Definition
A botanical extract is a concentrated ingredient drawn from plant material such as leaves, roots, flowers, fruit or bark, used for flavor, color or tradition.
A botanical extract is a concentrated ingredient made by drawing flavor, color or other natural compounds out of plant material, such as leaves, roots, seeds, flowers, fruit or bark, using a solvent like water, alcohol, oil or carbon dioxide. Vanilla extract is probably the most familiar example in your kitchen.
Where mushrooms fit in
Strictly speaking, mushrooms are not plants. They belong to their own kingdom, studied in mycology. In the food and supplement industries, though, mushrooms are commonly grouped with herbs under the umbrella word "botanicals," which is why you will see mushroom extracts and plant extracts discussed side by side.
Common types of botanical extracts
- Flavor extracts: vanilla, peppermint, citrus peel and almond, used across baking and confectionery.
- Color extracts: spirulina (for blue), beet, turmeric and purple carrot are popular natural colors in candy and gummies.
- Tea and leaf extracts: green tea and matcha, which also appear in the nootropic conversation.
- Herbal extracts: ashwagandha, rhodiola and other herbs grouped under the adaptogen label.
How they are made
The method depends on what the maker wants to capture. Water pulls out sugars and polysaccharides, alcohol pulls out many aromatic and bitter compounds, oils carry fat-soluble flavors, and supercritical CO2 extraction is used for delicate aromas. Some extracts are left as liquids; others are dried into powders.
Botanical extracts vs. natural flavors
On a U.S. ingredient label, "natural flavors" is a defined term covering flavorings derived from plant or animal sources. A named botanical extract, such as "vanilla extract," tells you more specifically where the flavor came from.
Tasting botanicals at Polkadot
Many Polkadot flavors are inspired by botanicals, from the tea notes in the Polkadot Thai Tea Craft Gummies to the green tea character of the Polkadot Dark Matcha Chocolate. Explore more in the Vegan Magic Gummies flavors guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are mushrooms botanicals?
Biologically, no, because fungi are not plants. In the food industry, however, mushrooms are commonly grouped with herbs under the general term "botanicals."
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