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Ingredient Guide

🇪🇺 Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings on Food Labels in EU

Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings is permitted with proper declaration in European Union: declare as "flavouring(s) or natural flavouring(s)" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Catch-all term for flavor compounds derived from natural sources, often obscuring dozens of individual ingredients. In European Union, Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food flavoring. EU Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 on flavourings permits "natural flavourings" as a label term but requires more specificity when a specific source is implied (e.g., "natural vanilla flavouring" must actually derive primarily from vanilla). If the name implies a specific natural source, the flavoring must actually come from that source. Smoke flavourings must be declared separately: "smoke flavouring".

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "flavouring(s) or natural flavouring(s)" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "flavoring"
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "flavouring(s) or natural flavouring(s)"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings
  • Missing the functional class in the ingredient declaration
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"flavoring: flavouring(s) or natural flavouring(s)"
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... flavouring(s) or natural flavouring(s) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Natural flavourings, Natural flavor) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings and all its common names (Natural flavors, Natural flavourings, Natural flavor, Flavour (natural)) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under EU rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How must Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings be declared on food labels in EU?

Declare as "flavouring(s) or natural flavouring(s)" in the ingredient list. EU Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 on flavourings permits "natural flavourings" as a label term but requires more specificity when a specific source is implied (e.g., "natural vanilla flavouring" must actually derive primarily from vanilla). If the name implies a specific natural source, the flavoring must actually come from that source. Smoke flavourings must be declared separately: "smoke flavouring".

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings?

Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings may appear under the following names: Natural flavors, Natural flavourings, Natural flavor, Flavour (natural). Common hidden sources include: Almost any processed food, Beverages, Snacks, Confectionery, Dairy products, Sauces.

Is Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings banned or restricted in any market?

Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings is permitted in all major markets with proper declaration.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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