A conversation came up on flavored waters...remember, the word "natural" on food labels is a grey area. The FDA states that:
"From a food science perspective, it is difficult to define a food product that is 'natural' because the food has probably been processed and is no longer the product of the earth. That said, FDA has not developed a definition for use of the term natural or its derivatives. However, the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances."
In other words, they really don't know what "natural" means. So advertisers use that word to trick the consumer into thinking its all from nature...yet the FDA states it is "probably processed and no longer the product of the earth"? Meaning??? Ummm...Not natural? I'm confused...
So how can natural be not natural?
Just look at most vanilla flavoring (may be listed as "natural")...go ahead and Snopes it http://www.snopes.com/food/ingredient/castoreum.asp
Vanilla flavoring is made form what?
"Castoreum (or castor, not to be confused with the oil of a castor bean) is a yellowish-brown, unctuous substance with a strong, penetrating odor which beavers secrete from castor sacs located in skin cavities between the pelvis and the base of the tail and spray when scent-marking their territory."
That's right...so you have to wonder what other "natural" flavorings are made from...and don't get me started on food colorings....how do you feel about eating insects?
Want flavored water? Here are some recipes: http://www.infusedwaters.com/category/recipes
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