Are Natural Flavors Safe?
'Natural flavors' is one of the most common — and least transparent — terms on food labels. It can cover hundreds of different compounds. Here is what it actually means and what regulators say about it.
What It Is
Under FDA regulations, 'natural flavor' means a flavoring substance derived from a natural source — plant, animal, seafood, dairy, fermentation, or similar — whose primary function is flavoring rather than nutrition. This definition covers an enormous range of compounds. A single 'natural flavor' entry on a label may represent a blend of dozens of individual chemicals. The FDA does not require manufacturers to disclose the specific compounds within a natural flavor blend, only that the blend is derived from natural sources.
Why People Worry
The main concern is transparency. Because 'natural flavors' can cover hundreds of compounds without disclosure, consumers with allergies, dietary restrictions, or ingredient sensitivities cannot know exactly what they are consuming. For example, a natural flavor derived from shellfish could be present in a product without any shellfish allergen warning if the amount is below the threshold for mandatory labeling. Some people also object to the term on the grounds that 'natural' does not mean the same as 'simple' or 'unprocessed' — natural flavor compounds can be highly refined.
What Regulators Say
The FDA requires that natural flavors be derived from natural sources and that they are safe at the levels used. Individual flavor compounds must be approved or GRAS before use. The FDA does not require disclosure of the specific compounds within a blend. In the EU, flavoring regulations are governed by Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. EFSA evaluates flavoring substances individually and maintains a register of approved flavoring substances. The EU requires that flavoring substances derived from allergen sources be declared on the label even within a flavor blend.
How to Decide for Your Family
Natural flavors are generally considered safe by regulators. The primary concern is transparency rather than toxicity. If you have food allergies, contact the manufacturer to ask about the source of natural flavors in a specific product. If you prefer to avoid vague label terms, look for products that list specific flavor sources. BioBrief flags 'natural flavors' when you scan a product and links to more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can natural flavors contain animal products?
- Yes. Natural flavors can be derived from animal sources including meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, and dairy. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, contact the manufacturer to confirm the source of natural flavors in a specific product.
- Are natural flavors the same as artificial flavors?
- No. Natural flavors must be derived from natural sources (plants, animals, fermentation). Artificial flavors are synthesized chemically. However, both can be complex blends of many compounds, and the safety profile of a specific compound does not depend solely on whether it is natural or artificial.
- Do natural flavors need to be declared for allergens?
- In the US, the FDA requires declaration of the eight major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans) even if they are present within a natural flavor blend. In the EU, all 14 major allergens must be declared regardless of the form they appear in.
- How can I find out what is in a natural flavor?
- Manufacturers are not required to disclose the specific compounds in a natural flavor blend. You can contact the manufacturer directly to ask about the source. Some manufacturers provide this information voluntarily.