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The Rise of Natural Flavors: What Consumers Need to Know

One major trend is shaking up the global flavor market: the decisive shift toward using natural flavors in food, beverages, confectionaries, and more. Consumers are undoubtedly demanding transparency regarding what they eat.

As a leader in flavor development, Metarom USA brings you the most up-to-date information about changes occurring across the industry. The swift rise of natural flavors may leave you wondering what customers need to know about this growing trend. If you have questions – our team has the answers. Let’s look at what this means for your favorite flavors and products.

Natural vs Artificial Flavoring

First, let’s examine the difference between artificial and natural flavoring in popular food and beverage products. The rise of natural flavors has much to do with growing transparency regarding artificial flavoring in food and beverages. So, what does ‘natural flavors’ mean? What about the use of artificial flavoring? Here’s a breakdown of each type of flavoring and the popular uses, benefits, and drawbacks for which each is known.

What is Natural Flavoring?

Fruits and vegetables on the shelf at the grocery store

Natural flavoring is a food label term indicating that the flavor source comes from natural sources. Natural sources include plants, herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, and animal products. Let’s take a look at what ‘natural flavors’ mean in the world of food and beverage production:

  • The FDA requires that all flavorings labeled as ‘natural’ originate from either plant or animal sources, emphasizing the rise of natural flavors in food.
  • Artificial ingredients cannot be used to create genuinely natural flavoring.
  • Natural flavoring is considered to be more authentic overall than artificial flavoring.

Typically, companies choose natural flavoring and extracts over artificial flavoring based on consumer preference and the desire to know exactly where the product and its flavoring come from.

What is Artificial Flavoring?

Food scientist testing artificial flavoring in a food lab

Our flavor chemists are knowledgeable in the rise of natural flavors as a preferred option for product flavoring. At Metarom USA, we choose natural flavors first. But many companies do opt to use artificial flavoring – anything used for flavoring that does not come from natural plant or animal sources. This type of sourcing has both perks and drawbacks:

  • The science of artificial flavoring is so advanced now that many artificial flavors created have the same chemical structure as natural flavors.
  • The rise of awareness around studies examining the potential health consequences of artificial flavors means consumers are now more aware of the possible adverse health effects.
  • Artificial flavoring often looks and tastes similar to natural flavoring, but it’s created in a lab using advanced chemical processes.

Artificial flavoring is often less expensive and sometimes easier than sourcing the flavor naturally. In some cases, where supply is impacted by weather or acts of war, it can be more sustainable than sourcing locally.

What Customers Need to Know About Food Labels

What does ‘natural flavors’ mean when it comes to food labels? Let’s learn more. Reading food labels can be tricky, and there are some things informed consumers should bear in mind when it comes to examining them. With the rise of natural flavors in the industry comes an increased awareness about how some companies can slide artificial flavoring into everyday products.

  • According to the FDA, listing tiny amounts of artificial flavoring may not be required on food labels.
  • Sometimes, one generic term (artificial flavoring) is used on food labels when more than one chemical additive is actually involved in the flavoring process.
  • Flavorists can use natural flavoring, artificial flavoring, or both to obtain optimal taste in a developing food or beverage product.

So, what can buyers do to ensure they eat authentic and natural food? They can eat more whole foods to ensure they get genuinely natural flavors with no additives. The demand for natural flavors may make the process more transparent over time.

Collaboration With Metarom USA

We offer a professional partnership with a truly transparent process. We source naturally derived ingredients and have access to global sources and a consistent supply. We use the best ingredients to create carefully crafted flavoring for your unique product line. Here’s how we can help you keep it natural when developing new flavors.

  • We respect the rise of natural flavors, so we partner with locals to find the best and most consistent supply.
  • Our team helps you understand the age-old question: “What does ‘natural flavors’ mean?” We help you navigate an increasingly complex industry.
  • We know what customers need to know about natural flavoring. Enjoy a completely transparent process.

We are excited to partner with you and create the healthiest product possible using natural processes.

Request A Sample Online Today

Reach out to our experienced team of flavor chemists and explore a truly global partnership. We’ll guide you through the process of discovering the added benefits of natural flavors’ rise and help you tailor which natural flavors are right for you. Contact Metarom USA for a free sample online, or check out our best natural flavors and extracts today.