Natural Flavors

Incase you wanted to brush up on what ”natural flavors” are when seen in ingredients, here it is. I know this word “natural flavors” can be deceiving because it has the word natural in it. While the natural flavors may in fact be derived from a a natural source such as a fruit, vegetables, or spices, it’s important to note that while natural flavors are derived from these natural sources, they still undergo processing and may be used in combination with other natural or artificial ingredients to achieve a desired flavor profile. There is no need for “natural flavors” in a product if they are using real and whole ingredients. You would never see a natural flavor in any of my products. This is a shortcut to add flavor and save money, at your expense. 

Natural flavors are substances derived from plant or animal sources that are used to enhance the taste and aroma of food and beverages. These flavors are typically extracted from fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, or other natural sources. They are used in a wide range of food products to provide a more appealing and authentic taste profile.

 

Here are some key points about natural flavors:

 

1. Source: Natural flavors can be obtained from various sources, such as fruits (e.g., citrus oils), vegetables (e.g., garlic or onion extracts), spices (e.g., vanilla or cinnamon), and even animal products (e.g., beef or chicken extracts).

 

2. Extraction: The extraction process typically involves heating, crushing, pressing, or enzymatic treatment of the source material to isolate the flavor compounds.

 

3. Enhancement: Natural flavors are used to enhance the existing flavors of a food product or to impart a specific flavor that may be missing or desired.

 

4. Labeling: In many countries, including the United States, food manufacturers are required to label natural flavors as such on ingredient lists. However, they are not required to specify the exact source or composition of the natural flavor, which can sometimes be a proprietary blend.

 

5. Versatility: Natural flavors are used in a wide range of products, including soft drinks, snacks, condiments, baked goods, and processed foods, to improve taste and aroma.

 

One example of a controversial natural flavor is "castoreum." Castoreum is a natural flavoring substance that comes from the castor sacs of beavers. These sacs are located near the beaver's anus and are used by the animal to mark its territory.

 

An example of a natural flavor is castoreum. Castoreum has been used in the fragrance and food industries as a natural flavoring agent for its pleasant, vanilla-like scent. However, it is considered controversial for several reasons:

 

1. Animal Sourcing: Castoreum is obtained by extracting the secretion from the castor sacs of beavers. The use of an animal-derived ingredient in food production can raise ethical concerns, especially when it involves harvesting from wild animals.

 

2. Transparency: Castoreum is often listed on food labels as "natural flavor" or "natural flavoring," without specifying its origin from beaver glands. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for consumers to make informed choices about the products they consume.

 

3. Alternatives: Due to the ethical and transparency issues associated with castoreum, many food manufacturers have opted for synthetic or plant-based alternatives to achieve similar flavor profiles. The controversy surrounding its origin and labeling practices has contributed to its notoriety in discussions about natural flavors in the food industry.

 

An example of a product that usually has natural flavors is an alcoholic beverage. Volley, for example, is my go-to tequila seltzer made with organic juice and has no natural flavors! This is an example of a brand who refuse to use natural flavors so they can provide a more wholesome product for us. 

 

 

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