Raspberries are small red, purple, or black berries that grow on bushes in the genus Rubus of the family Rosaceae. The fruit contains vitamin C and iron, which are good for the human body, but synthetic flavorings and fragrances that imitate raspberries may not be so beneficial to consumers.

A single synthetic flavor or fragrance may contain a few to several hundred separate chemicals, most of which are derived from petroleum. One artificial raspberry flavoring is comprised of, for instance, vanillin, ethylvanillin, alphaionone, maltol, 1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-3-butanone, dimethyl sulphide, and 2,5-dimethyl-N-(2-pyrazinyl) pyrrole. The formulas of most synthetic flavorings and fragrances are, however, unknown to the general public because they are protected by law as private information. Thus, consumers who may have allergies to certain chemicals or who are concerned about the health effects of synthetic substances have little opportunity to make informed choices in their purchases since the information they need is not required to be provided on labeling. Making the issue of informed purchasing decisions even more difficult is the fact that items advertised as “fragrance-free” may actually contain fragrances because the term only officially implies that a product does not exude any odor than may be detected by the consumer. Thus, fragrances may be utilized in these products, but only to mask or counteract other odors emitted by raw materials.

The flavor and scent of fresh raspberries is often described as sweet and delicate, or subtle. Yet, the drinks, candies, lip balms, candles, and other products that contain synthetic versions of the fruit are not necessarily so. Though this anomaly might seem like the result of a shortcoming in the food and fragrance industries, many imitation flavors and fragrances that bear little likeness to the original are the most successful. This is especially true in regards to fruits such as cherries or raspberries, which, when separated from their juiciness and texture, have little to offer but a faint sweetness and aroma that are not highly appreciated on their own. Trials and tests with consumers have repeatedly shown that a stronger flavor or scent is often preferable, which helps explain the tremendous popularity of items such as cherry cola and raspberry tea that few could ever believe were flavored by real fruit.

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