Reading Between The Lines- "Natural Flavors". What Is That?

I chose this topic because it is both confusing and controversial. I recently made the switch from natural flavors to eliminating them from my diet and my household. This ingredient also fooled me for a long time too.

The ingredient "Natural Flavors" may have associated names such as naturally essenced, natural flavorings, flavor (natural), etc. Sounds like a healthy ingredient, right? WRONG. Let me explain below....

This is a can of tomato sauce, purchased from a big box retailer. Now, let me ask you this question. Why would a can of tomato sauce have "natural flavorings" listed as an ingredient? Are the tomatoes not natural then? Does a can of tomato sauce not taste like tomatoes? Why is this in here?

These are all important questions to ask yourself. This is why I stress the importance of taking the time to read the ingredients on EVERYTHING!

Now, let's determine what "natural flavors" are. So, the FDA states: "Natural flavors" are defined as substances derived from natural sources like plants or animals, used primarily for flavoring rather than nutritional purposes. They include essential oils, extracts, and distillates, but can also involve complex mixtures that may not align with consumer expectations of being purely natural. (Source:FDA).

What does that mean? What complex mixtures are they using? The labels don't tell the consumer what that mixture is, so what are they hiding? So, in a nutshell, "natural flavorings" can be whatever the food manufacturer wants them to be. Plus, they don't have to disclose what makes up their "natural flavorings". How is that safe for the consumer who has food allergies? Or the consumer who just wants an honest product with honest ingredients.

Remember everyone, the FDA also allows toxins and carcinogens in our food that hurt us. The toxins and additives are hiding in plain sight. We just aren't paying attention to them as we should be. Did you know that Europe and other countries ban a lot of the food additives that the FDA continues to allow in our food in the United States? Why is that?

Long story short, we as consumers don't actually know what "natural flavors" are, so it's best to AVOID them. We also know that the FDA isn't truthful as to which ingredients make up natural flavors, nor are those ingredients even listed. Use common sense when purchasing anything and question EVERYTHING. Clean choices start with awareness.