Natural Flavors in Root'd — Sources and Transparency
When it comes to food we eat and drink, many of us strive to make healthy choices. And if you've been paying attention to food labels, you may have noticed the inclusion of "natural flavors" in many products. You've probably seen it listed on everything from your morning yogurt to your trusted supplements, including Root'd. But what does it really mean? And more importantly, are these flavors bad for you?
We've been asked this quite a few times now so let’s dive into it!
What does natural flavors mean?
Natural flavors come from real plant or animal sources; artificial flavors are built in a lab.
The FDA defines natural flavors1 as ingredients derived from plant or animal sources, used to enhance the taste of food and beverages. This contrasts with artificial flavors, which are synthesized in labs. However, the end goal of both is the same: to replicate natural taste.
Natural flavors vs. artificial flavors
Both are regulated as safe — Root'd simply chooses the natural, allergen-free route.
Where do natural flavors come from?
Herbs, fruits, vegetables and spices — extracted, distilled or fermented into the flavors you taste.
Natural flavors can come from a variety of sources, including herbs, fruits, vegetables, spices, and even animal products. These flavors are derived from natural sources through processes like extraction, distillation, or fermentation and are used to enhance the taste and aroma of food and beverages. For example, strawberry flavor may be extracted from real strawberries, while vanilla flavor may be derived from the vanilla bean. Natural flavors are often preferred by consumers who want to avoid artificial additives and enjoy the authentic taste of food.
Are natural flavors bad for you?
The FDA regulates them as “Generally Recognized As Safe” — but “natural” isn't the same as “nutritious.”
This is a question many health-conscious consumers ask. The concern usually stems from the processing and the additives that might come along with natural flavors. It's important to note that while natural flavors are derived from natural sources, they undergo significant processing to extract and concentrate the flavor.
The FDA regulates these flavors and categorizes them as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). This designation means that these substances are not expected to pose a health risk under the conditions of intended use. However, it's important to understand that the term "natural" in this context doesn't equate to a lack of processing or alteration.
Furthermore, "natural" doesn't automatically imply a health benefit or a more nutritious choice. In some cases, natural flavors are used to enhance the taste of products that might not be nutritionally optimal. As a consumer, it's crucial to look beyond the "natural" label and consider the overall nutritional profile of the food, including aspects like sugar content, preservatives, and other additives or allergens.
Do natural flavors cause allergies?
They can — some brands derive flavors from common allergens like nuts, soy or dairy.
When it comes to allergies, it's important to be aware of what's in your food and supplements. Some natural flavors used by various brands can be derived from sources that are common allergens, such as nuts, soy, or dairy. This can raise concerns for those with specific food sensitivities or allergies.
For instance, a natural almond flavor, while derived from a natural source, can be problematic for someone with a tree nut allergy. Similarly, flavors extracted from soy or dairy products can be a hidden source of allergens for those sensitive to these ingredients.
Why You Can Trust Root’d
Root'd's flavors are free from barley, nuts, soy and dairy — and our MULTIs are lab-tested by Eurofins.
Now, let's talk about Root'd and why you can feel confident about our products. At Root’d, we put your health at the forefront of everything we do. We are committed to ethical labeling and responsible sourcing of our ingredients. Our natural flavors are meticulously chosen and blended to complement the nutritional benefits of our supplements, ensuring that they are not only derived from high-quality natural sources but also free from common allergens. This means you won't find any hidden barley, nuts, soy, dairy, or other common allergens in our natural flavors. As a reputable brand dedicated to purity, quality and safety, our MULTIs are also tested by an ISO-certified lab, Eurofins, to guarantee that they meet the highest quality standards.
Root'd natural flavors are free from…
Tap or hover any card — Root'd keeps these common allergens out of our flavors.
Natural Flavors in Root’d
Real raspberries, açaí and monk fruit — flavor and a touch of sweetness, with no blood-sugar spike.*
Root’d uses flavors obtained from the essences and extracts of natural sources like raspberries, açaí fruit, and monk fruit. So when you taste the hint of raspberry in your Root’d drink, it's derived from actual raspberries, not artificially created in a lab. The sweetness you experience is from the natural properties of monk fruit, a sweetener that provides flavor without causing a spike in your blood sugar and insulin levels, making it a popular choice among people with diabetes.*
The natural sources behind Root'd's flavor
Tap or hover any card to see what's behind each flavor.
What about the natural flavors listed under “other ingredients”?
“With Other Natural Flavors” (WONF) just means complementary natural notes like citrus — no artificial additives.
In compliance with FDA requirements, we label our products with "With Other Natural Flavors2" (WONF). This means that in addition to the primary flavors like raspberry açaí, we use complementary natural flavors such as citrus to create a balanced and delightful taste without relying on artificial additives. This approach is part of our commitment to providing you with supplements that are not only safe and effective but also enjoyable to consume, without the drawbacks of added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Curious how clean a daily multi can actually taste? Meet Root'd →
Takeaway
Read past the label — with Root'd, “natural flavors” means real fruit sources and no hidden allergens.
Understanding the ingredients in your health supplements is crucial, and "natural flavors" is a term that warrants clarification. Through this discussion, we hope we were able to clear up any concerns and help you feel confident and informed about choosing Root’d for your health and wellness needs. Ready to explore a safe and nutritious allergen-free option? 🥦 Use code ROOTD15 for 15% off + free shipping on your first order. Shop now!
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FAQs
Natural flavors
The FDA defines natural flavors as flavoring ingredients derived from plant or animal sources — like fruits, herbs, vegetables and spices — used to enhance taste. They differ from artificial flavors, which are synthesized in a lab.
The FDA categorizes natural flavors as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under their intended use. Just remember "natural" doesn't automatically mean nutritious — it's still worth checking a product's sugar, additives and allergens.
No. Root'd's natural flavors are free from common allergens including barley, nuts, soy and dairy, and our MULTIs are tested by the ISO-certified lab Eurofins.
Root'd's flavor comes from real raspberries and açaí fruit, with natural sweetness from monk fruit and complementary citrus notes — no artificial flavors, added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
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