I just posted an article on my Facebook page the other about what “natural flavors” are. Pretty much comes down to if it says natural, it’s most likely not, and disgusting too. Here’s the article: “Chemical Warfare with Natural Flavor.” Thanks to Food Babe for this!
One of my most favorite, and simplest lunches is butter lettuce, avocado, sea salt and black pepper, with Trader Jose’s 100% Spanish Organic Extra Virgin Garlic Flavored Olive Oil. I was worried by the word flavored, and preferred to know what it was (and what I’m putting in my body), so I asked.
Here’s what I sent Trader Joe’s:
Hello There!
I am needing to understand the ingredients behind the “Organic Natural Garlic Flavor” included in this Garlic Flavored Olive Oil, as a result of serious food sensitivities. I tried to research on your site, but couldn’t find the information. It is my all time favorite, but am concerned about the ingredients that are in the “natural flavoring.”
Thanks so much!
Lindsay
Trader Joe’s response:
Hi Lindsay,
Thank you for contacting us! There are no “natural flavors” listed in our Trader Joe’s 100% Spanish Organic Extra Virgin Garlic Flavored Olive Oil. The “Organic Natural Garlic Flavor” is made by extracting and concentrating the best Spanish Organic Garlic then added to the oil.
Thanks again,
Nicki K.
Trader Joe’s
Customer Relations
Love their customer relations and I will continue eating my favorite quick lunch salad 🙂 Better salad dressing than Kraft Ranch any day. Ha.
livinglikelinds 
Good to know – I like that one, too!!
I LOVE 100s of TJs products, but I dont believe this. If they added natural organic garlic to the organic olive oil, it would say that. The words natural and flavor indicate an extraction process that almost always results in free glutamic acid, i.e. MSG.
I know, Ellie…grrrr. I still use it sparingly, but think I just need to infuse my own EVOO with garlic 🙂
Thanks so much!! I’m avoiding garlic while on a SIBO recovery diet, but was told garlic infused olive oil was ok. Had you’re exact question about the “natural garlic flavoring” in this TJ’s olive oil. Now I know it’s safe. 🙂
I am still a little suspicious, Jennifer, but, I do what works for me and make the best decisions I can 🙂 Linds