Natural flavors are one of the most frequently used additives in packaged food. Unlike other ingredients, however, natural flavors do not need to be listed on an ingredient list.
Survey respondents from the US, UK and Australia generally identified fruits, flowers, seaweed extracts, bean extracts, minerals algae as being suitable sources for flavoring their dishes.
Sweet
Sweet natural fruit flavors typically consist of blends of naturally extracted compounds tailored to match a manufacturer’s desired flavor profile, created by expert flavor scientists (flavorists) at companies such as International Flavors & Fragrances and often remain proprietary; for instance, in strawberry-flavored beverages this may mean that specific chemical constituents might not appear on an ingredients label.
Raspberries owe their flavor to 4-phenylbutan-2-one molecules found naturally within various fruits. Artificial and natural flavors don’t differ much chemically either, though.
Savoury
Natural food flavours come from sources like fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices for an authentic sensory experience. You’ll find natural flavors in many sweet and savoury products including baked goods, snacks, beverages – especially baked goods that use fruit flavors like amyl acetate (derived from bananas) and citral; vegetable flavors include aldehydes such as thiols which create creamy coconut-like tastes as well as phenols which give roasted and smoky aromas.
Natural fruit flavours add freshness, balance richness, cut through fats and make dishes taste fresher with their addition. Furthermore, they help bring out acidity in foods for an overall balanced and nourishing experience for consumers compared to artificial flavors which are regulated by FDA; instead most fall under “Generally Recognized as Safe” status from FEMA.
Citrus
citrus natural fruit flavors have universal appeal, transcending cultural barriers. Their refreshing properties make them irresistibly thirst-quenching.
Natural fruit flavours may have wide appeal; however, their darker side should not be overlooked. Food companies can often use the term “natural” as an excuse to hide ingredients derived from GMOs or other unnatural sources; for instance raspberry ketone can be extracted and combined together in a laboratory to create artificial raspberry-esque flavors even though they’re not actually from raspberries at all.
Use natural citrus flavors like lime to add an energetic and zesty note to your confectionary, such as fruit jellies or nougats. Furthermore, citrus pairs well with vanilla in ice creams and sorbets as well as vegan preparations such as cookies or sweet potato brownies.
Nut
Many food companies utilize natural flavors in their products, including seltzers, protein shakes, sodas, baked goods and ice cream.
Natural flavorings differ from artificial ones in that they don’t contain calories or nutrients and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as being safe to eat. Furthermore, they’re made using only plant and animal sources rather than synthetically synthesized elements (Wright notes this fact).
Natural flavors contain ingredients derived from fruit oils like lemongrass, lime and orange; citral is extracted from lemongrass oil; benzaldehyde can be found in cinnamon oil to impart almond flavors into foods; amyl acetate comes from bananas to create baked good flavors; most people don’t mind these ingredients but vegan or vegetarian diet followers might worry they are eating animal-derived ingredients in natural flavors.
Floral
Floral flavors have emerged as an exciting beverage trend, adding lightness and elegance to beverages. Pairing floral flavors with herbs or spices creates interesting new combinations, such as strawberry rose or peach hibiscus.
Natural flavors are made up of ingredients found in nature such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices as well as botanicals like flowers. Their use must adhere to strict quality standards before being approved for consumption.
“Natural” flavors might contain natural ingredients, but they still contain chemicals derived from synthetic sources – and even organic varieties contain some chemical additives which may present issues for people with food allergies or sensitivities. Natural flavors are found in many everyday food items from candy bars and cereal to granola bars and frozen meals!
