English Reference

Word

flavoring

Phoneticsfla·vor·ing, stress on the first syllable

/ˈfɫeɪvɝɪŋ/

UK spelling · flavouring

Countable & uncountable Cooking

Definition

n. a substance added to food or drink to give it a specific taste. It can be natural, like vanilla, or artificial, like a chemical copy of a fruit.

n. a substance added to food or drink to impart a specific taste or aroma. Often used in the context of processed foods or artificial additives.

Examples

“The cake uses natural vanilla flavoring instead of artificial.”

“The manufacturer replaced the artificial flavoring with a natural extract to meet the new health standards.”

“While the base of the sauce is simple, the chef relies on a complex blend of spice flavoring to achieve the desired depth of character.”

Examples

simple

“The cake uses natural vanilla flavoring instead of artificial.”

contextual

“The manufacturer replaced the artificial flavoring with a natural extract to meet the new health standards.”

complex

“While the base of the sauce is simple, the chef relies on a complex blend of spice flavoring to achieve the desired depth of character.”

Real-World Examples

“Developed partly for NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge, the system can produce proteins, fats, vitamins, and even vanilla flavoring from waste materials.”
ScienceDaily 13 Sept 2026
“The most typical are those that use traditional Spanish flavourings like paprika, jamón serrano or olive.”
The Local 27 Aug 2026

Word family

NOUN

flavoring(B2)

Domain

Cooking

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference