While artificial vanilla flavoring is a bit more economical, nothing beats the taste of natural vanilla. There’s a reason it’s a costly little product, the process of harvesting vanilla beans is no easy feat. A single dash of vanilla extract is enough to add that creamy, familiar flavor that makes cookies, cakes, and ice cream so delicious. Whether blended into batters or drizzled into drinks, if you want an intense taste of real vanilla, here are a few of our favorite brands.
Editors’ Choice
Bakers will recognize the iconic Nielsen-Massey branding right away. In business since the early 1900s, this vanilla extract is known for its quality and consistency. Available in several interesting blends such as Tahitian, Mexican, and Fairtrade, if you’ve never tried this brand before, we urge you to start with the original Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract to get a sense for the purest flavors.
Reliable
It’s the kind your mom and grandma used to use. The McCormick brand goes back to 1889 and has been a trusted source for all things spiced and seasoned. Rich in color and flavor, this vanilla extract is praised for its notes of dried fruit and hints of rum.
Rich Flavor
Pure, pure, pure. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly product that boasts no GMOs, no sugar, no fake color, certified organic, and certified Kosher—this is it. Not only do its production practices follow rigorous standards, this brand is committed to helping millions of food insecure individuals by providing support to make organic food more accessible through its Simply Organic Giving Fund.
Hand-cultivated
Produced with vanilla beans from Veracruz, Mexico, the Canosa family-owned vanilla has a toasty, bold flavor profile. FDA certified and zero additives to speak of, go beyond desserts and try adding it to enhance your favorite breakfast foods like pancakes and waffles.
Michellina Jones is a contributing writer to Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. Michellina enjoys traveling to great food destinations worldwide and loves exploring boutique hotels.
