Vanilla Essence Vs Vanilla Extract - The Differences

Although they are often mistaken for the same thing, vanilla essence and vanilla extract actually have significant differences that affect the ways they can be used, their nutritional value, and the flavor they create. These two products are made in very different ways, and one is noticeably healthier than the other.

So what is the difference between vanilla essence and vanilla extract?

While vanilla extract is a natural product, vanilla essence is a synthetic vanilla-flavored product that, while the cheaper of the two, has lower nutritional value and, in most cases, a lesser flavor. lower.

Read on to find out everything you need to know to distinguish between vanilla essence and vanilla extract. We will address production, purpose, and nutritional value, as well as answering the most common questions that arise when distinguishing vanilla essence from vanilla extract.

Vanilla essence and vanilla extract: what is the difference?

Although they sound quite similar, vanilla essence and vanilla extract are significantly different products.

While vanilla essence is a cheaper , synthetically produced product, vanilla extract is only produced from natural ingredients. 

How vanilla essence and extract are produced

Vanilla essence is a chemically produced synthetic substance that, while mimicking vanilla, is not made from real vanilla.

In fact, vanilla essence often includes crude oil, or petroleum, that is processed to mimic the flavor of vanilla.

Vanilla extract , on the other hand, is a natural product that is created by soaking vanilla beans in a solution of ethyl alcohol and water.

Vanilla extract gets its strong flavor from vanillin, a molecule found in vanilla beans.

The difference of the ingredients

As we have said, the big difference between vanilla essence and vanilla extract lies in their ingredients and how they are produced.

The ingredients that make up vanilla essence typically include some or all of the following:

• Water
• Ethanol
• Propylene glycol
• emulsifiers
• flavorings
• Colorant

Vanilla extract is usually made up of

• Water
• Alcohol
• Natural extracts of the vanilla bean
• Sugar

Most vanilla extracts do not contain any artificial products , as you can tell by their ingredients.

Although vanilla extract does contain some sugar , there is no need to worry. The amount of sugar contained in vanilla extract is negligible, and its pure, natural ingredients are the most important component to focus on.

Different uses of vanilla essence and extract

Although both vanilla essence and vanilla extract are mainly used for confectionery , their difference in quality and price gives them different uses.

Read on to find out exactly how you should cook with vanilla essence and extract.

How to use vanilla essence

Since vanilla essence is a cheaper product, it is convenient for those who bake in bulk or need to use large amounts of it.

However, being made with artificial ingredients , it has a less natural flavor, so avoid using it in recipes where vanilla is one of the key ingredients.

If you’re baking a large cake or a large batch of cookies that requires a hint of vanilla, you probably won’t be able to notice the inferior flavor of vanilla essence.

If you don’t have vanilla and want to make up for the lack of flavor, read this article: The Best Substitute for Vanilla Extract in Cookies

Vanilla essence is also an affordable option for bakers or cooks who have to feed large numbers of people.

When baking with vanilla essence, add it when you add the rest of the wet ingredients.

You probably don’t want to use it in cold desserts, such as custard or pudding, as vanilla extract is of superior quality and flavor.

How to use vanilla extract

Vanilla extract , on the other hand, is a high-quality ingredient that you can use in a wide variety of recipes, both confectionery and other types.

Although it can be used to add flavor to cakes, cookies, and pastries, it ‘s also a great product to use when vanilla should be the star of the show. 

If you’re making homemade vanilla custard or flan , add it when the dish has finished cooking and has already been removed from the heat. The same goes for frosted or glazed ones.

If you are going to bake with it, add it at the same time you would add the vanilla essence, when you are mixing the wet ingredients.

When cooking with vanilla extract, don’t be afraid to let it shine!

Show it off in vanilla-flavored recipes like vanilla cheesecake, homemade vanilla ice cream, vanilla meringue cookies, angel food cake, or even vanilla coffee creamer.

The price difference: Affordable and rather affordable

As we have already said, vanilla essence is usually much cheaper than vanilla extract, since the latter is made with purer and higher quality ingredients.

We recommend shelling out the few extra bucks that vanilla extract will cost you because even though it’s comparatively more expensive, it’s still a relatively affordable product.

Vanilla extract is typically $2-$5 an ounce, which means an 8-ounce jar can cost $20-$40.

However, a little goes a long way when using vanilla extract , so it’s sure to last you a long time.

Substitutes for vanilla essence and extract

If you can’t get your hands on vanilla essence or vanilla extract, there are some alternatives you can use instead.

Vanilla paste is a mixture of vanilla extract and vanilla powder, and can be used in place of vanilla essence and vanilla extract in a variety of situations.

Vanilla paste is the most suitable for preparing cold products , such as ice cream, glazed or shortbread.

However, you will need to make sure that it is properly incorporated into the rest of your ingredients, as you are using something with a much thicker consistency than vanilla essence or vanilla extract.

If you’re looking for another creative vanilla project , consider placing some halved vanilla beans in a sugar jar . Close the jar and let it sit for a few weeks in a cool, dark place.

The sugar will absorb the aromas of the vanilla and you can use it in a large number of baking recipes. Instead of adding regular sugar to your cookies and muffins, use this vanilla-infused sugar and omit any vanilla essence or extract called for in the recipe.

If you like your vanilla latte or vanilla cream for your coffee, you can also pair this vanilla infused sugar with milk or milk and a half to enhance your cup of coffee.

This vanilla sugar will last a long time, making it an incredibly affordable alternative to vanilla extract.

Related questions about vanilla essence and vanilla extract

Thanks for reading our carefully researched article on the differences between vanilla essence and vanilla extract. Now that you know the main differences, we thought we’d do you a favor and answer the most frequently asked questions. Enjoy it!

What is healthier, vanilla essence or vanilla extract?

As you can see, vanilla extract is clearly a higher quality and healthier option.

Vanilla essence contains a plethora of artificial and chemical ingredients (sometimes even petroleum), and while it won’t make you sick, a natural product like vanilla extract is the much healthier option.

Can vanilla extract be substituted for vanilla extract and vice versa?

Although vanilla essence and vanilla extract are very similar products, there are a few things to keep in mind when substituting one for the other.

Vanilla extract is quite a bit stronger than vanilla essence , so if a recipe calls for vanilla essence and you only have vanilla extract on hand, be sure to use less than the recipe calls for.

On the other hand, if you have vanilla essence and the recipe calls for vanilla extract, you will need to use more vanilla essence to achieve the same flavor as vanilla extract.

Can you make vanilla essence at home?

Since vanilla essence is a chemically processed product, you can’t (and probably don’t want to) make it at home.

With that being said, you can make homemade vanilla extract.

All you need is a glass bottle or jar, vanilla beans, and a clear liquor (preferably vodka).

• Cut the vanilla beans in half and place them in the jar, then soak them in the alcohol and cover the jar.
• You will need to let the vanilla extract infuse for at least a month , but the longer you let it sit, the better.
• Leaving it in a cool, dark place for at least two months is the ideal way to ensure your vanilla extract has a rich, powerful flavor.
• Homemade vanilla extract can last up to three years, and it makes a great, effortless gift that any baking aficionado is sure to appreciate. It’s also a much more affordable alternative to buying vanilla extract.