Are Natural Flavors Really Natural? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion!
Dear Elmhurst: What Exactly Is In Your “Natural Flavors”?
This is among our most common questions, and we understand why. While all our products have a short list of simple ingredients, “natural flavors” can sometimes seem unclear.
Being simpler and better requires transparency, so let’s do a quick Q&A to help you understand natural flavors, why we use them, what this means for you, and the alternatives.
What are Natural Flavors?
The FDA defines a natural flavor as a substance derived from the matter of a living thing (in our case, plants) with the purpose of adding flavor, rather than nutrition, to a food or beverage.
Are Natural Flavors Vegan?
While the FDA standard covers natural flavors derived from either plant or animal sources, Elmhurst’s natural flavors are entirely plant-based. This is certified by our vegan label.
Why Don’t You Tell Us Specifically What These Natural Flavors Are?
Natural flavors are often proprietary blends. They’re unique to a product; part of the distinct satisfaction it brings, and typically used in minimal quantities as part of a “recipe” to deliver a specific taste. Therefore, the FDA allows for “natural flavors” as an ingredient name where the specific ingredients behind the flavors are deemed safe.
Are Natural Flavors Commonly Used?
Yes, according to an Environmental Working Group study of 80,000 food products, only salt, water, and sugar appear more frequently on food labels. Many other plant milk brands also use natural flavors.
Are Your Natural Flavors Safe?
Yes, all of our natural flavors are approved by the FDA, certified Vegan by the American Vegetarian Association, and are Non-GMO Project Verified.
How Are Natural Flavors Different from Artificial Flavors?
The main difference is the source. Natural flavors must come directly from natural sources. In contrast, artificial flavors are created synthetically in a lab to mimic natural tastes, even if their chemical structure is identical to a naturally occurring compound.
Elmhurst only uses natural flavors.
Are Artificial Flavors Vegan?
Generally speaking, yes.
Since artificial flavors are chemically produced, they usually don’t contain animal ingredients. However, potential concerns for strict vegans may include past animal testing, although this is less common now, or the use of non-vegan additives like gelatin or honey that are sometimes mixed with the flavor in the final product.
If in doubt about any product, check the complete ingredient list and look for reliable vegan certification labels like Certified Vegan or PETA-approved on the packaging.
Do Your Natural Flavors Include MSG?
No, they do not. MSG must be listed separately as an individual ingredient when it is used.
Is MSG a Natural Flavor?
No, not for food labeling purposes.
While MSG is sometimes considered a natural flavor as it’s a naturally occurring substance in many foods, including tomatoes, cheeses, and vegetables, it is also produced synthetically and added to foods as a flavor enhancer.
The FDA requires food manufacturers to list MSG as a separate ingredient; they cannot hide or include it under a “natural flavors” label.
What if I Still Don’t Want Natural Flavors?
You certainly don’t have to switch from Elmhurst. Our Unsweetened Almond, Walnut, Cashew, and Hazelnut Milks and Barista Edition Oat, Almond, and Pistachio Milks are free of natural flavors.
Understanding Natural Flavors
We hope this clarifies what “natural flavors” are, both in Elmhurst products and in anything else you consume.
While we can’t speak for other brands, with Elmhurst, you can be confident that our natural flavors are safe and Vegan-certified.
We also appreciate that ingredient preferences differ, which is why we proudly offer simple options, like our two-ingredient, additive-free Unsweetened Almond, Cashew, Hazelnut, and Walnut Milks and our Barista Edition Oat, Almond, and Pistachio Milks.