Consumers are compelled to read labels and are stumped when they see descriptions that say, “Made from natural flavors.”
That term is so vague to consumers. What exactly is a real, natural flavor and what makes a flavor artificial? That’s a bit tricky!
According to David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group, “natural flavor” is listed on labels in more than a fifth of the 80,000 foods the organization rates. The food’s source, he notes, is key to understanding the correct classification.
Natural flavors must originate from a plant or animal, while artificial flavors are manufactured in labs. The FDA defines artificial flavor or artificial flavoring as any substance, the function of which is to imitate flavor that is not derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermented products. Most importantly, the use of artificial flavors is solely for flavoring and not for nutrition.
Why do some juices or healthier foods need extra flavor? There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is the way these foods are made. The process by which some products are pasteurized or processed sometimes adversely impacts the fresh taste and scent. This is why you’ll see labeling on some juices stating that additional flavor has been added. Manufacturers want the product to have a distinctive yet pleasing flavor and the perfect scent, so that the food item will capture consumers’ flavor preferences and entice them to purchase it again. Think about when you buy a pack of fruit gum: The flavor is so concentrated but so short lived, so you need another piece that keeps you wanting more.
Consumers are looking for products that are healthy, natural, organic and all-around healthier. It’s clear that the best products need the best flavors and consumers need to feel confident about buying a product that is good for their family, too.
Artiste offers a variety of ingredients and flavors, many of which are natural and organic, for developers to work with in their newest food and beverage creations. Reach out to Artiste and explore what we have to offer, plus the many diversified and efficient services we provide. E-mail Artiste at info@artiste.us.com.
Artiste offers a superior range of premium quality citrus products from various regions around the globe including Europe, North America, South America and Central America. All of our citrus products are of the highest quality and are offered in various forms to meet the application requirements of our customers. These forms include folded, decolorized and terpeneless, plus a specialty group of natural citrus isolates.
Artiste offers a robust range of high-quality essential oils and absolutes from unique and exclusive regions from around the globe. Jasmin, black cumin seed, blue chamomile and neroli are just a few of the specialty ingredients we offer. We work closely with our customers to deliver the highest-quality ingredients that will help them formulate the best product. From beauty products to delicious confections, our partners have proven success with the specialty ingredients we provide.
From farm to finished oil, Artiste works with global leaders of the finest mint products in the world. Our oils are distinctive and recognized as considerably above most standard mint oils on the market today. Our partners have generations of experience in growing mint and in cultivating and curing mint with distinct characteristics and one-of-a-kind attributes. From the highest quality mint oils to rare hybrid mints, our remarkable team of dedicated developers can create or replicate any breed of mint, regardless of region of origin.
Artiste is a leading supplier of natural aroma chemicals to the flavor and fragrance industries. Our aroma chemicals are used in many key branded food, personal care and home products. Our long-standing global network provides a reliable and superior level of service that is both efficient and effective in achieving our customers’ creative and technical objectives as well as the product consistency needed to sustain product positioning and competitive advantage.
Artiste’s expertise in flavors, fragrances and specialty ingredients is unmatched. We have a deep knowledge of the diversified global marketplace and the unparalleled ability to source the highest quality flavors for beverages, dairy, savory or sweet applications. Our fragrances range from fine fragrance to personal care, fabric care, beauty, home care and fragrance ingredients. We have partnered with the best suppliers in the world, and these suppliers are proactive in offering Artiste unique flavors, fragrance and ingredients, plus the added confidence of consistency and transparency, to support their development and launch of new consumer products. Artiste can provide the documentation and information needed to support the need for substantiated claims, sustainability and traceability.