If you are trying to be more aware and read ingredients, learning how they appear can only help! The good news is that you do not have to be a food scientist. You will learn the words brands use, and that is all you need.
Step 1: Head directly to the list of ingredients
Put the all-over-the-pack claims out of your mind and read the small print instead. In most cases, the ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so those at or near the top of this list form a more substantial part of what you are buying. For Natural Flavourings, visit foodieflavours.com/collections/natural-flavourings
Step 2: Identify these keywords
Flavourings may be listed as one of several subheadings such as:
Flavouring/flavourings
Natural flavouring/natural flavourings
Natural flavours (e.g., natural lemon flavour)
Flavouring preparations
Extract (vanilla, peppermint)
Extract or essence (commonly added for taste)
Even if the front says “strawberry flavour” the ingredients could still say “flavouring” and point to, well certainly not strawberries as being where that main taste is coming from.
Step 3: See what the taste-maker is
Maybe the flavour journey is in some of the other ingredients.
Sweeteners (or sugar) boost taste
Citric acid to impart a sharp flavour
Salt enhances savoury flavours
Step 4: Allergy and Diet
Read carefully if you are allergic or vegan. Even if it might not be clear on the front label, there could still be flavourings from animal or allergenic sources.
Quick takeaway
Look for “flavouring(s)” if you want to know what is actually contributing flavour, then read down and see everything else that bolsters the taste (sweeteners, acids, salt). It takes 20 seconds and considerably improves your shopping choices.