To understand WONF (pronounced wan-eff) and TYPE… we first need to know one more confusing flavor category and that is FTNF… or “From the Named Fruit.” FTNF flavors are built from ingredients that come specifically from the same fruit / plant / botanical as the named flavor. To produce these FTNF flavors, the manufacturer extracts or concentrates flavoring compounds directly from the named fruit (e.g., strawberry or orange). If no other compounds or ingredients are used in the flavor, it can be labeled FTNF.

What is WONF?

When a label says "Natural [Fruit Name] WONF" (With Other Natural Flavors), it means that the flavoring includes natural ingredients derived from the named fruit, but it's not the only source of flavor. Here's a breakdown of what's included:

• Natural Flavor from the Named Source: The manufacturer extracts or concentrates flavoring compounds directly from the named fruit (e.g., strawberry, orange). This provides a base layer of the desired taste and aroma.
• Additional Natural Flavors:  These come from other natural sources, not necessarily related to the named fruit.

There are several reasons why manufacturers might use WONF:

• Enhancement:  Natural flavors from other sources can be used to intensify or amplify certain taste or aroma aspects of the named fruit. For example, adding a touch of raspberry flavor to a strawberry WONF could enhance the overall fruitiness.
• Complexity:  Combining flavors from different sources allows for creating a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than using just the named fruit. Think of it like adding spices to a dish – it adds depth and character.
• Cost-effectiveness:  Extracting flavor directly from some fruits can be expensive or require special handling. Using WONF allows manufacturers to achieve a similar taste profile while potentially reducing costs by incorporating more readily available natural flavors.

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Check out our WONF Flavors:

What is Type?

Type Flavors, also known as Natural Flavor Type*, are a fascinating example of scientific ingenuity in the world of food science. Here's what makes them unique:

• All-Natural Ingredients:  Just like WONF, Type Flavors use ingredients derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. However, there's a key difference.
• No Named Source Included: Unlike WONF, Type Flavors don't contain any natural flavoring directly extracted from the source mentioned on the label. For example, a "Natural Strawberry Type Flavor" wouldn't have any actual strawberry in it.

So how do they achieve the desired flavor profile? It's all about the "detective work" of flavor scientists:

• Recreating the Essence: Flavor scientists analyze the natural compounds responsible for the characteristic taste and aroma of a particular fruit (like strawberry).
• Building Blocks from Nature: They then identify natural ingredients from other sources that contain similar flavor compounds. For instance, some natural strawberry flavor might come from esters found in certain fruits or flowers.
• Mixing and Matching: By carefully selecting and combining these natural ingredients from various sources, they can create a flavor profile that mimics the taste and aroma of the named source (strawberry) without using any of it directly.

Here are some reasons why manufacturers might use Type Flavors:

• Allergen-friendliness: If someone has an allergy to a specific fruit (like strawberries), a Type Flavor can provide a similar taste experience without the allergen.
• Unique Flavor Profiles:  Type Flavors allow for creating innovative flavor combinations that wouldn't be possible with just the named source. Imagine a "tropical fruit punch" Type Flavor that combines natural flavors from pineapple, mango, and passion fruit extracts.
• Cost or Availability:  Sometimes, the named source might be expensive, out of season, or difficult to obtain consistently. Type Flavors offer a way to achieve a consistent flavor profile using readily available natural ingredients.

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Another common use of TYPE flavors are when a product contains natural flavors, but the flavor profile is trying to evoke the idea of "fantasy” flavors, which do not actually exist in nature so they cannot be made as Natural Extract/FTNF (From The Named Fruit) or from WONF flavors. Examples of these include flavors such as Blue Raspberry Type, Cotton Candy Type, or Tropical Breeze Type

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See our current Type Flavors:

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Have lingering questions or want to explore how natural flavors can elevate your own creations?  Talk to our team of experts!

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*It's important to note that Type Flavors, by regulation, cannot have images of the named source (like a strawberry) on the packaging to avoid misleading consumers.