The 12 best pure vanilla extract brands
McCormick, Watkins and Simply Organic lead our ranking of 12 pure vanilla extract brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Pure Vanilla Extract brands, ranked
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1
McCormick
McCormick makes pure vanilla extract sold in grocery stores, one of the most widely distributed supermarket brands.
Website: mccormick.com |Brands like McCormick
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Watkins
Watkins makes pure vanilla extract as part of its household baking and spice line, sold in grocery stores.
Website: watkinsmfg.com |Brands like Watkins
Popularity 6.1/10
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3
Simply Organic
Simply Organic makes certified organic pure vanilla extract, sold alongside its other organic spices and flavorings.
Website: simplyorganic.com |Brands like Simply Organic
Popularity 4.8/10
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4
Morton
The leading producer of spices and seasonings is Morton & Bassett. For over 50 years, it has been a family-owned business. To assist you in making your meal more delicious, delectable, and nourishing, Morton & Bassett is a specialist in manufacturing special spices and seasonings. Morton & Bassett's excellent combination of carefully chosen ingredients and flavorful spices brings out the finest in all meal preparations, creating a soup, stew, curry, or even just seasoning your scrambled eggs.
Website: shop.mortonbassett.com |Brands like Morton
Popularity 4.5/10
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5
Adams
Adams & Adams is an African law firm that has been recognized all across the globe. They are a leading law firm in the African continent specializing in intellectual property and commercial services. They have an excellent relationship with their clients, and they only appoint professionals in their services. The law firm is meticulous in what they do and dedicates its full support to its clients. Adams & Adams have a lot of establishments under their firm.
Website: adams.africa |Brands like Adams
Popularity 2.2/10
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6
Back to Basics
Back to Basics creates clean goods using the cleanest, purest, and most effective components to provide better, safer, and more effective solutions. Their sports laundry wash is a great seller because it is ideal for especially stinking sports clothing or as a prewash stain remover. All ingredients in this liquid mix are safe, natural, and devoid of synthetic scent, dyes, and artificial colors, exported to a global market.
Website: backtobasics.shop |Brands like Back to Basics
Popularity 2.2/10
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7
Badia
Badia makes spices and baking flavorings, including pure vanilla extract sold in grocery stores.
Website: badiaspices.com |Brands like Badia
Popularity 2.2/10
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8
Island Spice
Island spices is a brand that makes spices inspired by Jamaican spices. The founder, Faraj Shaheed, was fascinated by the flavors of the food in Jamaica, and this made him establish a manufacturing unit of spices. The brand’s most renowned and award-winning products are Jerk Seasoning, Dragonfire, and Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauces. The categories which the brand offers are vast, sauces, marinades, mixed spices, and flavorings. They work to spice up your traditional daily dishes.
Website: islandspice.com |Brands like Island Spice
Popularity 1.8/10
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9
Durkee
Durkee makes spices, seasonings, and baking extracts, including pure vanilla extract for home cooks.
Website: durkee.com |Brands like Durkee
Popularity 1.3/10
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10
Spice Islands
Spice Islands makes spices and pure vanilla extract, sold as a baking line in grocery stores.
Website: spiceislands.com |Brands like Spice Islands
Popularity 1.3/10
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11
Marshalls Creek Spices
Marshalls Creek Spices makes spices and pure vanilla extract sold to home cooks and bakers.
Website: pureandnaturalspices.com |Brands like Marshalls Creek Spices
Popularity 1.3/10
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12
Heilala
Heilala Vanilla sells pure vanilla extract made from vanilla grown in Tonga, along with whole beans and other vanilla products.
Website: heilalavanilla.com |Brands like Heilala
Popularity 1.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCormick | mccormick.com | /mccormickspice | mccormickspice | @mccormickspices | McCormickVideos |
| Watkins | watkinsmfg.com | /WatkinsWellnessCareers | watkinswellness | @WatkinsWellness | – |
| Simply Organic | simplyorganic.com | /simplyorganicfoods | simplyorganicfoods | @SimplyOrgFoods | – |
| Morton | shop.mortonbassett.com | – | – | – | – |
| Adams | adams.africa | /adams.adams.attorneys | – | @AdamsAdamslaw | Adams and Adams |
| Back to Basics | backtobasics.shop | /backtobasicsshop | backtobasics_shop | @backtobasicshop | – |
| Badia | badiaspices.com | – | – | – | – |
| Island Spice | islandspice.com | /Island.Spice.Jamaica | – | @islandspiceja | – |
| Durkee | durkee.com | – | – | – | – |
| Spice Islands | spiceislands.com | /SpiceIslands | spiceislands_ | – | – |
Pure Vanilla Extract Buying Guide
Vanilla is a widely used flavoring agent in sweet dishes like pastries, cakes, and ice creams. Pure Vanilla Extract is the concentrated form of vanilla that is used to add vanilla flavor to baked goods and desserts.
When buying pure vanilla extract, it is essential to pay attention to the ingredient list and the label to ensure that you are getting the best quality product. Here is a comprehensive vanilla extract buying guide that will help you make an informed decision while shopping for it:
1. Check the Ingredients
The first thing to do before buying pure vanilla extract is to check the ingredients listed on the label. The ingredient list should be short and simple, and pure vanilla extract should be the primary ingredient. Make sure that the label reads "pure vanilla extract" and not just "vanilla extract."
Avoid products that contain artificial flavors, colors, or additives, as they will not provide the same natural vanilla taste as pure vanilla extract. Also, be cautious of products that claim to be "all-natural" or "100% pure," but contain more than just vanilla extract.
2. Look for the Origin of Vanilla Beans
The origin of the vanilla beans used to make the pure vanilla extract can significantly affect its quality and taste. Madagascar, Tahiti, and Mexico are the primary origins of vanilla beans. Each origin has its own unique flavor profile.
Vanilla beans from Madagascar are known for their creamy, sweet, and robust vanilla flavor. Tahitian vanilla beans have a fruity and floral flavor that is often used in gourmet desserts. Mexican vanilla beans have a spicy and nutty flavor that is perfect for making chocolate desserts.
Knowing the origin of the vanilla beans used to make the pure vanilla extract can help you choose the flavor that will best suit your recipe.
3. Check the Alcohol Content
Pure vanilla extract is made by steeping vanilla beans in alcohol and water. The alcohol acts as a preservative and extracts the flavor and aroma of the vanilla beans. When buying pure vanilla extract, you should pay attention to the alcohol content.
A higher alcohol content does not necessarily mean a better quality product. The FDA requires that pure vanilla extract contains a minimum of 35% alcohol. However, some brands use a higher percentage of alcohol to dilute the flavor and aroma of the vanilla beans, which can result in a weaker product.
It is recommended to choose a product with an alcohol content between 35%-40%. This range provides a proper balance between preserving the vanilla flavor and aroma and avoiding an overpowering alcohol taste.
4. Check the Price
The price of pure vanilla extract can vary widely depending on the quality of the product and the brand. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper product, it is recommended to invest in a high-quality, pure vanilla extract for the best flavor and aroma.
Vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and the process of extracting pure vanilla extract is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, pure vanilla extract that is of high quality will be more expensive than products that contain artificial flavors or additives.
The price of pure vanilla extract can vary from $10 to $50 or more per ounce. It is essential to balance the quality and price of the product while making a purchase.
5. Choose Organic Vanilla Extract
Organic pure vanilla extract is made from vanilla beans that are grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Choosing organic vanilla extract ensures that you are getting a product that is free of harmful chemicals and is environmentally friendly.
Organic vanilla extract is usually more expensive than conventional vanilla extract, but it is worth the extra cost. It guarantees that you are getting a high-quality product that is free of harmful toxins and chemicals.
6. Check for Gluten-Free, Kosher, or Halal Certification
If you have specific dietary restrictions, make sure to check if the pure vanilla extract you are buying is gluten-free, kosher, or halal certified. Gluten-free certification ensures that the product is free of gluten, making it safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Kosher certification ensures that the product is produced according to strict Jewish dietary laws. Halal certification is essential for Muslim consumers as it guarantees that the product meets Islamic dietary laws.
7. Store Pure Vanilla Extract Properly
Pure vanilla extract should be stored in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight. The pantry or a kitchen cabinet is the best place to store it. Avoid storing the pure vanilla extract in the refrigerator or freezer as it can accelerate the evaporation of the alcohol.
Pure vanilla extract can last for several years if stored correctly. However, its flavor and aroma will start to deteriorate after a year of opening the bottle. It is recommended to use pure vanilla extract within a year of opening it to ensure that you get the best flavor and aroma.
Conclusion
Buying pure vanilla extract is not a straightforward task. With so many products available in the market, it is essential to pay attention to the ingredient list, the origin of the vanilla beans, the alcohol content, price, and certifications to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.
Investing in a high-quality, pure vanilla extract will not only enhance the flavor and aroma of your baked goods and desserts but also contribute to a healthier and eco-friendly lifestyle.
