Vanilla bean is commonly found in tropical areas of the world. Vanilla Extract is a widely used ingredient. Many of the sweets we consume contain the ingredient vanilla extract. Vanilla Extract is a more popularly used product and can be considered a kitchen staple. But is vanilla extract a gluten-free ingredient?
Yes, pure vanilla extract is gluten-free. Vanilla extract contains very few ingredients, such as an extract from vanilla beans and alcohol. None of these contain wheat or derived from gluten. Some of the best gluten-free vanilla extract brands are McCormick, Watkins Original, and Simply Organic. The best gluten-free alternatives include McCormick’s Pure Almond Extract or Thrive Market Pure Vanilla Flavor.
Still not sure what exactly vanilla extract is? Or do you not know what recipes commonly use vanilla extract? Let us answer both of those questions for you in detail below. This article will further go in depth about alternatives to vanilla extract, how to use substitutes, and a fun homemade recipe for vanilla extract!
Contents
- What is Vanilla Extract?
- Is Vanilla Extract Healthy?
- The difference between vanilla beans, vanilla bean pastes, and vanilla extract?
- Vanilla Extract Nutritional Information by Product
- Homemade Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla Extract Alternatives
- McCormick’s Pure Almond Extract
- Torani Vanilla Syrup
- Thrive Market Pure Vanilla Flavor, Alcohol-Free
- Nielsen Massey Pure Vanilla Bean Paste
- Hive Brands Organic Maple Syrup
- Liquor such as Bourbon, Brandy, or Rum
- Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Bacardi Silver Rum
- NESCAFE House Blend Instant Coffee
- King Arthur Espresso Powder
- Savannah Bee Co. Tupelo Honey
- Related Questions
What is Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla is one of the most expensive spices because the process of producing vanilla extract is very labor intensive. Vanilla extract is produced from soaking vanilla beans in a mixture of water and alcohol. The alcohol absorbs the vanilla flavor and the brown color. Vanillin is a component of the vanilla bean. Vanilla extract itself is sweet, however, alcohol is bitter making vanilla extract an undesirable ingredient that you wouldn’t want to taste by itself. But in recipes, vanilla extract gives off a sweet flavor.
Is Pure Vanilla Extract Gluten-Free?
Yes, pure vanilla extract is gluten-free since the ingredients only extracts from vanilla beans, as well as alcohol. There are no wheat or gluten derived ingredients in pure vanilla extract.
You can find Vanilla Extract in various food products
Vanilla extract is mostly used to flavor food and beverages. However, it can also be found in medicines and fragrances. Just a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is enough to add a subtle sweetness to your favorite desserts.
- Cakes
- Brownies
- Creamers
- Sweat bread
- Custards
- Puddings
- Flavored Coffee Creamers
- Whipped cream or icing
- Hot chocolate
- Marshmallow Fluff
- Tea
- French toast
Is Vanilla Extract Healthy?
Vanilla extract has no significant nutritional value. There are compounds that come from vanilla extracts such as vanillin and vanillic acid that hold some health benefits. When using vanilla extract in a recipe, only a tablespoon or two is typically used. Vanilla extract has such a strong and flavorful taste and aroma, so a little bit goes a long way. Vanilla extract may have antioxidant effects. However, when eaten, typically only small amounts are consumed to offer any great effect.
The difference between vanilla beans, vanilla bean pastes, and vanilla extract?
Vanilla beans have the purest, most intense vanilla flavor. Vanilla beans are used to produce vanilla extract. Be sure to use vanilla beans in a timely manner, otherwise, the oil will dry out and there will not be much use for them. Vanilla extract is a dark liquid that is aged and only a tiny bit is used to flavor baked goods, drinks, and recipes. Vanilla paste is made by blending concentrated vanilla extract and vanilla bean powder to create a paste. Vanilla paste has a consistency similar to maple syrup. The benefit of vanilla paste is that it will not dry out as vanilla beans do.
What is the difference between vanilla flavor and vanilla extract?
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 an extract.
Vanilla Extract Nutritional Information by Product
McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract
Perhaps one of the better known brands of vanilla extract, McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract is gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- Vanilla Bean Extractives in Water
- Alcohol
Nutrition Information:
Vanilla Extract has no significant nutritional value
Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla Extract
Ingredients:
- Water
- Sugar
- Glycerin
- Vanilla Extract (Water, Alcohol, Extractive Of Vanilla Beans)
- Alcohol
- Natural Flavors
- Fruit Juice (Color)
Nutrition Information:
No Nutritional significant value.
Simply Organic Madagascar Vanilla Extract
Ingredients:
- Organic Vanilla Bean Extractives in Water
- Organic Alcohol
Nutrition Information:
Per 1 serving – 1 tsp (4.2 g)
- Calories: 12
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium 0.4 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0.5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Why make homemade vanilla? Vanilla extract, as mentioned early, is an expensive spice. You can make a whole charge that can be cost-saving. Making vanilla extract at home can be a fun experiment and you will learn how long the process really takes. One more benefit of making homemade vanilla extract is that you can control the vanilla flavor strength. Let’s get cooking!
What you will need:
- 5-6 vanilla beans
- 1 cup (8 ounces, 240 ml) 80 proof alcohol. Such as bourbon, brandy, rum, or vodka.
- An 8-ounce glass bottle or jar with a tight seal.
- Funnel
Directions:
- Use a sharp knife to slit the vanilla beans so the bean will be exposed. Place the beans in the jar. If the length of the vanilla beans does not fit into your bottle or jar, cut the vanilla beans into smaller pieces to fit.
- Pour the alcohol over the beans. A funnel may help. You may need a little extra alcohol so that the beans are fully covered.
- Seal the jar with the lid and shake the jar a few times.
- Store the jar with everything in it, at room temperature. Note: do not store in direct sunlight. Keep stored for a minimum of 8 weeks, but 6-12+ months for optimal flavor.
- Shake your stored bottle once a week.
- Enjoy!
Vanilla Extract Alternatives
What to do when you’re out of vanilla extract or if your local grocery store is sold out of the vanilla extract. Here is a list of alternatives to use:
- Almond extract
- Maple Syrup
- Vanilla Syrup
- Vanilla Paste
- Vanilla Flavoring
- Liquor such as Bourbon, Brandy, or Run
- Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder
- Honey
McCormick’s Pure Almond Extract
Almond extract is significantly more potent than vanilla, but it will provide a similar flavor profile if you use it sparingly. When substituting almond extract for vanilla extract, you only need to use half the amount of almond extract.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Alcohol
- Oil of Bitter Almond
Nutrition Information:
½ teaspoon of almond extract has no significant nutritional value.
Torani Vanilla Syrup
Vanilla Syrup is great for flavoring drinks such as lattes, brewed coffees, iced coffees, or in a mixed cocktail.
Ingredients:
- Pure Cane Sugar
- Water
- Natural Flavors
- Sodium Benzoate
- Potassium Sorbate
- Citric Acid
Nutrition Information (per 1 2 tbsp., 30 mL/ 1 fl. Oz):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Protein: 0 g
Thrive Market Pure Vanilla Flavor, Alcohol-Free
Ingredients:
- Organic Glycerin
- Water
- Organic Vanilla Bean Extractives
Nutrition Information (per 1 tsp, 5 g):
- Calories: 10
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Nielsen Massey Pure Vanilla Bean Paste
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Water
- Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla Bean Extractives
- Gum
- Tragacanth
Nutrition Information (per 1 tsp, 5 ml):
- Calories: 17
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium 0 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Protein: 0 g
Note:
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla bean paste = 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract = 1 whole vanilla bean = 1 Tbsp. vanilla powder
Hive Brands Organic Maple Syrup
Maple syrup has a sweet aroma and taste that is very similar to vanilla extract. When substituting with maple syrup, you can use the same amount as you would with vanilla extract.
Ingredients:
- Organic maple syrup
Nutrition Information (per ¼ cup):
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Total Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 53 g
- Protein: 0 g
Liquor such as Bourbon, Brandy, or Rum
As mentioned earlier, vanilla extract contains alcohol. When using liquor to substitute vanilla extract, you can use just as much. When using the liquor in a recipe that calls for it to be baked, the alcohol content will cook out as it is cooking.
Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Ingredients:
- 78% corn
- 12% malted barley
- 10% rye
Nutrition Information (per 1 serving – 1 ounce):
- Calories: 69
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium 0 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Bacardi Silver Rum
Ingredients:
- Distilled Molasses
- Distilled Sugar Cane
Nutrition Information (per 1 serving – 1 ounce):
- Calories: 69
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium 8 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
NESCAFE House Blend Instant Coffee
Ingredients:
- 100% Pure Coffee
Nutrition Information (per 6 fl. Oz):
- Calories: 2
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Total Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
King Arthur Espresso Powder
Ingredients:
- Espresso powder
Nutrition Information (per 1 tsp, 2 g):
- Calories: 5
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Total Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Savannah Bee Co. Tupelo Honey
Ingredients:
Nutrition Information (per 1 tbsp., 21 g):
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Total Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 17 g
- Protein: 0 g
Related Questions
Where can you find vanilla extract?
Most grocery stores carry vanilla extract. You can find it near the spices or in the baking aisle. Vanilla extract typically comes packaged in a small box.
Can you make your own vanilla extract?
Yes! Refer back to the homemade vanilla extract section. The process of making vanilla extract is long but worth it!
Is vanilla extract vegan friendly?
Yes, almost all vanilla extract brands are entirely vegan, including artificial vanilla extracts.
Which spices mix well with vanilla extract?
Cinnamon, ginger, mint, and nutmeg are all wonderful spices to combine with vanilla extract.