Food additives are necessary for storage and use of flavourings in a similar way as they are used for the production and preservation of many processed foodstuffs. Examples are the preservatives needed to preserve flavourings, emulsifiers necessary for equal dispersion of an oily flavouring in water-based drinks, and anti-caking agents ensuring that a powdered flavouring is free flowing and can be evenly dispersed in foods.

The food additives that may be used in flavourings and their conditions of use are laid down in Directive 2003/114/EC amending Directive 95/2/EC on food additives other than colours and sweeteners.