flavored

Flavored is an adjective describing something that has had its taste or aroma modified by adding flavoring. In American English, the spelling is flavored; in British English, the equivalent adjective is flavoured. It is commonly used for foods and beverages but can also apply to medicines, cosmetics, and other products that include added flavor compounds.

Flavorings can be natural or artificial. Natural flavors are derived from edible sources through processes that isolate or extract flavor compounds, while artificial flavors are chemically synthesized. Some products use a blend of both. Labeling often indicates the type of flavoring, with terms like natural flavor or artificial flavor, and may disclose additives or potential allergens.

In marketing, flavored products describe the intended sensory impression rather than the exact ingredients. For example, strawberry-flavored or mint-flavored signals a specific taste profile, even if the base ingredients differ. In formulation, flavorings are used to achieve desired tastes, mask less pleasant notes, or create a distinctive brand experience.

The concept intersects with broader food science, where flavor encompasses taste, aroma, and mouthfeel. Flavored items are contrasted with plain or unflavored versions that rely solely on intrinsic ingredients. The word flavored functions as the past participle of flavor and appears across labeling, packaging, and consumer communications within the food and consumer goods sectors.