What is The Best Vanilla Extract America’s Test Kitchen for 2023?

Most people tend to love vanilla extracts but have you ever known that they come in different types? Well if you didn’t know then we are here to inform you regarding this matter. There are so many different types of vanilla beans which in turn results in different types of best vanilla extracts. The most commonly known ones include Madagascar Vanilla, Mexican Vanilla, Indian Vanilla, Indonesian Vanilla, Tahitian Vanilla and Tonga Vanilla, each of them slightly different from the others.

Choosing a queen vanilla extract can be so daunting especially since there are more than twelve different types and brands of vanilla extracts to choose from. This can really make it so complicated for you to make a decision especially if you’re new to the world of vanilla extracts. Read through this best vanilla extract america’s test kitchen to equip yourself with all the necessary information you need before you start shopping for some vanilla extract.

Reviews of the Best Vanilla Extract America’s Test Kitchen

Simply Organic Vanilla Extract, Certified Organic: Top 1 america’s test kitchen

One of the best vanilla extracts in the market today is this Simply Organic Vanilla Extract. It is made from Madagascar bourbon and it has no added sugar. This buttery smooth Vanilla is made using organic vanilla bean extractives, water and organic alcohol.  This vanilla extract will also be great for your sauces and desserts since it is pure and potent flavor grown from its natural sources. It has no fake color, fake flavor or even GMOs.

Pros

• It has no added sugar.
• It is buttery smooth and extra sweet.
• It does not have any fake color or fake flavor.
• It is relatively cheap compared to other similar products.

Cons

• Can only be shipped via ground services.

Baker’s, Imitation Vanilla Extract: Top 2 america’s test kitchen

You can also consider buying this Bakers Imitation vanilla flavor. It is made from very high quality ingredients, 100 percent premium. It is mostly preferred by novices and professional bakers. Its rich vanilla taste often withstands both freezing and baking, your cookies and cakes will have an amazing taste.

Pros

• It provides flavor that does not freeze out or bake.
• It has a rich vanilla taste.
• It is made of 100 percent premium ingredients.
• Suitable for both novices and professional bakers.

Cons

• It has no smell or taste.

Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract

Yet another best vanilla extract that is worth spending your hard earned income on is this Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract.  This vanilla extract will be perfect for all your intended purposes. It is most recommended by online shoppers because of its sweet, mellow with velvety after tones and creamy. It is manufactured using alcohol, water, sugar and vanilla bean extractives. Besides, all these ingredients are allergen free, all natural and non-GMO project verified.

Pros

• It is perfect for all purposes.
• It is full sweat and creamy.
• It is made of all natural, allergen free ingredients.

Cons

• Relatively expensive compared to other similar products.

McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract

This McCormick All Natura Pure Vanilla Extract is also one of the best vanilla extracts in the market today. It is made from pure vanilla beans. This vanilla extract will not only add a subtle sweetness’ to your deserts such as muffins, cookies and cakes. But it is also an essential ingredient for baking. Besides, it has all the qualities of a pure vanilla extract.

Pros

• It is derived from the highest quality grade pure vanilla beans.
• It helps in enhancing the flavor of baked goods, marinades and sauces.
• The pure vanilla beans used are certified by Kosher Pareve.
• This vanilla extract is gluten free and it’s verified by the Non GMO.

Cons

• It smells and tastes like artificial vanilla.

Kirkland Signature Pure Vanilla

You can also enhance the taste of your baked goods and favorite recipes with this Kirkland Signature Pure Vanilla. It is one of the best vanillas extract in the market today. This vanilla extract is highly recommended with online shoppers for its deep color. Other things you are likely to enjoy while using this vanilla extract is its aroma and rich flavor.

Pros

• The vanilla extract is rich in deep flavor and aroma.
• This vanilla extract has a deep color.
• Will help you enhance your recipe and baked goods.
• This vanilla extract is relatively cheap as compared to other similar products.

Cons

• The smell is very bad.

2 X Danncy Dark Pure Mexican Vanilla Extract

This 2 X Danncy Dark Pure Mexican Vanilla Extract is specially made for those who love cooking and baking. It will not only help you in making the pure white wedding and birthday cakes, but will also help you in maintaining all the vibrant colors in your decorations. The best part about this vanilla extract is that it is gluten free. It is also made of natural ingredients such as potassium sorbate. This vanilla extract is also coumarin free.

Pros

• The concentrated flavors of this vanilla extract is guaranteed.
• It enhances the flavors of savory and sweet dishes.
• It is packaged well.

Cons

• The vanilla taste is very weak, watered down.

La Vencedora Mexican Vanilla Flavoring Extract

Last but not least, you can also consider buying this La Vencedora Mexican Vanilla Flavoring Extract. It is one of the best vanilla extracts in the market today with red rooster, and the value for your money is guaranteed.  This vanilla extract is manufactured using Mexican vanilla beans. What’s more, it also has such a great flavor and can be used in almost all types of recipes. However, what sets other people off is that not all its ingredients can be considered natural.

Pros

• It has a good flavor.
• Can be used in almost all recipes.
• It is relatively affordable and you get value for your money.

Cons

• Its ingredients are not all natural.

Factors to consider when choosing the best vanilla extract

There are so many factors that you need to keep in mind while shopping for the best vanilla extract. Some of the most important factors include;

• The Origin of Vanilla Beans

One of the most important factors that you should keep in mind while shopping for a vanilla extract is the vanilla extract origin. The country of origin should be a label regardless of which vanilla extract you are buying. However, you should note that some vanilla extracts are a blend and therefore there will be no specific country listed. If that’s the case then it means the vanilla beans are likely to be from Southern Asia.

Different countries are known to produce different types of vanilla beans. For instance Madagascar produces about 80 percent of the world’s total vanilla beans and it’s mostly called bourbon. Madagascar vanilla beans are best known for their quality, consistency and flavor. Other countries that also have vanilla beans include Mexico, which produces the finest and the woodiest vanilla beans in the market. There are also vanilla beans produced from Indonesia, Tahiti and other tropical regions.

• Size or Quantity

Another important factor that you should keep in mind while shopping for a vanilla extracts is its size. Most vanilla extracts are sold in very small quantities that is 2 ounces up to a gallon by some manufacturers. Larger bottles of vanilla extracts is likely to cost you more. You can consider buying the 4 ounce options since they are reasonably priced and will last for long if you are only using it for the small cooking projects.

However, if you are looking for a vanilla extract for delicate projects like custards, buttercreams or ice creams, where you need the vanilla flavor to shine through, then it’s reasonable to go for the higher priced vanilla. Last but not least, if you have a larger baking projects then you should consider going for the less expensive pure vanilla extract.

• Ingredients

Yet you should not also forget to check at the ingredients that the vanilla extract you want to buy is made of. Most vanilla extracts are made by infusing the desired vanilla beans in water and alcohol, while straining out the beans at peak infusion. However, some manufacturers include sugar in the vanilla extracts while others even add additional flavors or thickening agents. The most important factor to note here is that the fewer the ingredients used to make the vanilla extract, the better it is and the vice versa.

• Strength

You should also ensure you check at the strength of a vanilla extract before purchasing it. Vanilla extracts comes in either double strength or single strength. Single strength means that for every gallon of water and alcohol, there is about 100 beans infused. Double strength vanilla extracts double the concentration of vanilla beans in the same galloon. Double strength are mostly preferred for high sensitive projects and industrial baking.

• Price of the vanilla extract

Last but not least, you should check the price of the vanilla extract. Most of the vanilla extracts are very expensive and will definitely cost you not less than 15 dollars. There are different vanilla extracts with different prices that will suit your needs according to the intensity of your cooking needs. Although most people believe that all the high priced vanilla extracts have the best quality, however, this is not always the case. You can get a cheaper vanilla extract that will make your cooking and baking dreams come true.

FAQs

• What kind of vanilla beans are best for making extracts?

The most commonly used and highly recommended vanilla beans for making extracts is Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans. However there are also other options such as the Mexican vanilla beans or the Tahitian vanilla beans.  Madagascar bourbon vanilla is most preferred because of its rich in flavor, very sweet and its flavor tones last for long.

• How much does a vanilla extract cost?

The prices of vanilla extracts are surprisingly high especially if you are buying a vanilla extract for the first time. The prices of vanilla extracts depend on the concentration and strength of the vanilla beans. Single strength vanilla extracts are a little bit cheap and cost around 15 dollars each. However double strength vanilla extracts cost a lot more ranging from 20 to 80 dollars. Similarly the prices of vanilla extracts also depend on the region its coming from. Madagascar bourbon coffee is the most expensive.

• Why is vanilla extract so expensive?

Vanilla extracts are very expensive. The increased prices has to do with a number of factors such as complex pollination, extreme weather conditions, vanilla bean theft and the general rise in all food stuffs.  Vanilla beans also take too long to grow, approximately four years. All of the above factors cause the vanilla extract cost to be very high.

• What is the best vanilla extract?

To determine the best vanilla extract, there are two factors that one needs to keep in mind. First is the quality of the vanilla extract. Different vanilla extracts are produced differently. The grade of vanilla beans used, quantity, temperature, grade and type of alcohol used and the length of extraction. Second is the type of bean used. A best vanilla extract should have both the two factors, it narrows down to your intended purpose and preference.

Conclusion

It is very difficult to specifically point out the best vanilla extract out there. All these vanilla extracts listed in this review are of good quality and are the best in the market today. You won’t regret choosing any vanilla extract among them. However there is Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract that is consistently receiving rave reviews. It is very versatile and ideal for all types of cooking and baking as well as making ice creams.

Moreover, it is very strong and smooth. Simply add just a drop of this sweet and creamy vanilla extract and enjoy its smooth taste and rich aroma. Go through this review and choose the Best Vanilla Extract America’s Test Kitchen will boost the appeal of your baked good leaving your family and friends wondering the ingredient you used that made the meal fantastic!