Flavoring Ingredients

We've indexed 35 flavoring ingredients. Of those, 17 confirmed vegan, 3 non-vegan, 15 that depend on the source. Use this hub to look up any flavoring on a label and find vegan alternatives where needed.

What are flavoring ingredients?

Flavorings are concentrated substances that give food its taste. "Natural flavoring" is a vague term that may include animal-derived components like castoreum or musk. Vegan-certified flavorings are clearly labeled.

Flavoring at a glance

Non-vegan flavoring ingredients to avoid

Commonly found in

PerfumesInstant noodlesBaked goodsPotato chipsCanned soupsCandiesProcessed foodsVape juiceGravy mixesSavory snacksSnacksSoups

All flavoring ingredients (35)

Benzaldehyde

Vegan

An organic compound consisting of a benzene ring with a formyl substituent. It provides a characteristic almond-like odor.

Butyric Acid

Check the Label

A carboxylic acid with an unpleasant odor, used in trace amounts to create artificial butter and cheese flavors.

Calcium Guanylate

Check the Label

A calcium salt of guanylic acid used to enhance savory flavors.

Calcium Inosinate

Check the Label

A calcium salt of inosinic acid, acting as a flavor enhancer.

Calcium Ribonucleotides

Check the Label

A mixture of calcium guanylate and calcium inosinate used to amplify savory flavors.

Castoreum

Not Vegan

A yellowish exudate from the castor sacs of mature beavers.

Cinnamaldehyde

Vegan

The organic compound that gives cinnamon its flavor and odor.

Diacetyl

Vegan

An organic compound with an intense buttery flavor, used heavily in microwave popcorn.

Dipotassium Guanylate

Check the Label

A potassium salt of guanylic acid used as a flavor enhancer.

Dipotassium Inosinate

Check the Label

A flavor enhancer derived from inosinic acid, used to boost umami.

Disodium Guanylate

Check the Label

A flavor enhancer that provides a savory umami taste, often used in conjunction with MSG to multiply the flavor intensity.

E631 (Disodium inosinate)

Check the Label

A flavor enhancer commonly found in instant noodles and potato chips.

Ethyl Butyrate

Vegan

An ester with a fruity odor, resembling pineapple or orange.

Ethyl Maltol

Vegan

A synthetic flavoring agent that gives a sweet, caramelized, or cotton-candy-like flavor and aroma to food.

Fish Sauce

Not Vegan

A liquid condiment commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Gamma-Nonalactone

Vegan

An organic compound used extensively in flavorings and perfumes to impart a creamy, coconut-like aroma.

Glycine

Check the Label

The simplest amino acid, used in food as a flavor enhancer or as a supplement to support sleep and joint health.

Guanylic Acid

Check the Label

A flavor enhancer used to impart a savory, umami taste to foods, often working alongside MSG.

Guarana Extract

Vegan

A natural extract from the seeds of the Amazonian guarana fruit, known for its high caffeine content.

Inosinic Acid

Check the Label

An acid used extensively as a flavor enhancer to boost umami profiles in processed savory foods.

Isoamyl Acetate

Vegan

An organic compound ester that has a strong odor resembling bananas or pears.

Kimchi (Commercial)

Check the Label

A traditional Korean side dish of salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and Korean radishes. It is seasoned with spices like gochugaru (chili powder), garlic, ginger, and scallions.

Maltol

Vegan

A naturally occurring organic compound used as a flavor enhancer, imparting a sweet, freshly baked bread or caramel aroma.

Monosodium Glutamate

Vegan

A highly concentrated flavor enhancer that delivers a savory, meaty, umami taste to foods.

MSG (E621)

Vegan

A flavor enhancer that provides umami taste, common in savory snacks and Asian dishes.

Musk

Check the Label

A heavy base note used in perfumery to give fragrances depth, warmth, and long-lasting staying power.

Natural Flavorings

Check the Label

A catch-all term for flavor compounds derived from natural sources, used to enhance the taste of processed foods.

Nutritional Yeast

Vegan

An inactive yeast sold as yellow flakes or powder, beloved by vegans for its intensely cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor.

Potassium Chloride

Vegan

A mineral salt used as a flavor enhancer and salt substitute.

Potassium Chloride

Vegan

A mineral salt used as a flavor enhancer and a salt substitute to reduce sodium intake.

Quillaia Extract

Vegan

A natural extract used primarily to create thick, stable foams in beverages.

Quillaia Extract

Vegan

A natural extract used as a foaming agent in beverages.

Vanillin

Vegan

The primary component of the extract of the vanilla bean, widely used as an artificial vanilla flavoring.

Vegetable Broth (Commercial)

Check the Label

Vegetable broth is a savory liquid made from simmering vegetables and aromatics in water. Commercial versions are sold as liquids, concentrates, cubes, or powders and are used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces.

Worcestershire Sauce

Not Vegan

A dark, fermented liquid condiment with a complex, savory, and tangy flavor profile. It is a key ingredient in many marinades, sauces, and cocktails.

Frequently asked about flavoring

Are all flavoring ingredients vegan?

Not all. Of 35 flavoring ingredients indexed, 17 are vegan, 3 are non-vegan, and 15 can go either way depending on the manufacturer.

Which flavoring ingredients should vegans avoid?

The most common non-vegan flavoring ingredients are Castoreum, Fish Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce. See the list below for the full breakdown and vegan alternatives for each.

What are vegan alternatives to flavoring ingredients?

Popular plant-based replacements include Coconut aminos, Vanilla extract, Synthetic vanillin, Soy sauce. Each non-vegan entry below lists specific alternatives suited to its function.

How do I spot flavoring ingredients on a food label?

Look for the substance name or its E-number. Common flavoring E-numbers include E629, E633, E634, E628, E632. When in doubt, check the manufacturer's vegan certification or contact them directly.

Why are some flavoring ingredients listed as "check label"?

15 flavoring ingredients we've indexed can be derived from either plant or animal sources depending on the manufacturer. The vegan status only becomes clear when you check the brand or look for vegan certification.