Which brand of vanilla, real and/or imitation do you use?

[ShuBunny]

hullo bakers,

Yes, I read this.

7 Aromatic Vanilla Extracts to Step Up Your Dessert Game

Bakers, it's time to break up with supermarket vanilla! Step up your game with these next-level vanilla extracts.

www.seriouseats.com

Curious on what you all are using.
Especially if you are making cookies!

I'm using McCormick imitation vanilla (hard to get locally), nielsen massey extract, a local brand real vanilla extract, imitation and paste.

For those who have used Watkins vs McCormick imitation. Is Watkins worth the switch?
I'll have to import Watkins, so asking before I spend $$$...
Thanks a lot!

 

[Norcalbaker59]

hullo bakers,

Yes, I read this.

7 Aromatic Vanilla Extracts to Step Up Your Dessert Game

Bakers, it's time to break up with supermarket vanilla! Step up your game with these next-level vanilla extracts.

www.seriouseats.com

Curious on what you all are using.
Especially if you are making cookies!

I'm using McCormick imitation vanilla (hard to get locally), nielsen massey extract, a local brand real vanilla extract, imitation and paste.

For those who have used Watkins vs McCormick imitation. Is Watkins worth the switch?
I'll have to import Watkins, so asking before I spend $$$...
Thanks a lot!

They are both good. But I use McCormicks Baker. McCormicks is the better flavored. If you look on the ingredients list you’ll note vanillin and ethyl vanillin. The combination delivers more vanilla flavor.

Artificial and real vanilla are molecularly identical. The vanillin and ethyl vanillin combination and the weight in the solution. Where real vanilla extract is only 0.03 - 0.10g per 100 mL imitation vanillas are 0.34 - 0.64g per 100mL.

So the McCormicks Baker has the two vanillin ingredients, A higher concentration of the vanillin than extracts, and molecularly is imitation vanilla ‘s our identical to vanilla. So from a chemistry perspective it makes sense to use the McCormicks.

When people claim they can taste the difference between real and imitation vanilla, I’m always skeptical since it’s physiologically not possible to distinguish between the two.

 

[ShuBunny]

Hi @Norcalbaker59,

I found the mccormick baker online, they don't carry it locally. This is pretty pricey!

McCormick Baker's Imitation Vanilla Extract, 8 fl oz : Amazon.sg: Grocery

McCormick Baker's Imitation Vanilla Extract, 8 fl oz : Amazon.sg: Grocery

www.amazon.sg

Did I read you right that this culinary mccormick
1. https://www.amazon.sg/McCormick-Culinary-Imitation-Vanilla-Flavor/dp/B00B4IF7BY/

and this watkins
2. https://www.amazon.sg/Watkins-Original-Gourmet-Extract-Vanilla/dp/B07DCXQ62J/?th=1
are almost the same?

I'm using this at the moment

Amazon.com

Thank you

 

[Norcalbaker59]

Hi @Norcalbaker59,

I found the mccormick baker online, they don't carry it locally. This is pretty pricey!

McCormick Baker's Imitation Vanilla Extract, 8 fl oz : Amazon.sg: Grocery

McCormick Baker's Imitation Vanilla Extract, 8 fl oz : Amazon.sg: Grocery

www.amazon.sg

Did I read you right that this culinary mccormick
1. https://www.amazon.sg/McCormick-Culinary-Imitation-Vanilla-Flavor/dp/B00B4IF7BY/

and this watkins
2. https://www.amazon.sg/Watkins-Original-Gourmet-Extract-Vanilla/dp/B07DCXQ62J/?th=1
are almost the same?

I'm using this at the moment

Amazon.com

Thank you

The McCormick Bakers is available in the US in every grocery store. The McCormicks Culinary in the silver bottle is for the trade; that is a better version. Bottle that you’re currently using I’ve never seen that package, that’s not to say that it isn’t package that way for export, just that it’s not package that way in the US. look at the ingredients list and compare it to the label that I posted. That’s what’s important and what’s in the bottle.

The Watkins that you have linked there is extract not imitation vanilla. And trust me there’s way better extracts than Watkins.

Yes when things have to be imported the price goes up astronomically. Years ago I lived in Hawaii and I was flabbergasted at the price of basic staples, like the cost of a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread. Everything was so expensive.

 

[ShuBunny]

Thanks @Norcalbaker59, i'm buying the mccormick culinary one then! it's the lowest pricing for the quantity!

sorry about the links, the watkins baking vanilla ingredient list did not state vanilin & ethyl vanillin.

whereas the mccormick one that I have on hand, states vanilin.

 

[Norcalbaker59]

Thanks @Norcalbaker59, i'm buying the mccormick culinary one then! it's the lowest pricing for the quantity!

sorry about the links, the watkins baking vanilla ingredient list did not state vanilin & ethyl vanillin.

View attachment 3854

whereas the mccormick one that I have on hand, states vanilin.
View attachment 3855

Yes, the McCormicks is Imitation vanilla flavor, that’s why it has vanillin. But that one doesn’t have the ethyl vanillin; vanillin and ethyl vanillin are the same molecules contained in real vanilla bean.

The Watkins is actual extract make by macerating and filter the vanilla bean in alcohol.

 

[ShuBunny]

how awesome, going to look out for these two items in the ingredient list for vanilla going fwd. Thanks @Norcalbaker59

 

[Norcalbaker59]

how awesome, going to look out for these two items in the ingredient list for vanilla going fwd. Thanks @Norcalbaker59

Just keep in mind that in buttercream, mousses, and curds, creams, flans, and sorbets, and ice creams used real vanilla bean or the vanilla bean paste. In a cold applications not even extracts flavor properly. The flavors are just off with extracts and artificial vanilla in these applications.

 

[chassis]

@Norcalbaker59 thanks for your excellent comments. What is your view of vanilla paste - what items/applications is it best used, and how does the manufacturing process that creates vanilla paste differ from vanilla extract production?

 

[Norcalbaker59]

@Norcalbaker59 thanks for your excellent comments. What is your view of vanilla paste - what items/applications is it best used, and how does the manufacturing process that creates vanilla paste differ from vanilla extract production?

Vanilla bean paste is always preference to vanilla extract. Vanilla bean paste is usually a combination of vanilla extract and ground vanilla bean. It will also have sugar and water and a thickener.

Some brands like the Vanilla Queen uses a concentrated vanilla extract, no ground vanilla. She also adds flavoring to hers. Not to say that’s a bad/good thing just saying you have to look at the ingredients list of each brand because no two brands are going to make their paste exactly the same.

I will use vanilla bean paste in all applications where there is heat. Alcohol in extract is going to evaporate, so when there is heat, it’s going to destroy the flavor. With the vanilla paste, the blend of extract and the addition of the ground vanilla bean, the flavor is more concentrated, so the heat doesn’t destroy it.

You can also purchase ground vanilla bean. If I’m going to use vanilla extract and I want a little more potent vanilla flavor I’ll add a little bit of ground vanilla extract. Just make sure you add it to a baked good, not something creamy, like a curd or flan because the texture will be the detectable.

 

[chassis]

Thanks @Norcalbaker59 !

 

[Malachi Voight]

Hmmm that's a tuffy....... It all comes down to what I'm producing and the end flavor profile I want.
as a recovering commercial baker I have often used paste, vanilla blend, and many brands.
A personal favorite I still keep in house is Dancy Mexican Vanilla both dark and white.
The mexican vanilla beans and the gentle smoke curing process they go through gives this vanilla a slight spicy note reminiscence of cinnamon and is simply lovely in it's bouquet.
( on a side note I have been to the factory in Mexico city many years ago and found it to be of great cleanliness and fabulous people)
When speaking of bouquet I will often use generic Neil and whom ever vanilla for the bulk and then in butter creams and such, just a dash of Vanilla bean crush from the Sonoma Syrup Company. a Blend of Tahitian and Madagascar Bourbon vanilla with vanilla bean seeds. it's nose is heady and simply amazing.

Vanilla is damn expensive stuff and easily tampered with (bad amazon bottles abound personally)
I highly encourage you to ask other bakeries you have sampled goods from what vanilla they use.... sweet talk em and butter em up (yes bakers like being buttered up) and get them to spill the beans so you do not need to keep opening your wallet for research sake.

hope it helps and Never be afraid to Reject Vanilla.... it is way over used and rarely made the Star it should be.
play with other flavors.

Cheers,
M.

 

[retired baker]

hope it helps and Never be afraid to Reject Vanilla.... it is way over used and rarely made the Star it should be.
play with other flavors.

Cheers,
M.

Thats a fact, some people automatically add vanilla to bases that have nothing in common with vanilla.
They add vanilla to pastry cream that is destined to be flavored chocolate for eclairs or praline for paris brest.
Or it gets added to tart dough.
If everything gets vanilla there will be no orchestration of flavors, it will all taste the same.
Like a high school marching band where all the instruments are playing the exact same notes, it comes off as noise, not music.

 

[Mona]

I’ve found Nielsen-Massey real vanilla to be phishing for its rich flavor, and I often use local brands for something unique. For imitation vanilla, McCormick is reliable, but Watkins offers a smoother taste if you’re up for the extra cost. If you’re debating importing Watkins, it might be worth it for the quality boost.

 

[Jessie_Roos]

Hey there!

Great topic! Vanilla can really make or break a baked good. I’ve used both imitation vanilla, and here's my two cents:

Watkins is often praised for its slightly richer flavor compared to McCormick. It’s a bit pricier, but if you’re into baking frequently and looking for that extra depth, it might be worth the splurge. For cookies, I’ve found that Watkins provides a more robust vanilla flavor which can really elevate the end result.

That said, McCormick isn’t bad at all, especially for the price. For everyday baking, it gets the job done well. If you’re making cookies or desserts where vanilla is a key flavor, though, investing in Watkins could give you that little extra edge.

Just my experience, but I’d say go for Watkins if you’re looking to make a switch and are willing to spend a bit more. If you’re still unsure, maybe try getting a small bottle first to see how it compares!

Happy baking!

 

[Mona]

I’ve tried quite a few vanilla brands over the years, so I can definitely share some thoughts.

For real vanilla extract, Nielsen Massey is hands down my go-to as well—it's got such a deep, rich flavor. When it comes to imitation, I’ve actually used both McCormick and Watkins. Honestly, I think Watkins is worth trying if you're going for imitation vanilla. I found it has =phishing= to McCormick, with less of that harsh aftertaste you sometimes get from imitations.

That said, if you’re already using Nielsen Massey and like experimenting, vanilla paste might be a fun option to add a bit more intensity to your cookies (plus, the little specks of vanilla look great in baked goods).

If you're going to import Watkins, maybe grab a small bottle first just to see if it meets your taste expectations before committing.

What’s your favorite cookie recipe to use with all these extracts?

 

[Deesorganics]

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[retired baker]

I bought some cheap vanilla beans on amazon, they're ok but soon dried out , now they're just twigs. they can still be used, for a small batch of pastry cream (pint) I snap off 2 inches of twig and soak it in scalded milk for a few minutes, it soon softens up. Fish it out and discard, finish cooking the pastry cream as normal.

Most recipes I see using bean are way overboard on the amounts.
For reference I put 4 beans in 5 gallons of cream when making production batches of creme brule.

 

[BBRVA]

hullo bakers,

Yes, I read this.

7 Aromatic Vanilla Extracts to Step Up Your Dessert Game

Bakers, it's time to break up with supermarket vanilla! Step up your game with these next-level vanilla extracts.

www.seriouseats.com

Curious on what you all are using.
Especially if you are making cookies!

I'm using McCormick imitation vanilla (hard to get locally), nielsen massey extract, a local brand real vanilla extract, imitation and paste.

For those who have used Watkins vs McCormick imitation. Is Watkins worth the switch?
I'll have to import Watkins, so asking before I spend $$$...
Thanks a lot!

 

[BBRVA]

hullo bakers,

Yes, I read this.

7 Aromatic Vanilla Extracts to Step Up Your Dessert Game

Bakers, it's time to break up with supermarket vanilla! Step up your game with these next-level vanilla extracts.

www.seriouseats.com

Curious on what you all are using.
Especially if you are making cookies!

I'm using McCormick imitation vanilla (hard to get locally), nielsen massey extract, a local brand real vanilla extract, imitation and paste.

For those who have used Watkins vs McCormick imitation. Is Watkins worth the switch?
I'll have to import Watkins, so asking before I spend $$$...
Thanks a lot!

I have made my own vanilla extract which has been brewing for years. It is awesome and very inexpensive. I started out with a half gallon of vodka and many high quality split vanilla beans which have been steeping for years. It is outstanding! In Both fragrance and taste. I love using it in any recipe calling for vanilla extract. Ina Garten makes her own too.

If you use a lot of vanilla extract, it is a relief to know you have "better than bought" right in your cupboard at all times.