Pure Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Flavors, Natural and Imitation Vanillas: What’s the Difference?
As an avid baker, I’m very interested in vanilla. PURE vanilla that is. So I’ve been researching vanilla for years. Along the way I’ve discovered the importance of understanding the world of vanilla product labels. They can get complicated and confusing.
There are actually four different types of liquid vanilla in the marketplace today. Pure vanilla extract, vanilla flavoring, natural vanilla, and imitation vanilla. So what’s the difference?
Let’s start with PURE VANILLA EXTRACT. First of all, what makes it PURE? There is a Standard of Identity for vanilla extract in the United States. To be labeled Pure Vanilla Extract, a gallon measure must contain 13.35% vanilla bean extractives (10-ounces of moisture-free solids), 35% alcohol, and the balance in distilled water. The FDA has put the requirement of 35% alcohol on ALL extracts. This is done to prevent fermentation of extracts that require this type of product stabilization. However, vanilla doesn’t ferment. So the requirement of the 35% additive isn’t necessary for a pure product. If the vanilla product contains less than 35% alcohol, it must be labeled as a flavoring. However, the FDA only reviews products that are bottled and labeled outside the borders. If you bottle the product in the United States, the FDA doesn’t review those product labels.
What is not listed in the Standard of Identity is sugar, corn syrup, caramel color or any other additives pure vanilla may contain.
Some companies include one or more of these ingredients on their labels, but most do not – even though their pure vanilla contains it. The same is true with alcohol. Grain alcohol is the most commonly used alcohol in vanilla, but sugarcane alcohol is also used. Sugar or corn syrup are often used to mask the harsh notes of alcohol or to make the extract smell and taste better if the quality of the beans used were not good quality.
If you have issues with gluten or sugars, check with the company whose vanilla you’ve purchased. Global Goods Vanilla is made with ethyl alcohol and contains no additional sugars or additives. As a result, this vanilla extract is gluten-free, sugar-free and gmo-free.
There are two forms of vanillin found in vanilla products. There’s the natural form that grows in the vanilla pod that contains much of it’s strong vanilla scent. Then there’s the man-made synthetic version which makes vanilla much more inexpensive.
Clear vanilla is a product available worldwide. The vanilla bean itself possesses a rich, dark brown hue, and when you split open the pod, you'll find that the seeds inside are similarly dark brown. However, these seeds release very little color. This is the reason why vanilla bean ice cream appears white, with tiny brown "specks" denoting the presence of vanilla bean seeds.
For those who have attempted to craft their own vanilla extract using vanilla beans, it can be a year-long process of soaking the beans in various types of alcohol. Surprisingly, even after this extended duration, the resulting liquid is not as dark brown as expected. Consequently, many vanilla products incorporate caramel coloring to achieve the familiar, dark hue of vanilla extract. Nevertheless, it is possible to purchase pure vanilla without the addition of dark caramel coloring, although it may be less common. Reputable companies like Global Goods offer this option.
IMITATION VANILLA is the opposite end of the spectrum. This product is synthetic vanilla made in a laboratory. If you purchase imitation vanilla in the U.S. super markets, it is safe.
Much less than 1% of the so-called vanilla extracts or essences sold throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and the rest of the Americas are pure vanilla extract or flavor. They are made from synthetic vanillin, with some containing 2% alcohol used as a preservative. They sometimes contain sugar and other ingredients, some of which may be considered carcinogenic (Coumadin) in the U.S. In fact, there are only three brands allowed to be brought into the U.S. from Mexico legally. But the borders and airports are filled with the other cheaper brands. There are no label laws in many countries in the Americas, and those that have them don’t enforce them. So researching the brands is important.
How about VANILLA FLAVORING? Vanilla flavor is made with required amounts of vanilla bean extractives, but without alcohol. Propylene glycol is the most common carrier used for producing the flavor. The Standard of Identity states that it can’t be labeled “extract” due to the lack of alcohol. Vanilla flavor is a good choice for anyone who is avoiding alcohol.
Unfortunately, however, some people are allergic to propylene glycol. In that case, a reasonable substitute for vanilla flavor is pure ground vanilla bean powder.
Then there are WONFs (aka in the vanilla industry as “With Other Natural Flavors”). These came onto the market during the vanilla crisis that began in 2000 after three cyclones struck Madagascar in just a few months.
The cyclones destroyed at least 30% of the vanilla bean orchards, and as a result, with so little vanilla available and costs soaring, manufacturers wanted something affordable for flavoring frozen desserts, dairy, and packaged desserts. It should be noted that WONFs sometimes contain synthetic vanillin to boost flavor. Thus, if synthetic is something you want to avoid, be sure to read labels.
Amidst the surging vanilla prices in Madagascar, the local government intervened by implementing a price freeze to maintain elevated vanilla prices, essentially compelling consumers to continue paying premium rates for Madagascan vanilla. This, in turn, has encouraged individuals to explore trusted alternatives from Mexican suppliers.
Finally, to meet the demand for a more affordable vanilla, some companies have a product on the market made from highly genetically modified yeast and DNA created on a 3D printer.
The above-described products are what’s typically found in most supermarkets. With some exceptions, supermarket vanilla extracts (both brand name and store brands)—while pure vanilla—are often mediocre quality in comparison to the really fine quality extracts that are available elsewhere. This is especially true in the big-box stores where bulk vanilla is fairly inexpensive.
The fact is, good vanilla is not cheap. And because it’s so pricey (it’s the world’s most labor-intensive crop) and the number one consumed extract around the world, you can be put off by sticker-shock.
The takeaway here is if you really want the best vanilla, you will have to get past price. And your best bet for finding it is to shop at a specialty food store or online from a reputable source. You’ll pay more, but you will be getting more! You really will notice a difference in the flavor of your foods and baked goods!
And don’t forget; you don’t use vanilla by the cup. So your investment in quality goes a long way and lasts a long time.
All this said then, is there a vanilla label we can trust to be what it says it is? Yes. One that I believe in is Global Goods. Here’s what they claim and what I’ve found to be true:
Their one liter bottle is $29.95. I know, I know—this is expensive. But my liter has lasted over a year (I’m extremely careful with it). They offer a smaller less expensive bottle as well. So, if you’re a vanilla lover, visit www.GlobalGoods.com today!
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There are actually four different types of liquid vanilla in the marketplace today. Pure vanilla extract, vanilla flavoring, natural vanilla, and imitation vanilla. So what’s the difference?
Let’s start with PURE VANILLA EXTRACT. First of all, what makes it PURE? There is a Standard of Identity for vanilla extract in the United States. To be labeled Pure Vanilla Extract, a gallon measure must contain 13.35% vanilla bean extractives (10-ounces of moisture-free solids), 35% alcohol, and the balance in distilled water. The FDA has put the requirement of 35% alcohol on ALL extracts. This is done to prevent fermentation of extracts that require this type of product stabilization. However, vanilla doesn’t ferment. So the requirement of the 35% additive isn’t necessary for a pure product. If the vanilla product contains less than 35% alcohol, it must be labeled as a flavoring. However, the FDA only reviews products that are bottled and labeled outside the borders. If you bottle the product in the United States, the FDA doesn’t review those product labels.
What is not listed in the Standard of Identity is sugar, corn syrup, caramel color or any other additives pure vanilla may contain.
Some companies include one or more of these ingredients on their labels, but most do not – even though their pure vanilla contains it. The same is true with alcohol. Grain alcohol is the most commonly used alcohol in vanilla, but sugarcane alcohol is also used. Sugar or corn syrup are often used to mask the harsh notes of alcohol or to make the extract smell and taste better if the quality of the beans used were not good quality.
If you have issues with gluten or sugars, check with the company whose vanilla you’ve purchased. Global Goods Vanilla is made with ethyl alcohol and contains no additional sugars or additives. As a result, this vanilla extract is gluten-free, sugar-free and gmo-free.
There are two forms of vanillin found in vanilla products. There’s the natural form that grows in the vanilla pod that contains much of it’s strong vanilla scent. Then there’s the man-made synthetic version which makes vanilla much more inexpensive.
Clear vanilla is a product available worldwide. The vanilla bean itself possesses a rich, dark brown hue, and when you split open the pod, you'll find that the seeds inside are similarly dark brown. However, these seeds release very little color. This is the reason why vanilla bean ice cream appears white, with tiny brown "specks" denoting the presence of vanilla bean seeds.
For those who have attempted to craft their own vanilla extract using vanilla beans, it can be a year-long process of soaking the beans in various types of alcohol. Surprisingly, even after this extended duration, the resulting liquid is not as dark brown as expected. Consequently, many vanilla products incorporate caramel coloring to achieve the familiar, dark hue of vanilla extract. Nevertheless, it is possible to purchase pure vanilla without the addition of dark caramel coloring, although it may be less common. Reputable companies like Global Goods offer this option.
IMITATION VANILLA is the opposite end of the spectrum. This product is synthetic vanilla made in a laboratory. If you purchase imitation vanilla in the U.S. super markets, it is safe.
Much less than 1% of the so-called vanilla extracts or essences sold throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and the rest of the Americas are pure vanilla extract or flavor. They are made from synthetic vanillin, with some containing 2% alcohol used as a preservative. They sometimes contain sugar and other ingredients, some of which may be considered carcinogenic (Coumadin) in the U.S. In fact, there are only three brands allowed to be brought into the U.S. from Mexico legally. But the borders and airports are filled with the other cheaper brands. There are no label laws in many countries in the Americas, and those that have them don’t enforce them. So researching the brands is important.
How about VANILLA FLAVORING? Vanilla flavor is made with required amounts of vanilla bean extractives, but without alcohol. Propylene glycol is the most common carrier used for producing the flavor. The Standard of Identity states that it can’t be labeled “extract” due to the lack of alcohol. Vanilla flavor is a good choice for anyone who is avoiding alcohol.
Unfortunately, however, some people are allergic to propylene glycol. In that case, a reasonable substitute for vanilla flavor is pure ground vanilla bean powder.
Then there are WONFs (aka in the vanilla industry as “With Other Natural Flavors”). These came onto the market during the vanilla crisis that began in 2000 after three cyclones struck Madagascar in just a few months.
The cyclones destroyed at least 30% of the vanilla bean orchards, and as a result, with so little vanilla available and costs soaring, manufacturers wanted something affordable for flavoring frozen desserts, dairy, and packaged desserts. It should be noted that WONFs sometimes contain synthetic vanillin to boost flavor. Thus, if synthetic is something you want to avoid, be sure to read labels.
Amidst the surging vanilla prices in Madagascar, the local government intervened by implementing a price freeze to maintain elevated vanilla prices, essentially compelling consumers to continue paying premium rates for Madagascan vanilla. This, in turn, has encouraged individuals to explore trusted alternatives from Mexican suppliers.
Finally, to meet the demand for a more affordable vanilla, some companies have a product on the market made from highly genetically modified yeast and DNA created on a 3D printer.
The above-described products are what’s typically found in most supermarkets. With some exceptions, supermarket vanilla extracts (both brand name and store brands)—while pure vanilla—are often mediocre quality in comparison to the really fine quality extracts that are available elsewhere. This is especially true in the big-box stores where bulk vanilla is fairly inexpensive.
The fact is, good vanilla is not cheap. And because it’s so pricey (it’s the world’s most labor-intensive crop) and the number one consumed extract around the world, you can be put off by sticker-shock.
The takeaway here is if you really want the best vanilla, you will have to get past price. And your best bet for finding it is to shop at a specialty food store or online from a reputable source. You’ll pay more, but you will be getting more! You really will notice a difference in the flavor of your foods and baked goods!
And don’t forget; you don’t use vanilla by the cup. So your investment in quality goes a long way and lasts a long time.
All this said then, is there a vanilla label we can trust to be what it says it is? Yes. One that I believe in is Global Goods. Here’s what they claim and what I’ve found to be true:
- Only fresh vanilla beans used
- Family owned farms
- Cold Pressed
- Gluten Free
- Contains a minimal amount of alcohol
- No high fructose corn syrup or sugar added
Their one liter bottle is $29.95. I know, I know—this is expensive. But my liter has lasted over a year (I’m extremely careful with it). They offer a smaller less expensive bottle as well. So, if you’re a vanilla lover, visit www.GlobalGoods.com today!
Sources:
- www.seriouseats.com
- www.ebay.com
- www.abillion.com
- www.amazon.com
- www.teacherbakermaker.com
- www.vanillaqueen.com
