Flavourings are ingredients added to food and drink in small amounts to give them a specific taste or to replace flavour lost during processing.
They help deliver the flavours we know and love, whether in a soft drink, a yoghurt, a boiled sweet or a savoury snack.
Flavourings can be extracted from natural sources such as fruits, herbs and spices or created by combining flavour compounds to recreate or develop new taste experiences. They are carefully designed to excite our senses and enhance the pleasure of eating.
Humans have used flavourings for thousands of years, from the herbs and spices of ancient Egypt to the sophisticated flavour systems in modern food and drink.
Why do we use flavourings?
Culture and enjoyment
Flavours are deeply connected to emotion and memory. From childhood sweets to festive foods, certain tastes can instantly evoke moments in time. Flavourings help preserve and recreate these experiences across generations and regions.
Health and nutrition
As consumers seek healthier lifestyles, there’s growing demand for food that is lower in salt, sugar or fat but still enjoyable. Flavourings play a key role in making these products taste great, thus helping people make nutritious choices without compromising on flavour.
Sustainability
Flavourings can be produced using fewer natural resources than sourcing whole ingredients, helping reduce pressure on global food supplies. They make it possible to deliver consistent flavour from sustainable sources so we can continue to enjoy the tastes we love while using resources responsibly.
How can I tell if my food contains flavourings?
When a flavouring is used in a food product, it must be listed in the ingredients. This may appear simply as ‘flavouring’ or with a more specific description such as ‘natural orange flavouring’ or ‘orange extract’.
Flavourings are usually added at very low levels (between 0.1% and 2%) and are most commonly found in:
• Beverages
• Dairy products
• Confectionery
• Savoury snacks
• Health and wellness products
They are also used in non-food items such as toothpaste, medicines, animal feed and tobacco products. Unlike additives, flavourings do not have E numbers.
A world-leading industry
The UK has played a vital role in the development of the modern flavour industry. UK flavour companies are global leaders in flavour and sensory science, investing heavily in innovation and research. The industry continues to improve the quality, safety and taste of foods by developing new flavour solutions and refining existing ones.
The UK Flavour Association has represented and promoted this important industry for over 100 years.
