packaging Terms

Scout's take

Processed additives.

All 1 product with Natural flavors / sweeteners

Where Natural flavors / sweeteners shows up

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