The Truth About “Natural Flavors” (They're Not So Natural…)
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Natural Flavors: The Hidden Truth Behind Food Labels
When you see “natural flavors” on an ingredient label, you probably picture wholesome ingredients like vanilla beans, ripe fruit, or fragrant herbs. But in reality, natural flavors can be far from natural — and often just as processed as artificial ones.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re really consuming.
💡 What Are Natural Flavors?
The FDA defines natural flavoring as a substance derived from plant or animal material that is used primarily for flavor, rather than nutrition.
Sounds okay, right?
But what’s often hidden is the fact that these substances are:
Extracted using chemical solvents
Mixed with synthetic preservatives and additives
Processed into compounds that don’t resemble the original source at all
And the biggest problem? The final formula can contain up to 100 different chemicals — but they all get lumped under one tidy label: natural flavor.
🧪 Why You Should Be Cautious
1. Lack of Transparency
“Natural flavor” is a catch-all term — companies aren’t legally required to disclose what's actually in it because it’s considered proprietary.
This creates a black box for consumers, who have no way of knowing if the flavor includes:
GMOs
Artificial carriers
Solvents like propylene glycol or alcohol
Animal-derived substances
2. Hidden Allergens or Sensitivities
Because natural flavors are so vague, they can contain common allergens like soy, dairy, or gluten — without requiring a label warning. This poses a real risk to anyone with food sensitivities.
Even if you're not allergic, your body may still react to highly processed flavor compounds, especially if you’re trying to reduce your toxic load or eat clean.
3. Highly Processed
The word “natural” suggests that the flavor comes straight from nature — but in reality, these compounds are often just as processed as artificial flavors. The only difference is the original source: plant or animal vs. petroleum-based.
Natural flavors can go through enzymatic fermentation, chemical extraction, heating, and other industrial processes before they make it into your food or drink.
🔗 Scientific American: What’s the Difference Between Natural and Artificial Flavors?
🍫 Why We Don’t Use “Natural Flavors” at Daybreak Cacao
At Daybreak Cacao, we don’t believe in hiding ingredients behind vague labels.
We use only real, whole ingredients like:
Organic cacao powder
Coconut milk
Oat milk
Monk fruit (as our only sweetener)
Functional mushrooms and adaptogens like lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail
No mystery flavors, no synthetic additives — just clean, nourishing ingredients you can pronounce. We believe you deserve to know exactly what’s in your cup.
✅ What to Look for Instead
Want to make smarter choices? Here’s what to look for:
Brands that list real foods and recognizable extracts
Specific flavor ingredients (like “organic cinnamon oil” or “vanilla bean” instead of “natural flavor”)
Clean-label products that are transparent and intentional about every ingredient
As a consumer, you have the right to know what you’re putting in your body — and the power to choose better.
🌱 Final Thoughts
Natural flavors may be legal, but that doesn’t make them clean or transparent.
At best, they’re overprocessed. At worst, they’re hiding additives, allergens, and synthetic chemicals under a label that sounds healthy. At Daybreak Cacao, we opt out of all that — and invite you to do the same.
If you are looking for a delicious drink that is tasty without natural flavors check out our Daybreak Cacao Blends.