Hidden Ingredients in “Natural Flavors” (What Parents Need to Know)

What Does “Natural Flavors”Really Mean?

If you’ve ever turned over a food or supplement label and seen “natural flavors” listed in the ingredients, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common additives in packaged food including baby and kids’ products, but it’s also one of the least understood.

Despite sounding simple,“natural flavors” can be made up of dozens—or even hundreds—of undisclosed ingredients. 

For parents trying to avoid additives, allergens, or ultra-processed inputs, this vague term can feel frustrating.

Here’s what “natural flavors” actually means, and what parents should know before serving products that contain them.

What Are “Natural Flavors”?

The FDA defines natural flavor as anything derived from a plant or animal source that’s intended to add flavor—but not nutrition—to a product. These can include essential oils, distillates, enzyme-treated ingredients, or fermentation products [1].

Examples of “natural” sources include:

• Fruits or fruit juice

• Herbs and spices

• Meat or dairy products

• Fermented substances (like yeast)

However, once extracted, these substances can be chemically processed, modified, and combined with additives, solvents, or preservatives to stabilize or preserve the flavor. And companies aren’t required to disclose the full composition of their natural flavor blends—because they’re considered proprietary.

What Could Be Hiding in “Natural Flavors”?

Here are some common types of ingredients that may belegally included under the umbrella of “natural flavors,” without being listed separately:

• Solvents & Carriers – like propylene glycol, glycerin, or ethanol

• Preservatives – such as BHA, BHT, or citric acid

• Anti-foaming agents – like dimethylpolysiloxane

• Allergen-derived ingredients – including milk, soy, or gluten-containing derivatives

• Animal products – in some cases, flavors may be derived from animal tissue (important for vegetarian/vegan families)

Even if the “flavor” is derived from a natural source, it may still beheavily processed and contain chemical byproducts that don’t need to be disclosed individually.

Why It Matters for Kids

For kids with food sensitivities, allergies, or gut issues, these hidden ingredients can cause problems. And for parents trying to reduce their family’s exposure to ultra-processed foods, products containing unspecified “natural flavors” may not align with those goals.

A 2022 analysis published inFrontiers in Nutrition emphasized the need for clearer labeling of natural flavors in baby and toddler food, citing the unknown composition and potential for overuse in ultra-processed products [2].

What You Can Do as a Parent

1. Choose brands that fully disclose flavor ingredients.
Some companies voluntarily list exactly what’s in their “natural flavor” or avoid them entirely. Look for products that specify “natural vanilla extract” instead of “natural flavor,” for example.

2. Ask questions.
If your kiddo has allergies or sensitivities, contact the brand to ask what’s in their natural flavor blend—especially if you’re concerned about soy, dairy, or gluten.

3. Look for clean-label certifications.
Products certified organic, non-GMO, or made with “no natural flavors” often use more transparent ingredients (like real fruit, spices, or vanilla extract).

4. Read between the lines.
If a product contains “natural flavors” but no fruit, veggie, or spice is listed, ask yourself: where is the flavor really coming from?

5. Opt for flavorless options when available.
This is why some parents prefer supplements likeGrowing Up Prebiotics—which are completely flavorless and free from added natural or artificial flavors.

Summary

“Natural flavors” might sound wholesome, but the term can hide a wide range of highly processed, undeclared ingredients—including solvents, preservatives, and even allergens. For parents aiming to avoid unnecessary additives or manage sensitivities, choosing brands that skip or disclose their flavoring systems is a smart move. When in doubt, simple, transparent labels are best—especially when it comes to what you're feeding your little ones.