Fragrance
'Fragrance' is an umbrella term that may cover dozens to hundreds of undisclosed ingredients. In foods, this terminology is non-standard - the FDA regulates aroma in food under 'flavor' (21 CFR 101.22) - so any ingredient labeled simply 'fragrance' on a food has unclear composition.
What it is
A generic umbrella term for undisclosed mixtures of aromatic substances added to provide scent. Primarily used in cosmetics; rarely in food (where 'flavor/flavoring' is the equivalent).
Olfactory/aroma component.
What regulators actually say
"The term natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice..."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not a standard food labeling term; food aroma ingredients fall under 'flavor' per 21 CFR 101.22.
European Union — EFSA
EU food regulation uses 'flavourings' under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008, not 'fragrance'.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app