After reading the labels of two of my favorite foods and seeing “natural flavors” on the labels, I called the companies to ask two questions: how they’re made and what’s in them.
Orgain Organic (Plant-Based) Protein Powder with Creamy Chocolate Fudge
I called the number on the package and asked to talk with someone who could explain the ingredients to me. He said he could. So I asked how the “Natural Flavors” included in their ingredients were made and what’s in them.
He was kind, not offended, and told me they’re safe, but he did not tell me how they’re made and what’s in them. I tried calling them again, but the recording said they were not accepting calls. So I found the Orgain site and submitted an email asking those questions on February 15. Here’s their reply on February 16:
<!– /wp: <blockquote>paragraph –>“Natural flavors are extracts from natural sources such as spices, fruits, plants or vegetables. The natural flavors we use in our products come from ingredients derived from natural sources. We do not use animal byproducts, chemical preservatives, artificial colors, or GMO ingredients.
We use natural flavors for quality and consistency. In order for us to use natural flavors, they must meet strict FDA guidelines and safety criteria and we make it a priority to exceed that criteria every time.”
Dannon Plain Yogurt
When I called the customer service for this product that I have been eating for so many years, the man who answered told me that he was not allowed to discuss the ingredients because theirs is a formula they aren’t allowed to share. He offered me coupons to buy more but he would not talk about the ingredients or how they were made.
I went back to the grocery store and read the labels on all the yogurt brands. Of those, only two did not have “natural flavors” listed in their ingredients:
Stonyfield Organic Greek Plain yogurt
Their label did not include ingredients. Instead, it did say “Our Recipe: Cultured, Pasteurized, Pasteurized Organic Nonfat Milk.” And they list their “5 live, active cultures”.
Chobani’s Greek , Nonfat, Plain Yogurt
Their Ingredients: Cultured non-fat milk. They also list the “6 live and active cultures”.
…
Is this important information for you? It probably isn’t for those who eat meat and don’t eat organic foods. But if you’re my age, healthier than most people you know and want to keep it that way, it’s your responsibility to find out what’s in the foods you are eating.
For example, did you know there are more than 30 pesticides in that non-organic cilantro you bought?
Till next time,
Please be kind to everyone you meet, for we all have our hidden sorrows. ~ Tzaddi
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