Is Imitation Vanilla Actually Better than Real Vanilla? | What’s Eating Dan?



Over the years the word “vanilla” has become synonymous with “plain” or “boring,” but the actual spice is anything but—it’s bursting with complex flavors. It comes in several forms: whole beans, paste, powder, and extracts–both pure and imitation. Dan shows you how and when to use each version of the world’s most popular spice.

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Get our Vanilla Ice Cream recipe:
Get our Vanilla Icebox Cookies recipe:
Vanilla Extract vs. Imitation Vanilla Article:
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22 Comments

  1. I love vanilla. I live 80 miles from the Mexican border and used to drive across and buy a quart of vanilla for about $8. Haven't gone in few years though. Just a couple of days ago I was in a Sprouts and their tiny bottle of real vanilla was $25 so seeing this is perfect timing for me!!

  2. It's better than real vanilla because it is 1/20th the price. I don't care if it is made from beaver butt glands. I am not paying ridiculous amounts to eradicate an ever-endangered orchid just so cookies can temporarily taste "authentic". Food goes in. Food goes out.

  3. No nod or acknowledgment to the significance of the solubility of many vanilla flavors in alcohol?!?

    You didn't have to go super-in-depth. But to not mention it? That's a fail.

    P.S. I get there is competition among channels, but if you won't give a wink/nod to those that came before you, I will… shout out to Alex's series on crème brûlée and Chef John/Food Wishes Crack Buns video.

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