As any baker knows, no recipe is complete without a dash of vanilla extract. Of course, you may wonder what the difference is between the countless vanilla options in the baking aisle. Is your cake or batch of cookies going to taste any different with one extract or another? Baking experts rave about quality ingredients, and vanilla is no exception. The best vanilla extract is flavorful, potent, and aromatic — the perfect addition to any recipe you dream up.
A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults finds that regardless of taste, nearly two-thirds (64%) say food is their love language. Among participants, more than half note that they show their loved ones they care by baking a homemade dessert (60%). Whether you’re a seasoned pastry chef or an at-home novice with a sweet tooth, vanilla is a tried-and-true staple in any baker’s arsenal. From birthday cake to pumpkin pie and everything in between, keeping a quality vanilla extract in your pantry will always be handy. Curious to know what the best vanilla extract on the market is? StudyFinds did the research for you to find the highest quality vanilla brands available, according to expert reviews. This list compiles the top recommendations, but if you have a favorite we missed, be sure to drop it in the comments below!
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The List: Best Vanilla Extract Brands, According to Experts
1. Nielsen-Massey
If you’re looking for the cream of the crop, look no further. Nielsen-Massey vanilla extract is made with the highest quality for the strongest and most enjoyable flavor, perfect for your next kitchen creation. While its vanilla flavor packs a punch, experts also note that it does a great job of bringing out the other flavors in a recipe.
Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract might just be your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Taste of Home breaks down its magic. Sure, vanilla shines in classic recipes like ice cream, but its true superpower lies in elevating other flavors. Testers noted that frostings made with Nielsen-Massey boast a richer, creamier taste that went beyond just vanilla.
But don’t be fooled – Nielsen-Massey isn’t a one-trick pony. PureWow loves the extract’s smooth flavor and beautiful floral aroma, reminiscent of splitting open a fresh vanilla bean. They rave about its quality, evident in both taste and smell. Whether you’re a cookie connoisseur or a cake-baking champion, this vanilla extract promises to impress. Finding it in stores might be a bit of a treasure hunt, but fear not – online retailers like Amazon have you covered.
Turns out, with Nielsen-Massey, the quality is clear as day. Nielsen-Massey has its own unique process for extracting its vanilla extract that experts swear by. The Spruce Eats says this vanilla’s secret lies in its complexity – not just one flavor, but over 300 unique flavor compounds! Nielsen-Massey’s innovative cold-extraction process meticulously captures these nuances, resulting in a longer extraction period for a richer, more complex vanilla experience. For bakers who crave the depth and nuance of real vanilla, this is the holy grail.
2. McCormick
Chances are, if you have an old bottle of vanilla in the back of your pantry right now, it’s McCormick. It’s also most likely the brand you recognize first for both its looks and its taste. The classics are classic for a reason, and this tried-and-true staple is hard to beat when it comes to accessibility, affordability, and consistency.
Tasting Table highlights its excellent quality and value, making it a fantastic option for bakers who whip up treats in bulk. While it might not be the most complex vanilla on the market, McCormick packs a fair punch of vanilla flavor.
McCormick used to sweeten their extract, but has stopped doing so in recent years. This change to pure and simple vanilla extract has made it even more versatile for inclusion in sweet or savory recipes. My Best says this classic Madagascar vanilla extract delivers a rich vanilla taste with a touch of sweetness. But its uses extend beyond sweet treats! A splash of McCormick vanilla can also help balance out poultry and seafood dishes. Plus, the convenient spout ensures mess-free pouring, a detail any baker can appreciate.
And of course, no matter what your personal favorite may be, the comforting and familiar flavor of McCormick can’t be denied. PureWow describes the flavor as reminiscent of childhood birthday cakes, evoking memories of licking the frosting beaters. They describe it as having a rich, creamy taste with a touch of what they call “borderline artificial tasting (but in a good way).” Whether you’re seeking a complex vanilla experience or a familiar comfort flavor, McCormick vanilla extract is a trusted and budget-friendly choice.
3. Heilala
If you want a vanilla flavor that is the closest to an actual vanilla bean, Heilala is the brand for you. One option from the company leaves the seeds in the extract so they are still visually and texturally present, adding to both the flavor and the aesthetic appeal. They also offer a flavorful paste and even sell vanilla beans for those who’d like to try their hand at making their own extract. But whichever product you prefer, Heilala vanilla is guaranteed to be high-quality, flavorful, and delicious.
Tasting Table says that while most vanilla extracts contain around 35% alcohol, baking temperatures typically burn most of it off. However, for those seeking an entirely alcohol-free option, Heilala uses a unique glycerin-based extraction method, capturing the essence of real vanilla without a drop of alcohol. So what? Baking Bites notes that alcohol-free vanilla extracts might have a subtler aroma compared to their alcohol-based counterparts. Additionally, some users find the flavor to be slightly sweeter.
For ethically-conscious shoppers, this vanilla is a clear winner. The Spruce Eats dives into the brand’s story. Heilala Vanilla hails from New Zealand, but their vanilla beans are sourced from the beautiful islands of Tonga. While Tonga’s vanilla production isn’t as large as some other regions, its climate and resources create ideal growing conditions. The company itself was established as a humanitarian project, working with local farmers to create sustainable income opportunities and empower those who cultivate the vanilla beans. So, with Heilala, you’re not just getting a delicious, alcohol-free vanilla extract, you’re also supporting a brand with a social conscience.
4. Simply Organic
For an organic choice you can find in any grocery store baking aisle, you can’t beat Simply Organic. The familiar packaging finds itself on the shelves of most grocers but comes with a USDA seal of approval. It’s a quality product made widely accessible, perfect for the health-conscious shopper. It may not be the strongest extract out there, but it does a great job for most at-home cooking and baking needs. Tasting Table recommends it for its high quality and affordability, especially for those who use vanilla extract frequently.
For an organic extract you can pick up just about anywhere, it’s a price tag that’s hard to beat. PureWow says their eight-ounce bottle offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially when compared to pricier options. They acknowledge it might not be quite as flavorful as some top contenders, but for those who go through vanilla extract quickly, Simply Organic is a smart and budget-friendly pick.
If knowing that the ingredients in your pantry are made well is a priority for you, Simply Vanilla should put your mind at ease. The Honest Consumer explains that the brand specializes in organic spices and extracts. They prioritize building strong relationships with organic farmers, evident in their vanilla extract. Made with Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans and organic alcohol, it’s free from sugar, colorants, and artificial flavors. Plus, their vanilla is sourced from small-scale Madagascan farmers who work together in a self-governing cooperative. So, with Simply Organic, you can feel good about the quality and the commitment to ethical sourcing, all at a price that won’t break the bank.
5. The Watkins Company
Looking for something that falls somewhere in between the least and most expensive vanillas out there? The Watkins Company may be a perfect first step outside the grocery store and into the vast world of baker-beloved vanilla brands. PureWow recommends Watkins Vanilla Extract for its good quality and reasonable price tag. One reviewer loved the classic vanilla flavor it imparted to their baked goods.
The Manual points out another perk – potency. Watkins’ extract boasts double-strength flavor thanks to their use of non-GMO, organic beans. This concentrated version stands up well to baking and freezing, ensuring your treats remain flavorful. Plus, it’s free of artificial colors or flavors and uses a low alcohol content, minimizing evaporation during baking.
Sometimes, maintaining a pristine white or vibrant color scheme in your baked creation is essential. In those instances, Watkins Clear Vanilla Flavor comes to the rescue. This clever product packs double the “punch” of standard extracts, allowing you to use half as much without sacrificing flavor. So, whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, Watkins Vanilla Extract offers a versatile and budget-friendly option for all your baking adventures (The Spruce Eats).
6. Thrive Market
Do you want high-quality organic vanilla delivered right to your doorstep? Look no further. Thrive Market allows you to stock your pantry with top-notch vanilla extract without lifting a finger (or at least no more than it takes to press the order button). It’s versatile and convenient, making it the ideal choice for busy bakers. The Manual says Thrive Market packs four ounces of pure vanilla goodness, sourced from Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, into a recycled package. This extract adds a delicious touch to baked goods, elevates your favorite drinks, and can even be incorporated into savory dishes.
Perfect for the health-conscious shopper, Thrive Market vanilla is made the right way and with the right ingredients. The Spruce Eats likes how this extract is sugar-free. They also praise its commitment to ethical sourcing and certifications. Thrive Market’s vanilla is non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and kosher.
The Honest Consumer adds another layer to the story. They point out that Thrive Market sources their vanilla directly from Madagascan farmers, ensuring fair wages and ethical practices. Plus, the extract itself is certified organic by the USDA.
7. Blue Cattle Truck Trading Company
For a unique flavor unlike any of the most common vanilla extracts, give Blue Cattle Truck Trading Company’s Mexican Vanilla a try. Hard to find and impossible to not enjoy, it’s worth giving it a shot at least once. The Spruce Eats thinks Blue Cattle Truck is a great option for those seeking distinctive flavor at a mid-range price point.
What makes them special? This company sources their vanilla from a single farm in Veracruz, Mexico, ensuring a consistent and traceable origin story. Tasting Table says they provide two options: a traditional extract (with added vanillin for a stronger flavor) and a pure extract (with a higher alcohol content and subtler vanilla notes).
Thanks to Mexican vanilla’s thicker consistency, you can even use it as a drizzled topping on ice cream. If extract isn’t enough for your next culinary project, try Blue Cattle Truck Trading Company vanilla bean paste. It’s potent, aromatic, and maintains the texture of the vanilla seeds.
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Sources:
- Tasting Table
- PureWow
- Taste of Home
- Serious Eats
- The Honest Consumer
- Well and Good
- The Spruce Eats
- Saveur
- The Manual
- mybest
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.