FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does Kagome define artificial and natural flavors?

Kagome follows the U.S. Food & Drug Administration standard:

“The term natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”

“The term artificial flavor or artificial flavoring means any substance, the function of which is to impart flavor, which is NOT derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof.”

Why are these flavors considered artificial?

The main difference between a natural and artificial flavor is the origin of the flavor chemicals. Natural flavors come from plant or animal material, where as artificial flavors are created in the lab to mimic a natural flavor.

Why are consumers interested in food with natural flavors and why should restaurants be interested too?

Over the years, consumers have become more interested in their wellness and want to feel a connection with their food. As a result more attention is being paid to ingredients statements. Although there is little to no difference in the nutritional benefits between natural and artificial flavors, consumers associate “natural” with health, sustainability and better flavor.

What is Kagome doing?

In order to provide our customers with products that meet their consumers’ standards, Kagome is rising to the challenge – provide great tasting sauce by using natural flavors without drastically increasing prices. Our Los Banos facility has successfully reformulated 99% of our products to exclude artificial flavoring. Moving forward, all future product development will only include natural flavors unless instructed otherwise by a customer.

What are Kagome’s capabilities?

The Kagome team is dedicated to creating products that fit your menu! We are prepared to assist you in any way, whether it be product development, culinary support, nutritional and sensory analysis, menu concepts or trend insight. To learn more about Our Process, visit our Research & Development page!