Why Doesn't Banana Flavor Taste Like Bananas?

Overview

Banana flavoring. Just hearing those words probably triggers a specific memory. Maybe it’s that weirdly chewy piece of Laffy Taffy you made a trade for during school lunch. Maybe it’s the smell of a banana popsicle you tried once and never fully recovered from. Or maybe it’s Circus Peanuts. No, really - we’ll get there. The point is, banana is one of the most ubiquitous flavors in desserts and candy. So how come none of it actually tastes like bananas?