Mmm… vanilla. It’s a comforting scent like a warm hug. We bake a lot in our home, especially my oldest daughter, who takes great pride in her chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon muffins, and lemon bars. She likes to walk little sweet plates down to our neighbors. This “neighbor tax” drives my youngest wild. She would prefer to keep all the sweets for herself!
By choosing from among the best organic vanilla extracts, we know we are not only enhancing our recipes with a purer, richer flavor but also supporting sustainable agriculture that benefits both the planet and farmers. Here, I will answer some common questions about organic vanilla extract and its benefits and share some of our favorites.
How is Vanilla Extract Made?
Vanilla extract is made with vanilla beans (usually from the Vanilla Planifolia plant) soaked in water and alcohol. According to the FDA, pure vanilla extract must contain at least 35% alcohol.1
Where Do Vanilla Beans Come From?
Most natural vanilla, around 80%, comes from the African island of Madagascar.2 It’s also grown in Papua New Guinea, China, Indonesia, and Mexico.3
How Are Organic Vanilla Extracts Different?
Organic pure vanilla extract is made from organic vanilla beans grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, adhering to strict organic farming standards. This process ensures a product that’s not only healthier for you but also more environmentally friendly.
Why Should I Use Organic Vanilla Extract in My Cooking?
Organic vanilla’s complex, rich taste can elevate simple dishes to something extraordinary. It’s not just about flavor—using organic vanilla ensures your dishes are free of artificial chemicals and additives, making them healthier and more natural.
In addition, studies have shown that vanilla extract has potential health benefits, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective.4
Help me get started!
Do you want to live a less-toxic, more eco-friendly lifestyle but have no idea where to begin? Here’s our “Non-Toxic 101” guide to get you started today!
What is Vanilla Essence or Flavor?
Vanilla essence or flavor is usually a synthetic product. Rather than vanilla beans, it’s made with artificial flavors like synthetic vanillin.
Can Organic Vanilla Extract Enhance Non-Food Products?
Yes. Organic vanilla extract is popular in DIY beauty products, from face masks to body scrubs. Its natural antioxidant properties can help soothe and repair skin, making it a luxurious addition to a self-care routine.
How Do I Choose the Best Organic Vanilla Extract?
Look for labels by reputable organizations that certify the vanilla as organic. Additionally, opt for extracts that are labeled as “pure vanilla extract” rather than “flavoring,” which usually indicates synthetic ingredients. Some of our favorite organic vanilla extracts include:
1. Simply Organic Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract
Simply Organic’s Vanilla Extract is made from high-quality vanilla planifolia from Madagascar.
They source from small-scale farmers in a self-governing cooperative.
Their extract contains no artificial ingredients and is non-irradiated and non-GMO. It is USDA organic and certified kosher by Kosher Supervision of America.5
They do not test on animals.
Ingredients: Organic Vanilla Bean Extractives in Water, Organic Alcohol
2.Nielsen Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
Nielsen Massey’s organic bourbon vanilla extract Is made from hand-selected beans from the Bourbon Island of Madagascar.
Nielsen Massey uses a proprietary cold extraction process to draw out the 300+ flavor compounds.
It’s certified fairtrade, meaning small-scale farmers in developing countries grow the beans for a fair price and with sustainable farming practices to protect the environment.
The extract is USDA organic, kosher, GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free.
Ingredients: Water, Organic Cane Alcohol, Organic Madagascar Vanilla Bean Extractives
3.Watkins Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
Watkins is made with the highest quality Madagascar Vanilla Beans.
It is USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, kosher, and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or gluten.
Ingredients: Organic vanilla bean extractives in water and Organic alcohol.
4. Cook’s Organic Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract
Cook’s is a 100-year-old family business.
Their organic extract is made with Madagascar vanilla beans extracted by cold percolation. They work with organically certified farmers for the finest beans.
It’s gluten, allergen, sugar-free, USDA organic, and kosher.
Ingredients: Organic Alcohol, Water, and Organic Madagascar’s Finest Whole Vanilla Beans
5. Watkins Organic Pure Vanilla Alcohol-Free
If you require alcohol-free vanilla, Watkins alcohol-free is a great choice. Due to the FDA’s requirement of 35% alcohol, it cannot be called an extract. However, it does contain extracts of organic vanilla beans, just without the alcohol.
It’s USDA organic, non-GMO, kosher, gluten-free, and without artificial flavors or colors.
Ingredients: Organic glycerin, Water, Extractives of organic vanilla beans
What Are Some Creative Ways to Use Vanilla Extract?
Beyond baking, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to your coffee, smoothies, ice cream, or oatmeal for a delicious twist. It also works wonders in homemade natural cleaning solutions, leaving your home smelling fresh.
And there you have it-my roundup of the best pure organic vanilla extracts! Each bottle shared promises to make your baking sweeter and your conscience clearer. So, whether you’re whipping up a batch of cookies or adding a dash to your morning coffee, choosing these organic options means you’re baking a difference for the environment and supporting ethical farming.
What is your choice for the best organic vanilla extract, and what is your favorite way to use it? Let us know in the comments!
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