Flavoring

Definition and Types of Flavorings

  • A flavoring is a volatile additive that improves the taste or smell of food.
  • Flavorings primarily work via the sense of smell.
  • Substances exclusively with a sweet, sour, or salty taste are not considered flavorings.
  • Flavorings can be divided into natural flavorings, nature-identical flavorings, and artificial flavorings.
  • Natural flavorings are edible aroma compounds found in nature.
  • Nature-identical flavorings are chemically identical to substances found in nature.
  • Artificial flavorings are synthesized from chemical substances and are not found in nature.

Regulations on Flavorings

  • EU legislation defines different types of flavorings and sets out general requirements for their safe use.
  • The EU Flavouring Regulation and the Union list of flavoring substances approved for use in foods were adopted.
  • The UK follows EU legislation on flavorings until 31 December 2020, after which it will be converted into UK law.
  • Flavorings in the United States are regulated under Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
  • Flavoring regulations in Australia and New Zealand are covered by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Uses of Flavors in Food and Beverage Industry

  • Flavors are used in new product development, product line extensions, and changes in formula or processing for existing products.
  • In 2011, the sale of flavors generated about US$10.6 billion.
  • The majority of flavors are consumed in ultra-processed food and convenience food.

Impact of Smell on Flavor

  • Food flavor can be altered by changing its smell.
  • Artificially flavored products have different flavors due to different scents.
  • Most flavors are a mixture of aroma compounds.
  • Some flavors use single synthetic compounds in pure form, like artificial vanilla and strawberry flavors.
  • The ubiquitous green apple aroma is based on hexyl acetate.

Analysis, Safety, and Additional Resources

  • Various techniques such as solid phase extraction and gas chromatography are used to analyze flavors.
  • European regulations govern the use of flavorings in food and safety evaluations are conducted.
  • Allergens can be hidden in natural flavors, posing risks to allergy sufferers.
  • The US Food and Drug Administration regulates food labeling, including flavors.
  • Additional resources include further reading on the legal framework for natural flavoring production, market studies on the flavor industry, and books on neurogastronomy and flavor perception.

Flavoring Data Sources

Reference URL
Glossary https://www.alternix.com/blogs/glossary-of-terms/flavoring
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavoring
Wikidata https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4173974
Knowledge Graph https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/121n98f1&
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