Hidden glutamate sources
Natural flavors
Definition
What it is
'Natural flavouring' is a regulatory catch-all that can represent hundreds of undisclosed compounds (extracts, essential oils, distillates, or proprietary blends) declared collectively under one name. It doesn't indicate harm, but it does reduce ingredient transparency, which is what the Clear Score measures.
On the label
How it appears on labels
- natural flavors
- natural flavor
- natural flavoring
- natural flavour
- natural flavours
- natural flavouring
- natural flavourings
Regulation
Regulatory status
No bans or restrictions are recorded for this ingredient in the jurisdictions clearlabel tracks (US, EU, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia/NZ, Brazil).
Explainer
In plain language
Natural flavors is a regulatory term for flavoring substances derived from plant or animal sources, such as extracts, essential oils, and distillates. A single 'natural flavors' entry can stand in for one compound or a proprietary blend of many, all grouped under one name. The label tells you the flavor came from a natural source, but not what those sources actually are.
Assessment
Why it is flagged
This is a transparency flag, not a safety flag. Natural flavors are widely permitted and there is no general evidence that they are harmful. The issue is that the term hides potentially many undisclosed compounds, and manufacturers are not required to break them down on the label, partly to protect trade secrets. That makes it hard to know what you are actually eating, which is what the Clear Score measures. For people with specific sensitivities or allergies, the vagueness is the practical problem, since the blend could contain a trigger that is not separately named.
In the aisle
Where it commonly shows up
- Flavored sparkling and still waters
- Yogurts and dairy drinks
- Snack chips and crackers
- Cereals and granola bars
- Plant-based milks
- Sodas and sports drinks
- Packaged sauces and dressings
Practical
Reading the label
It appears as natural flavors, natural flavor, or natural flavoring, and in some markets as natural flavourings. It can also carry glutamate or other flavor enhancers without naming them, so it overlaps with hidden umami sources.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid it
Some people choose products that name their flavor sources directly, such as 'vanilla extract' or 'lemon oil', or foods flavored only with recognizable whole ingredients. Comparing two similar products often shows which one is more specific about what it uses.
FAQ
Common questions
Are natural flavors safe?
There is no general evidence that natural flavors are harmful, and they are broadly permitted. Clear Label flags them for transparency because the term can hide many undisclosed compounds, not because harm is established.
Are natural flavors healthier than artificial ones?
Not necessarily. The difference is mainly the source of the flavoring compound, not how processed it is or how much is used. Both are tightly regulated flavoring categories.
Can natural flavors contain allergens?
A blend could include ingredients tied to allergens, though major allergens must still be declared under US labeling rules. People with less common sensitivities often contact the manufacturer because the individual components are not listed.
Citations
Sources
Citation
Primary reference
About this page: the definition, label names, severity, and regulatory chips come from the clearlabel ingredient taxonomy, the same data the scanner uses to score products. Research summaries describe associations reported in published studies, not diagnoses; individual responses vary. Scan any product with clearlabel to see which of its ingredients carry flags.