Does vanilla extract go bad? - How to know?

Vanilla is priceless in most baking recipes, but pure vanilla extract has a very real price when you buy it.

Whether you decide to carefully cut costs by purchasing artificial vanilla or splurge on pure vanilla extract, it’s important to know how long your extract lasts.

Does vanilla extract go bad?

Vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life in terms of food safety. However, it will lose its flavor and aroma over time. Still, you should have several years to use your extract before you have to worry about its quality, as long as you store it properly.

In this article, we will compare pure and artificial vanilla extracts in terms of their shelf life. We’ll also talk about the complications of storage and learn how to store vanilla extract to maximize its quality for a long time.

Vanilla extract is a key ingredient in many baking recipes. Bring the sweet aroma and delicate flavor of vanilla to your desserts.

Pure vanilla extract is made by macerating or grinding and crushing vanilla beans in a solution of water and ethanol.

According to the USDA, to be considered pure, vanilla extract must have at least 35% alcohol and a minimum of 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter of liquid.

The main source of the vanilla flavor comes from a compound called vanillin. Although the vanilla bean has many other compounds that add depth and complexity to the flavor of the extract.

Artificial vanilla extract is also very popular because it is much less expensive than the pure extract. Artificial vanilla is made from synthetically produced vanillin, which is actually a byproduct of wood pulp.

Because it is synthetic and lacks the other natural nutrients and aromas of the whole pod, some people find artificial vanilla extract less flavorful or satisfying than pure vanilla extract.

Since it is used primarily in baking with many other ingredients and flavors, artificial extract is a great and inexpensive alternative for most uses.

Can vanilla extract go bad?

Pure vanilla extract isn’t cheap, so preventing it from spoiling is a very responsible step. The great news, though, is that your vanilla extract is highly unlikely to go bad.

“Does vanilla extract expire?” is a slightly different question.

Most bottles come with a “best before” or “use by” date. This is not necessarily because the extract is going to spoil. It has more to do with the fact that it can lose flavor and potency over time.

Due to the specific alcohol content requirements on pure vanilla extract, it stays fresh, flavorful and aromatic for a long time.

You shouldn’t notice a decrease in heavenly smell or a significant change in taste for at least 5-10 years.

Not many pastry chefs can make a jar of vanilla extract last that long anyway. So it is unlikely that you will find yourself in a situation with a disappointing outcome.

Vanilla extract can go bad if left open in the wrong environment for a long time. Vanilla extract doesn’t provide the environment that bacteria crave and thrive in, but it’s still possible for harmful bacteria to be present in your extract.

If you’ve had your vanilla extract for a long time and it hasn’t been in proper storage conditions, do a test. You can smell the jar and get a small taste sample before you use it. If it smells or tastes bad, throw it away.

Does imitation vanilla extract go bad?

Imitation vanilla, like pure vanilla, is unlikely to spoil. Again, it’s not a welcoming environment for the kind of bacteria that can create a problem with food, but it’s technically possible for them to grow there.

Most likely it will simply lose its potency. Imitation vanilla will become less aromatic and less flavorful after about 2 years, especially under poor storage conditions.

However, it is important to note that there is a notable difference between imitation or artificial vanilla and pure vanilla extract.

If you are used to one of them, the change may change the experience. You may even think that your vanilla has gone bad. However, this is not usually the case. They just smell and taste slightly different.

Does Mexican vanilla go bad?

At some point in history, Mexican vanilla was known worldwide for its purity. Vanilla beans originally come from Mexico, as well as other countries in the Caribbean and Central America.

For this reason, by making the extract in the native land, freshness and the highest possible quality were achieved.

Unfortunately, the vanilla extract market in these countries was severely disrupted in the early 20th century during the Mexican Revolution. Since then, most of the vanilla extract that is exported from there is artificial.

This short history lesson is shared to explain that Mexican vanilla extract can be expected to rank right up there with any other artificial or imitation vanilla extract unless you can be sure it is a pure extract.

It probably won’t go bad, but it can start to degrade in quality after about 2 years.

If you buy Mexican vanilla extract directly from Mexico, you should know that sometimes they use an additional ingredient. Coumarin is often added to enhance the flavor.

However, coumarin can be dangerous for those using blood thinners , so be careful when checking the ingredient list if you are concerned about this.

How to tell if vanilla extract is bad

As we’ve already said, it’s unlikely that your vanilla extract will go bad in an unhealthy or unsafe way.

But it can be very disappointing to use a vanilla extract that has lost its potency, resulting in baked goods without the proper vanilla essence.

When it comes to vanilla extract, your nose is always the best tool for discerning whether the vanilla is fresh. If you don’t enjoy the fragrance when you open the jar, you probably won’t be as pleased with the effect it has on your baking.

Keep in mind that artificial vanilla has a different scent than pure vanilla. So if you’re used to one or the other, you might be surprised by the difference in scent that has nothing to do with potency.

When switching from artificial to pure or vice versa, it may be a good idea to become very familiar with the new scent as soon as you open the bottle. Smell it often to get used to the difference.

cloudy vanilla extract

Cloudy vanilla extract is usually caused by your vanilla being stored in an environment where it has been regularly exposed to direct light or heat.

Heat can cause evaporation, even though the jar seems tightly closed, and this can cloud your vanilla extract.

Still, as long as you can smell the heavenly scent of vanilla when you open the bottle, it’s safe to use and should be just as effective as a non-cloudy extract.

Black spots in vanilla extract

A surprising number of people ask about the black specks in the vanilla extract. But it seems to be a question more associated with black specks in vanilla flavored foods like vanilla ice cream.

It is unlikely that you will find specks in your extract, because it is filtered very thoroughly and very carefully. Any visible bits of anything in your vanilla extract can be a sign of cross contamination. They should not be on your statement.

However, black specks on vanilla-flavored foods are often a sign that the product was made with pure vanilla, or a vanilla bean, and not with an artificial flavoring.

The black specks are probably pieces of the beans or pods. They are not only edible, but they are full of flavor.

This is not always so. Some food manufacturers add black flakes that have nothing to do with vanilla.

They do this in an attempt to trick their customers into thinking it’s of higher quality than it actually is. However, these black flakes should not harm you.

Vanilla extract smells like alcohol

Pure vanilla is made with alcohol. In fact, there is a minimum volume of alcohol required to label an extract as pure.

If you have a freshly bottled and very fresh pure vanilla extract, it is not surprising that it has a slight aroma of alcohol. This should disappear as the extract ages, usually within a few weeks.

If the smell bothers you, a good way to fix it is to add a small amount of sugar to your extract. If you add a tablespoon of sugar for every pint of vanilla extract, you will speed up the aging process and help reduce the alcohol smell more quickly.

The slight smell of alcohol does not mean that your vanilla extract has gone bad. It means that it is pure and fresh. Alcohol, whether you smell it or not, will burn off in the cooking process if you cook with vanilla extract.

Vanilla Extract Shelf Life

Vanilla extract, regardless of variety, has an extremely long shelf life. As already mentioned, unfortunately it can lose its beautiful aroma and the strength of its flavor over time.

If stored properly, pure vanilla extract should stay fresh and of high quality for up to 10 years. Artificial or imitation vanilla extract will last anywhere from 2-4 years, depending on the brand and specific manufacturing process.

How long does homemade vanilla extract last?

Homemade vanilla extract, if made with the right amount of straight alcohol, will last just as long as straight vanilla extract, because that’s exactly what it is.

Pure vanilla extract, whether homemade or purchased, should maintain its quality for 5-10 years, depending on storage conditions.

Can you get sick from expired vanilla extract?

No, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get sick from expired vanilla extract. The expiration date on the bottle is more of a recommended “use by” date.

Beyond this date, the manufacturer is not confident that the vanilla extract will taste and smell as good as before, but it is still safe to use.

Vanilla Extract Shelf Life [GRAPHIC]

Vanilla extract can be used indefinitely, but it will lose its potency over time. This table refers to the general shelf life of the best quality vanilla stored in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed jar.

How to preserve vanilla extract

Vanilla extract should always be stored in a cool, dry place. You must be careful not to expose the extract to high temperatures or light for a long time. This can cause a part to evaporate.

A good option is to place the jar in a kitchen cabinet, away from the stove and oven, or in a pantry.

If you can store your vanilla extract in a dark bottle, whether you buy it as well or transfer it to another dark bottle, preferably glass, this will help protect it from UV exposure. It can help to further prolong the flavor and fragrance.

Does vanilla extract need to be refrigerated?

Vanilla extract should not be stored in the refrigerator.

It doesn’t have to hurt the vanilla, but most baking ingredients should be used at room temperature. Keeping it in a closet or pantry will save you time in the long run.

Storing the vanilla extract in the refrigerator is not necessary for safety reasons. It is almost impossible for bacteria to grow in or on the extract.

However, it’s a good idea to keep it in a cool place, like a closet or pantry. Constant heat will degrade quality over time.

Related questions

Do vanilla beans go bad?

Vanilla beans are often sold as a dried spice, which lasts a long time if stored properly . However, they can mold or dry out if you’re not careful, so be sure to store them in an airtight jar or bag.

If you have a vacuum sealer or a Foodsaver, you can seal them individually. They will last up to 6 months. You’ll also want to keep your packets or sealed containers in a cool, dry space, like your pantry.

Any exposure to moisture can encourage mold on your beans. On the other end of the spectrum, if dry air is constantly surrounding your beans, they can dry out and lose their creaminess.

Over time, the vanilla will begin to lose its potency, even if your pods have not dried out or become moldy. It is best to use the pods within 6 months from the date of purchase.

What happens if you take the vanilla extract?

Can you consume raw vanilla extract and, if you do, what happens? This is a very popular question in recent years. Some have even tried drinking vanilla in hopes of getting a buzz due to the alcohol content of pure vanilla.

The alcohol in pure vanilla is very strong and can technically lead to intoxication or even alcohol poisoning if too much is ingested.

It is not pleasant to drink straight. Most will not like the taste enough to take it neat.

But with the rise of the Internet and the popularity of dangerous social trends, there’s a slim chance that curious teens or kids will give it a try.

If you’re concerned, it’s a good idea to store the vanilla extract like you would any other liquor or potentially dangerous substance.

Imitation vanilla extract usually does not contain alcohol, so it is not dangerous if you drink it straight.

What is the best imitation vanilla?

Our favorite artificial vanilla is Baker’s Imitation Vanilla Flavor. However, McCormick’s Clear Culinary Imitation Vanilla Extract is a very close second.

Both options are packed with flavor that adapts admirably to the baking process.

McCormick’s may be a bit cheaper because it’s available in a 32-ounce bottle, and it’s clear. Clear artificial vanilla can be a great asset if you’re making something you don’t want to change the color of.

But Baker’s rich caramel color adds a sense of authenticity and will work well in most baked goods anyway. Even though we know it’s a fake, it’s more visually convincing.