5 Best Organic Vanilla Extracts for Baking 2024
Whether it’s making vanilla cake, vanilla ice cream, vanilla custard, or vanilla glaze for muffins and even chocolate chip cookies, if you’ve spent any time in the kitchen, you’ve likely come across a recipe calling for vanilla extract.
It can also be used to flavor coffee and cocktails and enhance the flavor of caramelized vegetables. Who doesn't love the delicious vanilla flavor?
It can even deodorize your microwave or fridge, although there are more cost-effective ways of getting this done, especially since vanilla extract does not come cheap.
This post does contain some affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase The Honest Consumer may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
What is Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla extract is a flavoring in liquid form. It is derived from the vanilla plant and gets its flavor from a molecule found in the black seeds of the plant’s pods. This compound is called vanillin.
Most of the world’s vanilla comes from Madagascar vanilla beans, but it’s also sourced from Mexico, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Turkey, Tonga, Comoros, China, French Polynesia, and Uganda.
It doesn’t come cheap either, as the harvesting process is labor-intensive and done by hand. As a cheaper alternative, vanilla essence is often used as a substitute, which may alter the flavor profile of what you are making, but not the structure.
Vanilla has more than 250 flavor compounds, but when you cook or heat vanilla most of those are lost, except vanillin, which is what’s synthesized in labs to make vanilla essence.
If you want the deeper, more complex flavors of natural vanilla, the extract is favored for uncooked dishes, no-bake desserts, or recipes that call for vanilla as the star ingredient.
These include ice cream, frosting, creams, and custards. For baked goods, you can use extract and essence interchangeably.
How is Vanilla Extract Made?
Vanilla extract is made from the pods of the vanilla plant, a member of the orchid family. Mature vanilla pods that have been aged for two to four months are used. This allows them to develop their characteristic flavor.
The pods are then soaked in a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol, with the alcohol drawing out the vanillin to infuse the liquid. Thereafter the pods are filtered out.
The FDA stipulates that pure extract must be at least 35 percent alcohol with a minimum of 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter. Some people like to make homemade vanilla extract using real vanilla beans, bourbon or vodka, and a glass bottle or jar.
We've got some tips on that below!
What does vanilla extract taste like?
Vanilla extract has a strong, sweet flavor with hints of floral and woody notes. It is very fragrant and pairs well with other flavors in desserts. The flavor can vary depending on the type of vanilla bean used to make the extract.
Generally, it tastes like a combination of warm spices, butterscotch, caramel, and honey. It is typically not used on it's own, but more often used to enhance the flavor of baked goods, ice cream, custards, and puddings.
Shopping Tips: What to Look for When Buying Vanilla Extract
When looking for the best vanilla extract at grocery stores, there are a few things to keep in mind!
Due to its perceived sweetness, vanilla extract makes a good sugar substitute, thus reducing your added sugars intake.
But be sure to double check the ingredients label. Vanilla extract should just be a combination of vanilla, water, and alcohol, but some contain sweeteners such as sugar, corn syrup, and dextrose. Always check the ingredients!
Be wary of labels such as “pure vanilla extract” or “natural vanilla extract" because even bottles labeled as such may contain sweeteners, as well as glycerin or propylene glycol. The latter is a food additive that has been deemed safe.
Nevertheless, there is concern about potential toxic effects.
While most vanilla extracts are vegan, they may not be if glycerin has been used. Glycerin is used instead of alcohol for alcohol-free vanilla extract.
It is derived from animal and plant fats, so if you prefer using non-alcoholic extract and are vegan, you’ll need to double-check labels to ensure you’re buying a brand made with plant-based glycerin.
Why Choose Organic Vanilla Extract?
You may also want to consider organic extracts. These use organic vanilla beans, which is grown without the use of toxic pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Avoiding this and choosing organic can be better for our bodies and for the environment.
Other ingredients used to make the extract, such as alcohol, should be organic too for the product to be considered fully organic. Keep in mind that this can push up the price.
Is Organic Vanilla Extract More Expensive?
Yes, organic vanilla will typically be more expensive than conventional vanilla because they are using organic vanilla beans. I purchase my organic vanilla extract in large quantities to try to save a bit of money!
Since I typically only use vanilla extract in baking, it usually lasts me quite a while. I usually only purchase one of Thrive Market’s 8 oz value bottles of organic vanilla extract for $20 and it lasts me at least a year.
I think buying in bulk is always a good idea to consider when switching to any organic product.
5 Organic Vanilla Extracts to Try
Good news: If you're looking for organic pure vanilla extract, we've scouted five amazing organic brands to try. These are all a great option for home cooks, bakers, and anyone looking for good vanilla extract!
Public Goods's Vanilla Extract Made with Organic Vanilla Beans
Whether you’re looking for personal care products, packaged food, beverages, wild-caught seafood, oils, spices or something for your home, Public Goods has it all.
And they’re committed to making these products in a way that’s safe for you and the planet by avoiding toxic chemicals, using 100% recycled, post-consumer plastic bottles and tree-free paper, and sourcing organic ingredients.
Public Goods vanilla extract is made in the United States from whole vanilla beans, is 100% organic, and contains no artificial vanilla flavorings or essences. Public Goods vanilla extract can be purchased for around $12 a bottle.
Public Goods has also partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects to plant a tree for every order placed and with St. Mary’s Food Bank to donate near-expired products to those in need.
Their vanilla extract is part of their baking range, which also includes almond extract, cane sugar, and ground spices.
Frontier Co-Op's Organic Vanilla Extract Made from Bourbon Vanilla Beans
Started by two people in Iowa in 1976, Frontier Co-Op has since grown to 40 000 members. They specialize in high-quality herbs, spices, and botanical products.
Committed to creating opportunities for their growers and employees, as well as looking after the planet, they advocate for sustainable and organic agriculture.
Frontier Co-Op’s organic herbs, spices, and botanicals include spearmint leaf, marshmallow root, red rose petals, and almond extract.
Frontier Co-Op sells vanilla extract as well, along with vanilla beans and vanilla flavoring. Their organic vanilla extract is made from the Bourbon variety of vanilla beans, a variety mainly cultivated in Madagascar.
The extract has no added sugar and is non-GMO. It’s great for sauces and desserts, but can also be used for smoothies and savory dishes. Frontier Co-Op's organic vanilla extract can be purchased for around $15-$37 a bottle depending on the size of the bottle.
Thrive Market's Value Sized Organic Vanilla Extract
Thrive Market is an online grocery store where members can shop sustainable, organic, and non-GMO foods. Thrive Market's vanilla extract is non-GMO & 100% pure and sourced directly from farmers in Madagascar who are paid fair wages.
Their pure vanilla extract is also certified organic by the USDA.
Thrive Market's vanilla extract can be purchased from $13-$20 depending on the size of the bottle. Thrive Market's vanilla extract is what I personally buy most frequently.
I purchase the value size which usually lasts us a while and is especially great for holiday baking!
Simply Organic's Vanilla Extract Easy to Find in Stores
Part of Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic specializes in spices, but also offers seasonings, sauces, and extracts. They believe in working closely with organic farmers and building solid relationships.
Simply Organic’s vanilla extract is made with Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans and organic alcohol.
It contains no sugar, colorants, or flavorants, and is certified organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI). The vanilla is sourced from small-scale Madagascan farmers who are organized into a self-governing cooperative.
They also offer vanilla beans, vanilla bean paste, and non-alcoholic vanilla flavoring. Simply Organic products are great because they can easily be found in a variety of grocery stores. Their organic vanilla extract can be purchased for around $6-$30.
Watkins USDA Certified Organic Vanilla Extract
Watkins started all the way back in 1868 with J.R. Watkins making small batches of liniment in his home kitchen in Minnesota.
In the 155 years since, Watkins has expanded to include extracts, spices, and bitters, introducing black pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in 1895.
Watkins vanilla products include vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Select products are USDA Organic certified and contain no artificial flavors.
The vanilla extract is made using organic alcohol and the non-alcoholic version is made with organic glycerin. They make the good stuff! Watkins organic vanilla extract can be purchased for around $11-$12.
How to Make Vanilla Extract
Making your own vanilla extract is a great way to get the freshest flavor and know what ingredients are being used. Here's a quick overview of how to make your own organic vanilla extract. For more in-depth steps you can check out this guide.
1. Start by choosing high-quality organic vanilla beans for your extract. Select pods that feel plump and are fragrant with no signs of mold or dryness.
2. Slice each bean lengthwise to expose the tiny black seeds inside.
3. Place the beans into a glass jar or bottle and add enough vodka or rum to completely cover them. Be sure to choose organic alcohol too!
4. Seal the container tightly and store in a cool, dark place for at least 8 weeks before using. The longer you wait, the stronger your extract will be!
5. Strain the extract through a cheesecloth and store in a sealed bottle. It's best to use your extract within one year for maximum flavor.
Making your own vanilla extract is simple, but it does require patience! With the right ingredients and time, you'll get the perfect flavor every time. Homemade organic vanilla extract can also be a great holiday gift idea for bakers or cooks!
Hopefully this guide helped you learn what to look for the next time you purchase vanilla extract and gave you some high quality organic vanilla brands to try out.
For more ethical & sustainable tips be sure to explore more conscious lifestyle blog posts, follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.