What is the Difference Between Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Flavor

The main difference between vanilla extract and vanilla flavor is that vanilla extract contains alcohol while vanilla flavor doesn’t contain alcohol.

Vanilla is a spice extracted from the orchids of genus Vanilla. It is the second most expensive spice in the world, after saffron. It is also a widely popular aroma and flavor compound for foods and beverages. There are many forms of vanilla available in the market, such as vanilla powder, vanilla extract, vanilla flavor and vanilla sugar. This article focuses on the difference between vanilla extract and vanilla flavor.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Vanilla Extract
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Vanilla Flavor
     – Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Flavor
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Flavor
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Flavor

What is Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a tincture or liquid made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol. This extract is created by soaking vanilla beans in water and an alcohol-based solution, and it is aged for several months. Vanilla extract is an essential ingredient in many Western desserts, particularly food like cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, which involve baking. Moreover, vanilla extract is the most commonly used form of vanilla in today’s cooking. Moreover, to use the vanilla extract for a long time, store it in an air-tight sealed container and keep it in a cool and dry area, away from direct light and heat.

The primary flavour compound in vanilla extract is vanillin. However, pure vanilla extract includes numerous flavour compounds, which gives vanilla extract its complex and deep flavour. A vanilla extract should contain a minimum of 35% alcohol and 100 g of vanilla beans per litre in order to be labelled as ‘pure vanilla extract’. If a vanilla solution does not contain the minimum amount of alcohol, it is considered a flavoring, not an extract.

What is Vanilla Flavor

Vanilla flavor is a solution of vanilla bean extractives, but without alcohol.  It contains glycerine or propylene glycol instead of alcohol.  We often use propylene glycol as a solvent and a preservative in food products and tobacco products. It also has uses in pharmaceutical and personal care products.  However, some people may be allergic to propylene glycol. Such people should use a vanilla alternative like vanilla bean powder. Basically, the main factor that differentiates vanilla extract and flavor is the presence of alcohol. Therefore, vanilla flavor is a good choice for anyone who is avoiding alcohol.

Moreover, there are two main types of vanilla flavors in the market as artificial vanilla flavor and natural vanilla flavor. The natural one, as its name suggests, is made with vanilla beans while the artificial artificially-derived vanillin, which is made from a by-product of the wood pulp industry.

Similarities Between Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Flavor

• Both these are liquid products.
• Moreover, you have to store them in a cool and dry area, away from direct light and heat.

Difference Between Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Flavor

Definition

Vanilla extract is a tincture or liquid made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol while vanilla flavor is a solution of vanilla bean extractives made without alcohol.

Alcohol Content

Vanilla extract contains alcohol; in fact, pure vanilla extract should contain a minimum of 35% alcohol. Vanilla flavor, on the other hand, contains little or no alcohol.

Conclusion

In brief, vanilla extract and vanilla flavor are two widely products to obtain vanilla aroma and flavor.  The main difference between vanilla extract and vanilla flavor is that vanilla extract contains alcohol while vanilla flavor doesn’t contain alcohol.

Reference:

1. “Ingredient Spotlight: Vanilla Extract.” Organic Dietitian, 23 Sept. 2013, Available here.
2. “Vanilla Extract.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Apr. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Madagascar bourbon vanilla x” By Yardensachs – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Vanilla extract” By Glane23 – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia