Sometimes animal

Natural flavors

Common US / international name: natural flavors

Origin: Catch-all flavoring term that hides specific sources.
What it depends on: US and EU rules allow animal or plant starting materials under natural flavor. The label rarely names the source animal.
Where it typically appears: Almost every category of packaged food and drink.
Regional note: In the US, natural flavor is especially broad under FDA 21 CFR 101.22. EU flavoring law uses different categories and may require allergen callouts.
Product groups: Sweets, Drinks, Bakery, Savory, Dairy, Other
Source: Codex CAC/GL 36-1989; EU Reg. No 1333/2008; FDA 21 CFR; Open Food Facts (ODbL). As of September 1, 2026