Ingredient
Plant-Based Natural Flavors
What is Plant-Based Natural Flavors?
Plant-Based Natural Flavors refer to flavoring substances that are derived from plant materials. These flavors are typically extracted using physical methods such as distillation or solvent extraction, and sometimes fermentation is used to enhance the natural flavors present in the plants.
They are used in food and beverages to provide specific taste profiles while being labeled as plant-based for marketing appeal. However, the term is quite broad and non-specific, which means it does not provide consumers with detailed information about the exact substances or processes involved. The health impact of these flavors is largely unknown, as they are generally regarded as safe by regulatory authorities, but transparency about their composition remains a concern.
When seeing 'plant-based natural flavors' on a label, it's important to note that they are not necessarily implying an organic or pure form of plant extract. Manufacturers may blend various compounds to achieve the desired taste, so details about the specific plant sources or chemical compounds are not always clear.
Commonly found in: Beverages, Cereals, Snacks, Dairy Alternatives, Condiments
What to watch
- Lack of transparency about specific chemical composition can be a concern for consumers wanting to know exactly what's in their food.
Plant-based natural flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, without specific restrictions.
Research on plant-based natural flavors is limited, focusing usually on specific compounds rather than the broad category.
Typically considered vegan as they are derived from plant sources, but it's always best to verify with manufacturers for any animal-derived processing agents.
Sources: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
Scout's take
The 'plant-based' qualifier adds slightly more transparency than generic natural flavors. In the context of a 6-ingredient formula, the overall transparency is high regardless.
The case against
Processed flavoring compound with limited ingredient-level transparency.
from the analysis of Naked Sparkling Energy DrinkThe case for
Enhances flavor from plant-derived sources.
from the analysis of Naked Sparkling Energy DrinkFound in 1 product
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