Nature Identical Cranberry Flavour

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Nature identical cranberry flavour is a chemically synthesised flavouring substance whose molecular composition is identical to the flavour compounds found naturally in cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon), but produced via chemical synthesis rather than physical extraction from the fruit. It is used in foods and beverages to impart a cranberry taste and aroma profile without relying on direct fruit-derived sources.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

Regulatory and toxicological bodies including EFSA, FDA (via FEMA GRAS), and JECFA evaluate nature-identical flavouring substances using the same safety procedures as natural and artificial flavourings, as there is no established toxicological reason to distinguish them from their natural counterparts. Approved nature-identical flavouring substances are used at quantum satis levels (the minimum needed for the intended flavouring effect) with no established ADI for the class as a whole. No specific safety concerns have been identified for nature-identical cranberry flavour in the general adult population at typical food-use concentrations.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	Regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. The former 'nature identical' category was abolished as a distinct label by this regulation; such chemically synthesised substances matching natural counterparts are now regulated as 'flavouring substances' on the EU Union List (Annex I). Only substances on the EU list may be used. Individual constituent chemicals require EFSA evaluation and listing before use.source
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India)	Approved	Permitted under FSS (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, Regulation 3.3.1, which allows use of 'Natural flavours and natural flavouring substances / Nature identical flavouring substances / Artificial flavouring substances' at GMP levels across food categories. Under FSS (Labelling & Display) Regulations 2020, nature-identical flavouring substances must be declared by class name (not common name) on food labels.source
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Approved	Nature-identical (synthetic) flavouring substances are regulated under 21 CFR 172.515 (Synthetic Flavouring Substances and Adjuvants). Constituent chemicals must appear on the FEMA GRAS list or FDA-approved food additive list; FDA has not challenged marketing of flavours affirmed GRAS by the FEMA Expert Panel. Used at quantum satis (no higher than needed for flavouring effect).source

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Children — Children generally consume proportionally more flavoured food and beverages relative to body weight; while no specific toxicity is established for nature-identical cranberry flavour, regulatory bodies recommend minimising unnecessary additive exposure in young children as a general precaution.

Pregnancy — No specific evidence of harm from nature-identical cranberry flavour during pregnancy exists, but general guidance from nutrition bodies advises limiting intake of chemically synthesised food additives during pregnancy as a precautionary measure.

Ibs — Some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome may experience symptom exacerbation from artificial or synthetic flavouring compounds in flavoured food products, though direct evidence specific to nature-identical cranberry flavour is not established.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1FDA. Understanding How the FDA Regulates Food Additives and GRAS Ingredients. fda.gov
2PubMed. The safety evaluation of food flavouring substances: the role of metabolic studies. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations – Compendium Version VIII, 2025. fssai.gov.in
4EFSA. Flavourings – EU Lists of Flavourings (Regulation EC No 1334/2008), 2008. food.ec.europa.eu
5other. EUR-Lex Commission Staff Working Document SEC(2006)1042 – Impact Assessment for Revision of Flavourings Legislation, 2006. eur-lex.europa.eu

Independently researched5 citations