🇺🇸 Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings on Food Labels in US

Catch-all term for flavor compounds derived from natural sources, often obscuring dozens of individual ingredients. In United States, Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food flavoring. FDA 21 CFR 101.22: "natural flavor" means a substance derived from a natural source (animal or plant). No further breakdown required by law. However, if an allergen is present in the natural flavor (e.g., milk in natural butter flavor), it must be declared under FALCPA. "Natural" does not mean the product has no allergens or no processing.

• Declare as "natural flavor(s) or natural flavor" 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

• Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "natural flavor(s) or natural flavor"
• 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

• FDA Food Labeling Guide
• FALCPA Guidance

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.