Natural Flavors

Described by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as flavors that originate from plant and animal sources, natural flavors are used to add or enhance the flavor of food that has been processed.

Natural flavors can contain other substances that aid in separating the natural flavor complex from the source. Just one natural flavor term listed on a food label can contain between 50 to 100 other ingredients.

While they are safe to consume, listing "natural flavors" on an ingredients list doesn't mean the food product is healthy or healthier than foods made with artificial flavors or no added flavors at all. Looking at the nutrition facts label is the best way to know if the food product is good for you or not.

Not all natural flavors are created equally, or are created naturally.