Wait, Does Vanilla Extract Contain Alcohol? (2024)

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Wait, Does Vanilla Extract Contain Alcohol? (2)Lisa KaminskiUpdated: Nov. 12, 2020

    Wait, Does Vanilla Extract Contain Alcohol? (3)serezniy/Getty Images

    Here's what you need to know about vanilla extract alcohol content.

    Vanilla extract is a must-have ingredient in cookies, biscotti, cake and so many more baked goods. While extract is a more convenient and affordable way to add flavor to recipes than a vanilla bean, the question of if vanilla extract contains alcoholmight make some home bakers pause.

    First, learn about which type of vanilla extract is best for your recipe.

    Is There Alcohol in Vanilla Extract?

    By definition, yes there is alcohol in vanilla extract. According to the FDA, vanilla extract is a mixture of vanilla scent and flavor characteristic, and alcohol. To be exact, theFDA requires anethyl alcohol content of at least 35% for a product to be considered vanilla extract.

    Before you worry about getting a buzz from your baked goods, nearly all of the alcohol from extracts evaporates in the cooking process. So, your next batch of chocolate chip cookies is definitely safe to take to a school bake sale.

    By the way, did you know you can make your own at home? Here’s how to make vanilla extract.

    Is There Non-Alcoholic Vanilla Extract?

    Yes, you can find vanilla extracts that contain less or no alcohol, though they won’t be called “extracts” since they don’t meet the FDA’s standards. These products are commonly referred to asvanilla flavoring, instead.

    If you’re shopping for vanilla flavorings, be sure to read the labels carefully. While some of these products are just alcohol-free versions of vanilla extract (typically using glycerin instead of alcohol) it could also indicate that there less natural and/or artificial vanilla flavor and scent than the FDA’s requirements.

    Before you head off to the grocery store, be sure to know the biggest mistake you can make when buying vanilla extract.

    What About Bourbon Vanilla?

    If you get into niche types of vanilla, you may see bottles of extract labeled as Madagascar Bourbon vanilla extract. We get it: Bourbon and vanilla sounds like a pretty good combination. But let us stop you right there: There is no bourbon in Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. (Shocking, right!)

    This type of vanilla has the name Bourbon attached to it because, according to Nielsen-Massey, Madagascar (where the vanilla is grown) used to be referred to as one of the Bourbon Islands.

    So you won’t get any bourbon notes in this type of vanilla, but you will get a strong, rich vanilla flavor.

    Get Baking!

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    Originally Published: November 12, 2020

    Wait, Does Vanilla Extract Contain Alcohol? (4)

    Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish.When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.

    Wait, Does Vanilla Extract Contain Alcohol? (5)

    Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.

    Wait, Does Vanilla Extract Contain Alcohol? (2024)

    FAQs

    Wait, Does Vanilla Extract Contain Alcohol? ›

    Is There Alcohol in Vanilla Extract? By definition, yes there is alcohol in vanilla extract. According to the FDA, vanilla extract is a mixture of vanilla scent and flavor characteristic, and alcohol. To be exact, the FDA requires an ethyl alcohol content of at least 35% for a product to be considered vanilla extract.

    How much alcohol is in vanilla extract? ›

    Vanilla Extract and Alcohol Content

    Vanilla extract may contain up to 35% ABV, which is the equivalent of a shot of hard liquor like vodka or bourbon.

    Can vanilla extract make you test positive for alcohol? ›

    Food and Other Consumable Products: flavoring extract, such as vanilla extract or almond extract, if consumed in excess (e.g. to flavor coffee) can cause a positive test. Some main dishes, side dishes, sauces and desserts, (e.g. Tiramasu-Rumcake) are prepared with large amounts of alcohol and can cause a positive test.

    Can vanilla extract be alcohol free? ›

    Vanilla extract doesn't have to be made with alcohol, but finding a non-alcoholic version at the store can be difficult and costly. Fortunately, it's really easy to make at home and it can save you money.

    Does McCormick vanilla extract have alcohol? ›

    Because McCormick Culinary Pure Vanilla Extract contains alcohol, remember to exercise caution when adding it to very hot liquids, such as oil, and when adding it near an open flame.

    Can kids have vanilla extract? ›

    Yes. Vanilla extract is generally recognized as safe in amounts typically used in cooking. While vanilla extract does contain alcohol, the tiny amounts typically used in baked goods and meals mean that it is fine to add vanilla extract to foods for baby.

    Do you have to be 18 to buy vanilla extract? ›

    Vanilla extract is just as potent as bottle of liquor and there's no age restriction to buy the baking ingredient.

    Can alcoholics bake with vanilla extract? ›

    Vanilla extract typically does not pose a threat due to the small amounts used when cooking, but it can be a trigger to those of us in recovery from alcohol misuse.

    Will vanilla extract set off a breathalyzer? ›

    Not nearly enough to cause impairment, but possibly enough to lead to a false positive. Vanilla extract – Per FDA standards, pure vanilla extract must contain 35% alcohol.

    Why does the FDA require alcohol in vanilla extract? ›

    The oils themselves must be extracted before we enjoy their benefits. Alcohol is a natural extrapolator that dissolves the bean's essential oils and keeps them in suspension.

    What is a non-alcoholic substitute for vanilla extract? ›

    After vanilla, one of the most common extracts people use in baking is almond extract. You can replace vanilla extract with almond extract at a 1:1 ratio. That means, replace every 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of vanilla extract in the recipe with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of almond extract.

    Should vanilla be refrigerated? ›

    You should never store your vanilla beans in the refrigerator. Refrigeration will dry out your beans and excess moisture can promote a particular type of mold specific to vanilla. We recommend storing your airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or basem*nt.

    Why does my vanilla extract have alcohol? ›

    IMPORTANCE OF ALCOHOL FOR EXTRACTION

    The reason that there are content requirements for alcohol in vanilla bean extract is due to its important function. The alcohol has the huge responsibility of extracting all of the wonderful compounds and flavors from the vanilla bean.

    How much alcohol is in Costco vanilla extract? ›

    2000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. INGREDIENTS: VANILLA BEAN EXTRACTIVES IN WATER, ALCOHOL (35%).

    What alcohol goes in vanilla extract? ›

    Use either. 80 proof Alcohol: Vanilla extract is most commonly made from vodka, but you can use bourbon, brandy, or rum instead. I usually use vodka, but the one bottle of bourbon vanilla I made 7 months ago is DIVINE. No need to splurge on expensive alcohol.

    Does great value vanilla extract have alcohol? ›

    Contains 41% alcohol... other than that it does taste somewhat more like vanilla than the imitation vanilla and is not as watered down as some of the others.

    Can you have vanilla extract when pregnant? ›

    Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vanilla is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women when taken by mouth in food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if vanilla is safe to use as a medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

    Do you need an ID to buy vanilla extract? ›

    “The vanilla extract is usually 35 percent or 70 proof. Vodka is usually 70 or 80 percent proof.” While cooking or baking vanilla extract causes the alcohol to dissolve, it has a strong alcohol proof raw, and people do not need to show ID when purchasing the product.

    What alcohol is used in Mexican vanilla? ›

    Using high-quality Mexican vanilla beans and a neutral alcohol such as vodka will contribute to a more flavorful and aromatic extract.

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