Definition
Natural flavors are flavorings taken from plant or animal sources, such as fruit, spices or vanilla, and added to foods for taste rather than nutrition.
Natural flavors are flavoring ingredients derived from natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, bark, roots, dairy, meat or fermentation, and added mainly for taste rather than nutrition. In the US, the FDA defines the term, and "natural flavor" on a label means the flavoring came from one of those sources, even if it was concentrated or processed.
Natural vs. artificial flavors
The difference is about origin, not necessarily chemistry. A natural vanilla flavor is extracted from vanilla beans; an artificial vanilla flavor may contain the same main flavor molecule, vanillin, made synthetically. Both can taste very similar. "Natural" does not automatically mean simpler, better or more intense; it tells you where the flavor came from.
What the label does not tell you
- Exact ingredients — a single "natural flavors" entry can be a blend of many components.
- Animal origin — natural flavors can come from animal sources, so strict vegans sometimes check with the maker.
- Allergens — major allergens used in flavorings must still be declared under US law.
Natural flavor vs. real fruit
Real fruit juice, purée or dried fruit is a whole-food ingredient, not a flavoring. Many confections use both: real fruit for body and color, plus flavors to make the taste pop.
Flavor at Polkadot
Polkadot's descriptions highlight real fruit in several products: the Vegan Magic Gummies are made with real fruit juice, like the Strawberry and Passion Tango Lemonade gummies, and bars like the Apple Pie include dried apple pieces. For flavor ideas across the range, explore the chocolate bar flavors guide. For exact flavoring ingredients, check the packaging of your specific product.
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