“Natural flavors” can be confusing, especially for parents.
If you’ve ever seen “natural flavor” on a label and raised an eyebrow, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what it means, why it’s not always specific, and what you should actually look for when choosing foods for your family.
What Are Natural Flavors?
Like we shared in a previous post, natural flavors are derived from real ingredients like fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, and are processed (like extracting or distilling) to capture their flavor. They’re used to help keep taste consistent, since things like weather and growing conditions can affect natural ingredients. [1]
Why Isn’t “Natural Flavor” More Specific?
If it’s natural, why not list exactly what it is?
We’re used to ingredients we can picture, like strawberries or vanilla, so it makes sense that something more vague can feel a little confusing. Flavorists often use a combination of many different natural ingredients to develop a specific flavor for a product. [2] Using the term “natural flavors” helps protect proprietary recipes, and listing each one would make labels long and confusing.
Are Natural Flavors Safe for Kids?
"Are natural flavors safe for kids" is a common concern, and an important question to ask. Natural flavors used in food must meet strict safety standards, they are evaluated before being approved, and they are used in very small amounts. So, unless there is an allergy to a specific ingredient, natural flavors are safe for consumption. [2]
We’re intentional about every ingredient we use and can confirm that, in addition to following Canadian and USDA Organic standards, our natural flavors are free from the top 9 allergens.
When Should You Pay Attention to Ingredients?
When looking at ingredients, it helps to look at the bigger picture. Just like vinegar or baking soda, many everyday chemicals are perfectly safe when used as intended. [3]
You might ask yourself:
- What does the full ingredient list look like?
- Is this something I feel good serving regularly?
- Does it align with my family’s needs and values?
We also recognize that some people may choose to avoid natural flavors due to rare sensitivities or personal preferences, and may prefer products with more specific ingredient labeling. For families with allergies or dietary preferences, you can also try reaching out to brands for clarity.
The Bottom Line on Natural Flavors
When you're looking for simple, real ingredient snacks, we know that transparency matters. “Natural flavor” might sound vague, but it’s not something to fear.
It simply means it’s derived from real sources, used in small amounts, and designed to create a consistent taste. When you understand what it means, it becomes much easier to focus on what really matters, the overall quality of the food.
Making Confident, Informed Choices
If you’re looking for better-for-you snacks made with real fruit, we’re here to make that decision a little easier. Take a minute to learn about the difference between natural and artificial flavors and how we use them in our organic freezies.
Curious about ingredients we use? Don't miss these quick reads to learn more:
- Malic Acid: What It Is and Why We Don’t Use It
-
Ingredients with Integrity: Our DeeBee’s Organics Standards
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