What Are “Natural Flavors”?
If you've ever peeked at a food label and seen “natural flavors,” you’re not alone in wondering what that really means. Contrary to what the name suggests, "natural flavors" do not always come from the whole foods you might expect. They are complex mixtures derived from natural sources like plants or animals but may undergo heavy processing.
! [IMAGE:natural flavors food label](placeholder)
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), natural flavors are substances extracted, distilled, or otherwise derived from spices, fruits, vegetables, herbs, bark, buds, roots, leaves, or similar plant materials, or from meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products.
However, this broad definition leaves a lot to interpretation. These flavorings often contain dozens of chemical compounds to replicate or enhance taste and aroma.
---
Where Are Natural Flavors Found? Specific Brands and Products
You’ll find natural flavors almost everywhere, but here are some common culprits:
- Lay’s Classic Potato Chips (found at [Walmart](/store/walmart)) include natural flavors to enhance their traditional taste.
- Pepsi (a product of [PepsiCo](/who-owns/pepsico)) lists natural flavors as part of their secret formula.
- Annie's Organic Bunny Grahams ([Annie's](/brand/annies)) uses natural flavors in some varieties.
- Many yogurts, such as Chobani Greek Yogurt ([Chobani](/brand/chobani)), use natural flavors to mask tartness.
Because natural flavors can come from animal derivatives, they may be a concern for vegans or those with specific allergies. For instance, some natural flavorings might be derived from dairy or shellfish, posing risks for sensitive consumers.
---
The Science on Health Effects and Food Safety
The safety of natural flavors has been debated. While FDA regulates flavor ingredients and deems them generally recognized as safe (GRAS), this status is often based on limited testing and proprietary mixtures. There's little transparency about the exact chemical makeup of natural flavors, making it hard to assess.
Potential concerns include:
- Allergens hidden within the complex mixtures (e.g., milk or soy derivatives)
- Synthetic chemicals used in processing—even if the source is “natural”
- Unknown long-term health impacts due to insufficient research
Read more about [natural flavor](/glossary/natural-flavor) in our detailed ingredient glossary.
---
How Other Countries Approach Natural Flavors
Interestingly, labeling laws for natural flavors vary globally:
- European Union: Requires more detailed labeling; some additives and flavoring substances must be specifically listed.
- Canada: Defines natural flavoring substances more strictly and requires allergen declaration.
- Australia/New Zealand: Have strict food standards that sometimes prohibit certain flavoring agents allowed elsewhere.
Learn more about [food labeling in the EU](/made-in/europe).
---
How to Avoid Natural Flavors: Practical Tips
Avoiding natural flavors can be tricky but doable with these strategies:
- Shop more at stores emphasizing transparent labeling like [Trader Joe's](/store/trader-joes) or buy organic brands that list all ingredients fully.
- Choose whole foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts) over processed alternatives.
- Read labels carefully. Brands like Erewhon Organic Granola explicitly list every ingredient without vague terms.
- Use apps like Checkit to scan products and instantly reveal if they contain natural flavors or related additives.
---
Get Your Free Weekly Clean Food Report
Every Friday: the 5 worst products we found this week, FDA recall alerts, and the cleanest new finds at your grocery store.
Trusted by 27,000+ app users. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
What Are Some Clean-Label Alternatives to Natural Flavors?
Brands are responding to consumer demand for transparency with alternatives:
- Redwood Hill Farm uses real fruit extracts and no artificial or natural flavors in their yogurts.
- Justin’s Nut Butters rely on simple ingredients like nuts and sea salt, avoiding added flavorings.
- Simple Mills makes crackers and snacks using only identifiable, whole-food ingredients.
---
Conclusion
The term “natural flavors” can be confusing and misleading. While they can enhance the taste of your favorite snacks like Lay’s Chips or Pepsi, their complex, often undisclosed chemical makeup means it’s wise to be cautious—especially if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. Different countries regulate these flavorings to varying degrees, and there are clean-label options if you want to avoid them.
Make informed choices by checking product labels closely, choosing brands known for transparency, and using tools like Checkit to scan products instantly.
📱 Want to check any product instantly? [Download Checkit](https://getcheck.it) — scan with your camera, get safety scores in seconds.
