Can natural flavors contain allergens?
In short: They can. In the US, the nine major allergens must be declared even inside flavorings, and the EU has a similar rule for its 14 allergens. Allergens outside those lists may not be named, so a word like "natural flavor" can hide them. If you react to something less common, ask the manufacturer what the flavoring contains.
"Natural flavor" is a collective term. The label does not have to list everything in the blend, which is why it worries people with allergies.
What the rules cover
- US: The nine major allergens are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. They must be declared even when they are in a flavoring.
- EU: The 14 listed allergens must be declared when used in any ingredient or processing aid.
The gap
Allergens outside those lists do not have to be named. Examples include less common foods such as peas in the US, or any food not on your country's list. If you react to one of these, the word "flavoring" does not tell you enough. Contact the manufacturer and ask.
How IngrediLens helps
IngrediLens reads the ingredient list on a label with your iPhone camera and highlights the allergens you chose, including "may contain" statements. It can miss things and is not a medical device, so always check the pack yourself and, if the source of an ingredient is unclear, ask the manufacturer.
Check labels with IngrediLens
Point your iPhone camera at an ingredient list and IngrediLens highlights the allergens you chose and “may contain” statements. Free to start, no account, and your data stays on your device.
Download on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
Does the US require allergens in flavors to be labelled?
Yes. The major allergens must be declared when they are in a flavoring, coloring or incidental additive.
What if my allergen is not on the major list?
It may not be named. Contact the manufacturer and ask directly about the flavoring.
Do natural and artificial flavors differ for allergens?
The allergen labelling rules do not depend on that word, so natural does not tell you anything about allergens.
