Pure vanilla extracts, beans, and pastes can generally be used in similar quantities: one tablespoon pure vanilla extract = one tablespoon vanilla paste = one vanilla bean. Recipes generally specify when they require seeds or pastes, so we're going to focus on imitation vanilla vs. pure vanilla extract for the rest of this discussion.
Full Answer
Does vanilla extract and immitation vanilla taste the same?
Yes, you can substitute imitation vanilla for vanilla extract. It’s nearly hard to tell the difference between the flavor of foods produced with fake vanilla or genuine vanilla extract in oven-baked goods like cakes and cookies. In general, imitation vanilla flavor will suffice in baked products.
Does imitation vanilla contain alcohol?
The alcohol is used to help extract the vanilla flavoring from the beans. Pure vanilla extract must have at least 35% alcohol content by volume. Imitation vanilla often contains less, sometimes as little as 2% alcohol. 1 What are the ingredients of imitation vanilla extract?
What does imitation vanilla mean?
Imitation vanilla is synthetic vanillin made in a laboratory. If the product is clear, it’s 100% synthetic vanillin. If it is caramel color, it has been dyed with caramel color (which also contains sugar) or other dyes. …. They are made from synthetic vanillin, with some containing 2% alcohol used as a preservative.
Are vanilla extracts and vanilla the same thing?
Vanilla extract and vanilla flavor are both made with real vanilla beans. The difference between the two is that vanilla flavor is not made with alcohol and therefore cannot be labeled as extract. Likewise, when a recipe calls for vanilla is it vanilla extract?
What Is Vanilla, Exactly?
Derived from an orchid plant, vanilla beans have been put to delicious use in recipes since the 17th century. It works as a natural flavor enhancer and helps amplify the flavors the vanilla is paired with, similar to salt. (You might notice chocolate cakes with vanilla taste even chocolate-ier.)
When to Use Pure Vanilla Extract vs. Imitation Vanilla Flavor
Pure vanilla extracts, beans, and pastes can generally be used in similar quantities: 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract = 1 tablespoon vanilla paste = 1 vanilla bean.
Substitute Carefully
Pure vanilla extract, vanilla flavoring, imitation vanilla... what's the difference? Can they be used interchangeably in recipes? Is one better than another? Here's the lowdown on this sweet-smelling pantry staple .
Pure Vanilla Extract
Vanilla beans are expensive, retailing in some specialty shops for as much as $2 to $3 each. The price of pure vanilla extract is also high, but this can vary due to the quality of the beans used to make it. The best vanilla beans are the products of orchids that grow only in tropical climates.
Imitation Vanilla Extract
Imitation vanilla is made from artificial flavorings, which isn't surprising. What might raise your eyebrows is that most of these artificial flavorings come from wood byproducts, and those byproducts can contain chemicals.
Vanilla Flavoring
Vanilla flavoring is usually a combination of imitation vanilla and pure vanilla extract. It's cheap, but that may be the best that can be said for it.
Is there real clear vanilla extract?
For years there has been talk of a clear vanilla extract that is pure and can be aged, but it has never been available commercially. It is made by steeping vanilla beans in clear alcohol and letting them dry out. The seeds and fiber are removed after the alcohol has evaporated.
Is clear vanilla the same as vanilla extract?
Clear vanilla is called “pure vanilla extract” in the States and Canada. It isn’t really clear, but it has no cloudy sediment.
Is clear vanilla extract good?
Clear vanilla extract has no vanilla bean in it, but it is a good tasting vanilla flavoring. There is no alcohol in it so the flavoring is not as strong as regular extract. If you are using a recipe that calls for clear or imitation, always reduce the amount of flavoring to taste.
Where can I buy clear vanilla extract?
Clear vanilla extract is available in most liquor stores. You will find it next to the regular vanilla extract. Look for pure, natural extracts with only two ingredients: vodka (and perhaps water).
What vanilla extract is clear?
Clear vanilla extract, is made by steeping whole vanilla beans in clear alcohol. This is old fashioned and can be hard to find. It is also very expensive !!!
How can I tell I have fake vanilla?
Fake vanillas smell like chemicals and may taste soapy. If you taste it, you will really know the difference. They are made from one of the following chemicals:
What is clear vanilla extract made of?
Clear vanilla extract is made from a small amount of artificial vanillin and a lot of vodka. It isn’t made from real vanilla beans. Many artificial vanilla extracts are made with propylene glycol (which is toxic).
