Vanilla extract is a baking essential. But it's expensive. Learn why and how it compares to imitation vanilla (and whether it matters which you buy).

Oct 21, 2024 · Imitation vanilla flavor (or vanilla flavor) gets its vanilla-like flavor from vanillin, a naturally occurring chemical compound in real vanilla beans. Vanillin flavor can be made without any real vanilla beans, so it's much more affordable (around $0.10 to $0.30 per ounce).

Apr 6, 2017 · Before we can talk about imitation vanilla, we need to talk about real vanilla and what it is that makes it taste so good. The authentic vanilla extract we use in our favorite baked goods is made from soaking vanilla pods in alcohol.

Dec 29, 2021 · Any vanilla extract made from the petrochemical process has to be called imitation or artificial vanilla extract, and you can easily find bottles of vanilla extract made using this process at the grocery store.

Dec 29, 2021 · The main difference between pure and imitation vanilla flavoring is how these two extracts are made. Pure or real vanilla extract must contain vanilla beans, water and alcohol in order to be called ‘pure’. Imitation extract must also contain these three ingredients but can have other flavors to help boost the vanilla taste.

Dec 9, 2022 · Imitation vanilla extract is more economical than pure vanilla extract. But do you sacrifice flavor when you make the swap? Not necessarily. Read on to learn more.

Jun 8, 2024 · While imitation vanilla extract can do a pretty stellar job of replicating the flavor and aroma of real vanilla, it is not derived from real vanilla beans. Like its natural counterpart, imitation vanilla contains vanillin, the primary compound responsible for that distinctive vanilla taste.

Aug 13, 2013 · Imitation vanilla extract is a flavoring that is produced with synthetic vanillin, the same compound that is naturally found in vanilla beans.

Jul 30, 2021 · Imitation vanilla is typically made with synthetic vanillin extracted from wood pulp, so you forgo the gentle vanilla hint that you'd get with the real deal when you opt for imitation. In other words, pure vanilla extract packs more into less.

What is the difference between pure vanilla extract and imitation vanilla? Pure vanilla extract is made from real vanilla beans, water, and alcohol, offering a complex flavor profile. Imitation vanilla, however, is synthetic and primarily contains vanillin, resulting in a simpler, sweeter flavor.