My diet:

Natural flavors

No E-numberFlavor enhancersOrigin: Plant or animal
Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganDepends

Natural flavor can come from a plant or from meat, dairy or castoreum. The label rarely says which.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalDepends

Without a halal mark, the source of a natural flavor is unknown.

KosherDepends

Kosher status depends on the source and on certification.

KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Natural flavors are concentrated aromas from a plant, animal or fermentation. The blanket term is approved, and it hides the source, so vegan, halal and kosher status depends on the maker.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberNone
Comes fromPlant or animal
What it doesFlavor enhancers
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledNatural flavors, Natural flavor

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Natural flavors are regulated as flavorings, not as one chemical with an E number. In the US they are GRAS flavorings under the flavor labeling rules. The EU lists individual flavoring substances in its flavoring union list. The word on the label is a category, so the safety of the dose is about the specific substance inside.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

A natural flavor is a mixture built to smell and taste like a food. The characterizing part must come from a natural source. Solvents such as alcohol, glycerin or propylene glycol can carry it. "Natural" does not mean the product is a single spice you would keep in a jar.

Where it comes from: US rules say a natural flavor comes from a plant, animal, yeast or fermentation, not from a petroleum synthesis. The label does not have to name which plant or animal.

Why it’s in food

  • Adds a named taste
  • Replaces a costly ingredient
  • Standardizes batches
  • Restores aroma lost in cooking

Often found in

YogurtSparkling waterChipsCerealPlant milksCandy

Also listed as: Natural flavors, Natural flavor, Natural flavour, Natural flavours

Health & gut impact

DoseConcern

Flavorings are used in very small amounts. Individual substances on the EU list and US GRAS lists have been reviewed for that kind of dose.

FDA 21 CFR 101.22; EU Regulation 1334/2008

OpacityUnder study

The words "natural flavors" do not name the source, so an allergy or a diet rule can be hard to check from the label alone.

FDA Food Labeling Guide, flavor labeling

Flavor you can name

For your pantry
Pantry staple

Pure vanilla extract

A named vanilla, instead of an unnamed natural flavor.

Shop vanilla extract Opens your country’s Amazon store
Pantry staple

Citrus zest

A fresh named flavor for baking. Dried peel keeps longer.

Shop dried orange peel Opens your country’s Amazon store
Pantry staple

Cocoa powder

Chocolate taste with an ingredient you can point to.

Shop cocoa Opens your country’s Amazon store

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes our ratings.

What can I use instead?

Vanillin or real vanilla

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Vanilla desserts

Citrus zest or spices

Ratio: To taste

Best for: When you want a named ingredient

Related

More flavor enhancers:

Disodium Guanylate E627Disodium guanylate (E627) is a savory booster used with MSG. It's usually made from yeast, but can come from fish, so check for a vegan label.Generally safeDisodium Inosinate E631Disodium inosinate (E631) boosts savory flavor, usually alongside MSG. It's often made by fermentation but can come from meat or fish, so it's only reliably vegan when labeled.Generally safeDisodium ribonucleotides (I+G) E635Disodium ribonucleotides (E635) are a 50/50 mix of two flavor boosters that make MSG taste much stronger. They're safe for most people, but their source isn't always vegan or halal.Generally safeHydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) is a savory, brothy flavoring made by breaking down soy, corn or wheat protein. It contains natural glutamate, so it works like MSG, and it may contain wheat.Use in moderation

Common questions

Are natural flavors vegan?

Sometimes. The source can be a fruit or spice, or it can be meat, dairy or another animal material. Only the brand or a vegan certification can say which.

Is Natural flavors safe?

Generally safe (85/100). Natural flavors are regulated as flavorings, not as one chemical with an E number. In the US they are GRAS flavorings under the flavor labeling rules. The EU lists individual flavoring substances in its flavoring union list. The word on the label is a category, so the safety of the dose is about the specific substance inside.

Is Natural flavors vegan?

Depends. Natural flavor can come from a plant or from meat, dairy or castoreum. The label rarely says which.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • FDA 21 CFR 101.22; EU Regulation 1334/2008
  • FDA Food Labeling Guide, flavor labeling