THE TRUTH ABOUT NATURAL FLAVORING: SHOULD YOU EAT THEM?
March 13 2025 – Delikate Rayne
Do you ever look at food labels when shopping for food? One of the food labels that has people questioning is “natural flavoring”, which often gives the impression that additives are healthier and more wholesome than artificial flavors. But what does “natural flavoring” really mean, and is it as safe as it sounds? While natural flavors are derived from plant or animal sources, they often undergo extensive processing and may contain hidden additives. In this post you'll learn about the different ways this labeling can be misleading.
Reasons why natural flavoring labels can be misleading
Not always natural: Even though the source may be natural, the extraction and processing methods used to create this can involve chemical manipulation.
Limited regulation: The FDA allows manufacturers to label a flavor as "natural" without sharing the specific things used, as long as it comes from a natural source.
Chemical mixtures: “Natural flavors” often refers to highly processed chemical mixtures, which can be manipulated in labs and are not as "natural" as consumers perceive.
Not transparent: Manufacturers are not required to share the exact ingredients used under this label, leaving a lack of transparency.
Ways to avoid natural flavoring labels
Read labels carefully: If you want to know exactly what is in a product labeled with "natural flavors", contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their ingredients.
Prioritize whole foods: Start prioritizing choosing more processed or healthy foods with recognizable ingredients over products relying heavily on "natural flavors".
Flavor your own food: Add your own herbs, spices, and fruits to naturally flavor your meals instead of relying on processed foods with "natural flavors.
Sources:
Treehugger, “the wildly misleading nature of natural labels on food”