Is Organic Natural Flavor Safe?

When it comes to choosing healthier food options, many people are concerned about what exactly is in their food. If you've checked out our no-no list, you already know natural flavors are to be avoided. But you might be wondering if organic natural flavor is any different. Is organic natural flavor safe?

In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know about natural flavors and we'll discuss if opting for organic natural flavors is a safer choice.

What are natural flavors?

"Natural flavors" is a broad term that can encompass a wide range of ingredients derived from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, meat, or seafood. However, just because something is labeled as "natural" doesn’t mean it is pure, healthy, or free from harmful substances.

The term "natural flavor" is not as clean or straightforward as it may seem. Conventional natural flavors can:

• Be extracted using synthetic solvents.
• Contain artificial preservatives or additives that can potentially cause adverse health effects.
• Be derived from GMO sources and may involve other controversial practices such as using sewage sludge or ionizing radiation in their production.
• Lack transparency since manufacturers are not required to disclose all components of natural flavors, leaving consumers in the dark about potential allergens, contaminants, or synthetic chemicals used in the flavoring.

How are natural flavors different from artificial flavors?

After reading that definition, you might be wondering what makes natural flavors different from artificial flavors? While artificial flavors are completely synthetic, a "natural flavor," needs to at least have originated from a natural source. Still, that does not mean the ingredient remains natural.

Natural flavors can still undergo significant processing and can contain chemical additives like propylene glycol, polysorbate 80, BHT, BHA, and other ingredients from our no-no list. These additives, though allowed under the "natural" label, can potentially pose health risks ranging from gut and hormone disruption to carcinogenic effects.

For those looking to eat clean, this lack of transparency and potential for hidden additives makes conventional natural flavors a questionable choice. Nearly 800 food chemicals have been introduced into our food production in only the last two decades, without any safety testing. These chemicals were not added to make your food more nutritious. Many were added for the purpose of making your food more palatable or addicting. 

Are organic natural flavors safer?

Organic natural flavors are held to much stricter standards compared to their non-organic counterparts. Certified organic natural flavors must adhere to specific regulations that prioritize safety and transparency which removes some of the risks regular natural flavors are subject to. Here’s what makes them different:

1. Stringent Ingredient Standards: To be considered a certified organic natural flavor, the flavor must contain at least 95% organically grown base ingredients and no more than 5% non-organic ingredients. Any non-organic components must be from the National List of Approved Substances, which strictly limits what can be included.

2. No Synthetic Chemicals or Solvents: Organic natural flavors cannot be made using synthetic extraction solvents or any ingredients of synthetic origin. Unlike conventional natural flavors, they are prohibited from containing synthetic carriers or artificial preservatives, ensuring a cleaner product.

3. Free from Harmful Additives: Certified organic natural flavors are non-GMO, grown without the use of sewage sludge, and are not exposed to ionizing radiation during the manufacturing process. Additionally, they cannot contain potentially harmful additives like propylene glycol, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, mono- and di-glycerides, benzoic acid, polysorbate 80, medium-chain triglycerides, BHT, BHA, or triacetin, which are often found in conventional natural flavors.

4. No Chemical Modification: Organic natural flavors must be "from natural sources and have not been chemically modified in a way which makes them different than their natural chemical state." This ensures that the flavors remain true to their original form, without undergoing chemical transformations that could introduce new, potentially harmful compounds.

Should you include organic natural flavors in your diet?

While organic natural flavors are certainly a safer choice than their conventional counterparts due to stricter regulations and the absence of synthetic chemicals, they should still be used in moderation.

The healthiest option is always to choose whole, unprocessed foods that do not require added flavors to taste good. However, in our fast-paced lives, convenience is often necessary. Choosing products with certified organic natural flavors can offer peace of mind that you’re avoiding synthetic chemical additives and making a safer choice for you and your family.

Final conclusion on organic natural flavor

So, is organic natural flavor safe? Compared to conventional natural flavors, the answer is yes, it is a safer option. Certified organic natural flavors are subject to stricter regulations that limit the use of synthetic chemicals, ensure non-GMO status, and prohibit harmful additives.

That said, the best practice is still to focus on whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible. If you're eating a lot of natural flavors, organic or not, it also means you are consuming too many processed and packaged foods since this is where you are likely to find these added ingredients. Limit your consumption to when convenience is needed. Opting for organic at least ensures you're consuming fewer synthetic and potentially harmful substances.