Flavors: Natural vs. Artificial and WONF vs. FTNF

Different flavor terms and descriptors can be confusing, and at times, even deterring. Here is an easy breakdown between natural and artificial flavors, and WONF from FTNF flavors.

Natural vs. Artificial

Natural Flavors: Natural flavors are derived from natural ingredients, like plants, fruit, vegetables, etc. However, in most cases the entirety of the flavor formulation doesn't just contain these ingredients. Preservatives, emulsifiers, and other additives are typically needed to both solubilize and stabilize the flavor components, and to retain their quality characteristics over a products shelf life. In most cases, because these additives do not impart flavor, they fall outside of the regulatory scope of "flavoring" within USA regulations. It is only those components which contribute to the flavor or sensory experience that must be natural.

Artificial Flavors: Artificial flavors are synthetic and are typically not derived from natural ingredients. Or if they are derived from natural sources, the chemistry used in their production process renders the flavor molecule as synthetic. Artificial flavors create a similar taste profile to the natural flavor without using the authentic botanical as it's source. Artificial flavors are created through chemical synthesis and are used because of their vast variety of flavoring opportunities, as well as their low cost compared to natural derivatives. There are also instances where a mixture of both natural and artificial flavors are utilized together, where they are appropriately labeled as "Natural and Artificial Flavors" on food packaging.

WONF vs. FTNF

WONF and FTNF are both in reference to natural flavors, yet their difference in simple terms boils down to a single source flavor (FTNF) compared to a mixture of flavor compounds (WONF).

WONF: WONF stands for "With Other Natural Flavors". For example, if you are aiming for a strawberry flavor, but the strawberry profile isn't as impactful as desired, other natural flavors can be added to make the flavor taste more like strawberry, or to enhance particular characteristics. The flavor is still natural, but strawberry isn't the only flavor added to create the strawberry taste. This can be found on a label for example as "Natural Strawberry Flavor, With Other Natural Flavors". A majority of flavors produced today fall within this definition.

FTNF: FTNF stands for "From The Named Fruit". This is more-so an F&F industry term, yet it means, if it is a natural raspberry flavor, all of the flavoring components are coming solely from raspberry. This also is in reference to the authenticity of a flavor, such as a pure essential oil or extract without any other additives.