Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings is permitted with proper declaration in European Union: declare as "flavouring(s) or natural flavouring(s)" in the ingredient list.
"Natural flavours" is an umbrella declaration for flavouring preparations derived from plant or animal raw materials, covering potentially hundreds of individual substances. In European Union, Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food flavoring. EU Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 on flavourings permits "natural flavourings" as a label term but requires more specificity when a specific source is implied (e.g., "natural vanilla flavouring" must actually derive primarily from vanilla). If the name implies a specific natural source, the flavoring must actually come from that source. Smoke flavourings must be declared separately: "smoke flavouring".
LabelGuard scans your label for Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings and all its common names (Natural flavors, Natural flavourings, Natural flavor, Flavour (natural)) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under EU rules.
Start Your Compliance Check"Natural flavours" is an umbrella declaration for flavouring preparations derived from plant or animal raw materials, covering potentially hundreds of individual substances. It commonly appears in: Almost any processed food, Beverages, Snacks, Confectionery, Dairy products.
The individual flavouring substances are safety-evaluated (EU Regulation 1334/2008; FEMA GRAS in the US), so safety is rarely the issue. The compliance risks are allergen carry-over from flavour carriers, and the EU’s much stricter naming rules — calling something "natural strawberry flavouring" requires at least 95% of the flavouring to come from strawberries.
Declare as "flavouring(s) or natural flavouring(s)" in the ingredient list. EU Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 on flavourings permits "natural flavourings" as a label term but requires more specificity when a specific source is implied (e.g., "natural vanilla flavouring" must actually derive primarily from vanilla). If the name implies a specific natural source, the flavoring must actually come from that source. Smoke flavourings must be declared separately: "smoke flavouring".
Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings may appear under the following names: Natural flavors, Natural flavourings, Natural flavor, Flavour (natural). Common hidden sources include: Almost any processed food, Beverages, Snacks, Confectionery, Dairy products, Sauces.
Natural Flavors / Natural Flavourings is permitted in all major markets with proper declaration.
Last updated: 2026-07-20
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.
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