Are natural flavors safe?

Natural flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA at the levels used in food. The EFSA evaluates them similarly in the EU. For most people, they pose no health risk. However, the term covers a wide range of compounds, and individual sensitivities can vary.

Can natural flavors contain MSG?

Yes. MSG (monosodium glutamate) can be derived from fermentation of natural sources like sugar beets or corn, making it technically a 'natural flavor' under FDA rules. If you are sensitive to MSG, look for products that explicitly state 'no MSG' or 'no added glutamates'.

Are natural flavors vegan?

Not necessarily. Natural flavors can be derived from animal sources including meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, and insects. If you follow a vegan diet, look for products certified vegan or contact the manufacturer to confirm the source of any natural flavors.

How is 'natural flavor' different from 'artificial flavor'?

The difference is the source, not the chemical structure. Natural flavors must be derived from a natural source; artificial flavors are synthesized chemically. The same flavor compound can be produced both ways. Neither term tells you what specific chemicals are present.

Food Labels

What 'Natural Flavors' Really Means on a Food Label

"Natural flavors" appears on thousands of food labels, yet most people have no idea what it actually contains. The term is legally defined, but the definition is broad enough to cover hundreds of different compounds derived from plants, animals, and fermentation. Here's what you need to know.

The Legal Definition

In the US, the FDA defines 'natural flavor' as a substance derived from a plant, animal, seafood, dairy product, fermentation product, or similar natural source, whose primary function is flavoring rather than nutrition. The key word is 'derived' — the original source must be natural, but the extraction and processing can involve solvents, distillation, and chemical reactions. A natural strawberry flavor might contain dozens of compounds extracted from strawberries, but it can also be derived from other natural sources that happen to produce similar flavor compounds.

How EU Rules Differ

The EU is more specific. Under EU Regulation 1334/2008, 'natural strawberry flavoring' must be derived at least 95% from strawberries. 'Natural flavoring' (without naming a source) can come from any natural source. This distinction matters: a product labeled 'natural strawberry flavoring' in the EU is more likely to actually taste of strawberries than one labeled 'natural flavors' in the US.

What 'Natural Flavors' Can Hide

Because the term covers so many compounds, 'natural flavors' can include: castoreum (from beaver anal glands, used in vanilla and raspberry flavors), carmine (red dye from cochineal insects, sometimes listed as 'natural color'), MSG (monosodium glutamate, which can be derived from fermentation), and various animal-derived compounds that vegetarians or vegans might want to avoid. If you have dietary restrictions, 'natural flavors' is worth investigating further.

Allergen Concerns

Natural flavors derived from the top allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame) must be declared on US labels. However, flavors derived from less common allergens may not be disclosed. If you have a known allergy, contact the manufacturer directly to ask about the source of any 'natural flavors' in a product.

When to Be Cautious

For most people, 'natural flavors' at the levels used in food is not a health concern. Be more cautious if you: follow a vegan or vegetarian diet (animal-derived compounds may be present), have food allergies beyond the top 9, are avoiding MSG for sensitivity reasons, or are buying products for young children where you want full ingredient transparency. In these cases, look for products that list specific flavor sources or contact the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are natural flavors safe?: Natural flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA at the levels used in food. The EFSA evaluates them similarly in the EU. For most people, they pose no health risk. However, the term covers a wide range of compounds, and individual sensitivities can vary.
Can natural flavors contain MSG?: Yes. MSG (monosodium glutamate) can be derived from fermentation of natural sources like sugar beets or corn, making it technically a 'natural flavor' under FDA rules. If you are sensitive to MSG, look for products that explicitly state 'no MSG' or 'no added glutamates'.
Are natural flavors vegan?: Not necessarily. Natural flavors can be derived from animal sources including meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, and insects. If you follow a vegan diet, look for products certified vegan or contact the manufacturer to confirm the source of any natural flavors.
How is 'natural flavor' different from 'artificial flavor'?: The difference is the source, not the chemical structure. Natural flavors must be derived from a natural source; artificial flavors are synthesized chemically. The same flavor compound can be produced both ways. Neither term tells you what specific chemicals are present.