When it comes to baking, vanilla is one of the most cherished flavors. But with so many options out there, it can get a bit confusing. With choices like vanilla extract, natural vanilla flavor, and vanilla flavoring, you might find yourself scratching your head. So, how do you pick the right one for your recipes? Let’s break it down!
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL VANILLA FLAVOR AND VANILLA EXTRACT?
Natural vanilla flavor
Let’s start with natural vanilla flavor. This flavor mainly comes from vanilla beans but can also include other natural ingredients to enhance its taste. According to European regulations, at least 95% of the source must be vanilla. This makes it a great choice if you want that natural vanilla taste without diving into pure extract.
Vanilla flavor
Now, let’s talk about vanilla flavor. This one is often synthetic. It’s created in a lab and mimics the taste of vanilla without necessarily containing any real vanilla at all. While it’s usually cheaper, it might lack the rich, aromatic profile of natural products.
Vanilla extract
On the flip side, vanilla extract is a 100% natural product. It’s typically made by soaking vanilla pods in a mixture of water and alcohol (or without alcohol, like our KASANA organic vanilla extract!). Extracts are usually more concentrated than natural flavors, capturing the full complexity of vanilla’s aroma.
VANILLA EXTRACT: PURE AND CONCENTRATED GOODNESS
Vanilla extract is celebrated for its purity and flavor concentration. Unlike flavorings, it’s made solely from vanilla beans with no artificial additives. The beans are steeped in a hydroalcoholic solution or another medium (like vegetable glycerin, which we use in our KASANA extract) to draw out all that delicious aromatic richness.
You’ll find that a quality extract delivers a powerful and deep flavor, meaning you only need a tiny bit to make a big impact in your baking!
ALCOHOL-FREE VANILLA EXTRACT: IS IT A THING?
Absolutely! While most extracts have alcohol to stabilize the flavors, there are alcohol-free options out there. At KASANA, we use vegetable glycerin, a natural solution that ensures a pure flavor without any alcohol or added sugars.
HOW TO SPOT REAL VANILLA IN YOUR PRODUCTS
Identifying real vanilla isn’t as tricky as it may seem, especially if you know what to look for. Products that contain genuine vanilla, whether as an extract or natural flavor, typically provide clear information about their origins. Here are some handy tips:
- Look for the label “natural extract”: A genuine vanilla extract will have this label. If you see “flavor” or “essence,” it’s probably synthetic.
- Check the color: Natural extracts often have a brownish hue, a sign they’re made from real beans. Synthetic flavors might be clear or artificially colored.
KASANA ORGANIC VANILLA EXTRACT
A 100% natural, organic, and ethical choice
At KASANA, we take pride in offering a vanilla extract that’s 100% natural and certified organic. Our vanilla comes from Uganda, where we work directly with local farmers. By choosing our extract, you’re supporting rural communities and helping to create jobs in a region where agriculture is a vital part of the economy.
Alcohol-free and sugar-free vanilla
Our extract is made with vegetable glycerin, a natural ingredient that keeps the complexity of vanilla’s flavors intact without any added sugars or alcohol.
Exceptional concentration
With an impressive concentration of 120 vanilla beans per liter, our extract is incredibly rich. This means you only need a small amount to flavor your recipes. Whether you’re an amateur baker or a seasoned professional, our 30 ml bottles and 500 ml containers are perfect for all your culinary adventures. Check them out on our webshop!
HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN EXTRACT AND FLAVOR
Choosing between vanilla extract and flavor really comes down to what you need and prefer. If you’re after a natural, complex vanilla taste without any artificial additives, the extract is your best bet. But if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, a natural flavor might do the trick. Just keep an eye out for those synthetic flavors—they don’t offer the same quality.
In conclusion, if you want pure, organic, alcohol-free, and sugar-free vanilla, KASANA vanilla extract is the way to go. Enjoy a product that’s not only authentic but also respectful of the environment and local communities, all while elevating your recipes with an unmatched vanilla flavor.
