Almond extract vs. Almond Syrup - The Differences

Although people often think that almond extract and almond flavor are the same, the truth is that they are not. Although both serve the same purpose (add almond flavor to a recipe), they have quite a few differences in terms of production and ingredients.

What then is the difference between almond extract and almond aroma?

The main difference between almond extract and almond flavoring has to do with the ingredients they contain and the way they are made. While almond extract is made from natural ingredients, almond flavoring is produced synthetically. However, this does not result in too significant taste differences. 

Read on to find out all the differences between almond extract and almond flavoring when it comes to taste, quality, nutrition and more. We will also address some of the most common questions when it comes to distinguishing between almond extract and almond flavoring.

Almond extract vs. Almond Syrup - What’s the difference?

While almond extract is a natural product made from real ingredients, almond flavoring is a synthetic imitation of almond flavor that is produced chemically.

Natural almond extract vs. pure almond extract

Before we get into the differences between almond extract and almond flavoring, it’s important that we first address another issue: natural almond extract vs. pure almond extract.

What is the difference? Although both are made with natural ingredients, the natural almond extract is actually made from cassia bark.

The almond extract we are referring to in this article is pure almond extract, which is made from the almonds themselves or from the pits of stone fruits (drupes).

Pure Almond Extract vs. Almond Flavor Ingredients

Pure almond extract consists of only three ingredients:

• Alcohol
• Water
• Bitter almond oil

Almond oil contains a compound called benzaldehyde, which is where almond extract gets its flavor. Sometimes benzaldehyde is extracted from the pits of drupes, such as peaches or apricots, since these stone fruits are close relatives of the almond.

To make pure almond extract, almonds (or the pits of other drupes) are cold-pressed and combined with alcohol. Then water is added to dilute the solution.

Almond flavoring, on the other hand, also known as imitation almond extract, gets its almond flavor from synthetic benzaldehyde, which is then combined with water and alcohol to dilute the solution.

Almond Extract Nutrition

When it comes to nutritional considerations, there isn’t much of a difference between almond extract and almond flavoring.

Both are practically devoid of calories, fat and protein.

A teaspoon of almond extract or almond flavoring contains only 4 carbohydrates, which is less than 5% of the recommended daily value.

If you’re looking for some nutty goodness with more nutrition, we recommend giving almond butter a try . You can find the nutritional table for almond butter by clicking here.

Almond Extract vs. Almond Flavor: Price

Almond extract typically costs between $1 and $3.50 per ounce, which means that a 4-ounce jar would cost between $4 and $14.

These prices shouldn’t scare you though, because the small amounts of almond extract used in recipes means that even a small bottle will last a long time.

Almond flavoring, on the other hand, is the cheaper alternative of the two, typically costing between $0.50 and $2 per ounce.

Depending on how much you plan to use almond extract or almond flavoring, it may make sense to buy almond flavoring, as the difference in flavor isn’t too noticeable.

Ways to use almond extract

Almond extract and almond flavoring, although they differ in the ingredients and the way they are produced, are often used on similar occasions.

However, if you are going to make a recipe in which almonds are one of the most important ingredients, it is advisable to use almond extract, as it will create a purer and more natural flavor.

Baking with almond extract

Almond extract and almond flavoring are most commonly used in baking.

They can substitute for vanilla extract in baked goods such as cakes, cookies, muffins, and others. They’re also delicious when whipped into frosting or homemade whipped cream.

Use almond extract to enhance almond recipes, such as almond blondies, almond cake, almond cherry fudge, or almond chocolate cake.

It goes especially well with desserts that contain other drupes or stone fruits, such as cherries, peaches, apricots, and plums.

Almond extract would be an excellent addition to any cherry pie, peach cobbler, apricot pie, or plum crumble.

It can even be used in savory recipes that include almonds, such as saffron rice or almond-crusted chicken fillets.

Almond Extract Recipe

You can make almond extract at home, although it will not be exactly the same as the almond extract you can find in stores.

To make a homemade almond extract, you will need

• Clear liquor (preferably vodka)
• Whole, raw, skinless almonds
• A glass jar or bottle

Instructions:

• You just have to place the almonds in the jar and cover them with the alcohol, making sure that they are completely submerged.
• Cover the jar or bottle and place it in a cool, dark place, where you will leave it for at least 1 month and up to 2 months, making sure to shake it every few days.
• You will have cheap homemade almond extract in a matter of weeks!

Note : Almond flavoring cannot be made at home because it is produced synthetically…unless you are a chemist with a lab!

How much almond extract to use

Almond extract is extremely potent, so use it sparingly.

The most you can use in a recipe is one teaspoon, as using much more will not result in a stronger almond flavor, but more of a bitter taste.

How to Substitute Almond Extract

Maybe you are allergic to almonds or just don’t like the taste of them.

If you don’t want to use almond extract or almond flavoring, you can use vanilla extract or essence instead, although a different flavor will certainly result.

If you are looking for a unique and different substitute for almond extract or almond flavoring, there are some interesting products that you should consider.

Depending on the flavor profile of your recipe, you could try chocolate extract, banana flavor, coffee flavor, or orange flavor .

Try the chocolate extract in chocolate chip cookies, the banana flavoring in a banana cream pie, the coffee flavoring in espresso truffles, or the orange flavoring in an orange cake.

Although these alternatives will produce very different flavors, they can serve as a substitute when a recipe calls for almond extract or almond flavoring.

Related questions

Thanks for reading this comprehensive guide on the difference between almond extract and almond aroma. We hope you also enjoy the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Almond Extract Benefits – Are There Any?

When it comes to health considerations, the most important thing to look out for is benzaldehyde, which occurs naturally in almond extract, but is produced synthetically in almond flavoring.

Natural benzaldehyde, which is extracted from almonds or stone fruit pits, contains cyanide, although it is found in such trace amounts in almond extract that you’ll be safe unless you consume abnormally large amounts.

Almond flavoring, on the other hand, does not contain cyanide, and although it is produced synthetically in a laboratory, it does not present any health considerations that are cause for concern.

In short, both almond extract and almond flavoring are safe ingredients with low nutritional value.

Is almond extract safe for people who are allergic to tree nuts?

If you or a family member has an allergy to tree nuts, including almonds, almond extract may not be safe to consume.

Although it depends specifically on how the almond extract is produced (whether it is made from almonds or from the pit of another drupe) and the severity of the allergy, it is recommended that people with nut allergies stay away from almond extract. .

Although almond extract may be a risk for people with nut allergies, almond flavoring should be safe.

Since it doesn’t actually contain any almonds, but only a synthetic flavoring, almond flavoring is usually fine for those with nut allergies, although this depends on the severity and personal condition of each individual.

It is safest to consult with your allergist or doctor before consuming almond extract or almond flavoring.