When chips like Hickory Sticks or Ringolos list "natural flavor" as an ingredient, what are they referring to?!
Sometimes at school I get a salt-craving that I can't ignore, and head to the vending machine!. I usually get something like Hickory Sticks, Ringolos, or all-dressed Ruffles!. I've always thought that these were vegan, but today when I was inspecting the ingredients list on the Hickory Sticks, I noticed that they mentioned "natural flavor" as an ingredient!. I never thought about this before, but now I'm worried!. What exactly have I been eating!?Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
Natural flavor pretty much means anything of either plant or animal origin!. You can't assume it's vegan unless you ask the manufacturer!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I am a former chef and have known people who worked with Frito Lay/Hostess Canada, and with regards to the natural flavour rest assured there is no meat, some of it is dairy and a vegetable base, but most hickory and meat flavoured items are simulated except for pork rinds!.
It is a mixutre of salts, sugar, plant proteins, herbs/spices, milk products and sometimes MSG, they are simulated to taste like specific items, the combos can achieve different tastes, animal product in snack food unless specific made from them, are not profitable animal fats and proteins go off quicker, that is why they cook things in veg oil instead of the cheaper lard used for pork rinds!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
It is a mixutre of salts, sugar, plant proteins, herbs/spices, milk products and sometimes MSG, they are simulated to taste like specific items, the combos can achieve different tastes, animal product in snack food unless specific made from them, are not profitable animal fats and proteins go off quicker, that is why they cook things in veg oil instead of the cheaper lard used for pork rinds!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
It only means that it's from a natural source and could be a myriad of things!. They list it that way either to not reveal a secret ingredient to competitors or to hide an ingredient from the public eye!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
It depends on the manufacturer!. Call the number on the package and ask them if the natural flavor is animal deprived or not!.Www@FoodAQ@Com