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Artificial flavors

Artificial flavors suppliers and sourcing guide

Artificial flavors are flavoring preparations that contain flavor substances not derived from natural food sources, usually aroma chemicals made by synthesis such as vanillin from guaiacol, ethyl butyrate or synthetic citral. Flavor houses combine these, often with natural materials, to a target profile and deliver them in liquid carriers or as spray-dried powders. Brands buy them for cost, strength and supply stability in candy, drink mixes, baked goods and supplement flavoring.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Artificial flavoring · Synthetic flavors · Nature-identical flavors
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of artificial flavors

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Liquid flavors

    Flavors in propylene glycol, ethanol, triacetin or vegetable oil, chosen for water or fat-based products.

  • Spray-dried and plated powders

    Flavors on maltodextrin, gum acacia or sugar for dry mixes, tablets and capsules.

  • Natural and artificial (N&A)

    Blends of natural and artificial flavor materials, labeled as natural and artificial flavor.

  • Heat-stable and encapsulated

    Flavors built or encapsulated for baking, extrusion or long shelf life.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Sensory match
Taste and odor against the approved standard, the main release test.
Specific gravity and refractive index
Physical checks on liquid flavors that catch formulation or dilution errors.
Flash point and solvent
Flash point and carrier or solvent content for shipping and formulation.
Moisture (powders)
Loss on drying or Karl Fischer moisture for powdered flavors.
Regulatory and allergen documents
Statement that every flavor ingredient is permitted by FDA regulation, plus allergen and kosher or halal letters.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dark area; heat and air drive off volatile components and can change the profile. Store powders sealed and dry. Shelf life is set by the flavor house specification, commonly 12 to 24 months.

Lots and expiry dates

Synthetic flavor chemicals are more consistent than natural ones, but record the formula version and compare each lot with the retained standard. Rotate stock first-expiry, first-out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 101.22(a)(1) defines artificial flavor as any substance used to impart flavor that is not derived from a spice, fruit, vegetable, herb, meat, dairy or similar natural source or fermentation products of them.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 172.515 permits listed synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants in food when used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Under 21 CFR 101.22(i)(2), when a characterizing flavor is simulated or reinforced by artificial flavor, its name must be accompanied by "artificial" or "artificially flavored".

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Under 21 CFR 101.22(g)(2), a multi-ingredient flavor shipped to a food manufacturer may state that all flavor ingredients are approved for use in an FDA regulation instead of listing each one.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Artificial flavors suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking artificial flavors suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell artificial flavors? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of artificial flavors can brands buy?

Common forms include liquid flavors, spray-dried and plated powders, natural and artificial (N&A) and heat-stable and encapsulated. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for artificial flavors include?

Expect sensory match, specific gravity and refractive index, flash point and solvent, moisture (powders) and regulatory and allergen documents, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should artificial flavors be stored?

Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dark area; heat and air drive off volatile components and can change the profile. Store powders sealed and dry. Shelf life is set by the flavor house specification, commonly 12 to 24 months.

What is the regulatory status of artificial flavors?

21 CFR 101.22(a)(1) defines artificial flavor as any substance used to impart flavor that is not derived from a spice, fruit, vegetable, herb, meat, dairy or similar natural source or fermentation products of them. 21 CFR 172.515 permits listed synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants in food when used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect. Under 21 CFR 101.22(i)(2), when a characterizing flavor is simulated or reinforced by artificial flavor, its name must be accompanied by "artificial" or "artificially flavored". Under 21 CFR 101.22(g)(2), a multi-ingredient flavor shipped to a food manufacturer may state that all flavor ingredients are approved for use in an FDA regulation instead of listing each one.

More flavors, spices and essential oils

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