eli5: Why do artificially flavored drinks and foods taste artificial and not like the real thing?

Question

eli5: Why do artificially flavored drinks and foods taste artificial and not like the real thing?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Because they ARE artificial. While a food chemist can replicate the main flavors, there are always trace components that either are too hard or too expensive to add/replicate. Your sense of taste is very advance and can tel the difference. Also, at some point the team replicating the flavor can decide ‘it’s close enough’ and move to the next project. (Analytical chemist here).