Tasting Expert Reveals Which Vanilla Extract is the Best

Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia to a tasting of vanilla.
Buy our winning imitation vanilla: amzn.to/313Nd5L
Buy our winning pure vanilla extract: amzn.to/2OOYPak
Read the full vanilla taste test: cooks.io/3r4fXG0
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[@user-ke4kz3in9j]

This is almost an SNL skit, she doesn’t stop eating the pudding hahah

[@logansuch7601]

I was thinking the same thing 😂😂😂

[@e.conboy4286]

Well, you know, she IS a TASTER!

[@winstondwayne7607]

Flixportal xD

[@carblarson8868]

She always tastes while he talks. I find that I’m so busy trying to guess which one she likes, that I don’t hear much of what he is saying. It is a bit distracting, but I love this duo, so I’m ok with it.

[@kathy518]

It looked like she was using the same spoon and I don't know how it could be a really true test without having some water or something between the tastes

[@gabelastnamechannel8718]

It would be interesting to see the winner between pure vanilla extract from Madagascar, Mexico, and Tahiti.

[@russ5024]

You make a good point! Hopefully we wont have another catastrophe wipe out another crop of orchids

[@AskMiko]

Yes, I agree... I really want more of the Tahitian version - Large, plump and very pungent!

[@michellejoy3678]

Agreed; that would be fascinating.

[@chefryanj2012]

Madagascar has the most flavor of the three. I’ve done the taste test.

[@hostesswiththemostess7082]

We need a blind taste test video

[@JamesAreySeattle]

Julia was in no hurry for Jack to finish speaking. She was enjoying the puddings.

[@nealhaerich3913]

Nomnomnomnom 😂. I would have too

[@rono1rono]

It seemed disrespectful of Julie to have spoonful after spoonful AFTER SPOONFUL while Jack spoke. I don’t think you can do a taste test while listening to someone talk to you at the same time.

[@zzizahacallar]

@@aprattswain yeah she was 😝🥰😂. I'm the same with food.

[@CatsAndPokemon]

People can listen and eat at the same time...

[@TheBowerbird]

It's actually really distracting and irritating after awhile. Could she just STOP?!

[@stardroplet9499]

I think when they did this taste test years ago, they found that imitation was good for items that were baked or cooked in high heat, but for things like whipping cream, pure was best. So I use pure for items not cooked, but I use a blend of both pure/imitation for cakes, cookies, etc.

[@jongwood]

You're wise beyond your years --- however many they may be.

[@stardroplet9499]

Lol, all credit to ATk, but I watched that show (probably a rerun) on PBS and I’ve been doing that for at least a decade now.

[@thehomeplatespecial597]

@@stardroplet9499 thanks for the tip. I subscribed to you in case you put your other tips on your channel.

[@ophthodoc]

Very interesting. I would have thought all imitation vanilla was crap.

[@bettyrodriguez1150]

Totally agree. Been doing it since I saw that episode and has saved me save a lot of money. Is quality blend has nothing to be shamed about.

[@joantrotter3005]

Decades ago, a relative had a job at a school. Part of the time she cooked. When a recipe called for vanilla, she had to go get it from the office where it was under lock and key as it was a vanilla bean in a bottle of rum! She would put some in a Tupperware midget and put the rest back.

[@tricat92]

I used to live kitty corner from the watkins factory in Winona, Minnesota, and vanilla day was the absolute best. It smelled like cookies when you woke up in the morning.

[@russ5024]

at night walking by chocolate factories, the air smells like brownies baking!

[@tricat92]

@@russ5024 sure does! It sucked when the Watkins Factory did and type of pepper, though.

[@mikeking7470]

So envious, I grew up next to a hot dog factory, and THAT is not a good smell.

[@tricat92]

@@mikeking7470 we had pepper day, too. It wasn't that good. But I have friends in Austin, MN, which is where the Hormel factory is, and it isn't pleasant lol

[@pattifeit4354]

I'm so jealous. I grew up two TOWNS away from several chemical plants (Dow, DuPont, etc.), and we got sulfuric acid smog in the air for most of the winter. If you don't know, sulfuric acid smells like rotten eggs. Every day. All winter.

[@singinglawnchair]

I mainly used your run of the mill Mccormick's vanilla extract until one day I bought the Simply Organic when they were out of the cheap stuff at the store. Have not gone back to the imitation since. It's about $10-15 a bottle but it is a definite game changer. It'll boost up any standard cookie, cake or brownie recipe into something that tastes like something fresh from a bakery. Worth the money!

[@kaiju_k5042]

Coconut extract is also really cozy in baked goods, just a little makes it teste more cakey and buttery without being overwhelmingly coconut forward.

[@Mark_Knight]

I posted this already but I do agree with the Vanillin and the complexity of the real vs imitation, but I find many imitations do concentrate the main compounds and that is fine. Cost is always a big deal. I view it like this, once in a while spoil youself, get the real stuff or get the imitation, maybe like once every 6 months or so. It's good to have variety. Not all vanillas are the same, and it ensures you don't get bored of the same old vanilla flavor.

[@kaiju_k5042]

@@Mark_Knight most excellent point, I have a variety as well

[@russ5024]

I wish I could buy the same vanilla as what my local donut shop uses! that aroma is awesome!

[@kaiju_k5042]

@@russ5024 maybe the can sell you some or at least tell you what it is

[@russbear31]

I use homemade vanilla extract. I have a batch that I've kept going for about 12 years. When the bottle gets low, I add more vodka along with one or two extra beans that I've split and scrapped. Keep repeating forever. 😀

[@jayhewlett655]

That's called a mother jar. Go to VanillaPura website for great information on homemade vanilla extract. Their FB page has 25K members.

[@ccMomOfJays]

I have some Titos Vodka. Do I just slice a vanilla bean and place it in the bottle?

[@russbear31]

@@ccMomOfJays Start with 3/4 cups vodka and 2 or 3 vanilla beans. Split and scrap the beans. Put the jar up for 4 or 5 weeks to allow to steep and then it's ready to use.

[@KenS1267]

@@russbear31 No need to use whole beans. I buy whole beans for things where they really matter, like creme brulee, and then half the split bean goes into the container of vanilla sugar and the other half goes into the jar of extract.

[@suzannes5888]

@@ccMomOfJays Yes, use a dark colored bottle to keep the extract stable - and store it out of the light.

[@mark91345]

I must admit that I like Baker's vanilla extract. I didn't think I would when I first bought it, but the reason I did is because I could not bring myself to pay $20 for a small bottle of the real stuff. I mainly use it for cookies and cake frosting, so I am not looking for "floral notes". I just want to taste that delightful vanilla flavor and, yes, Baker's tastes great. Of course, I am turned off by the thought of it being a petroleum product, but then I remember that I like it and that ends that.

[@ophthodoc]

I should try it for the heck of it. I would have never thought I would have seen anyone like the flavors of imitation not to mention have ATK sort of bless it in a way

[@ronaldsmith2343]

cant fix stupid

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

I am willing to pay for the real stuff, but it's nice to know the options.

[@broncobri5]

Just not willing to pay for access to an article to read about them

[@laurieherman1215]

You can make your own with fresh vanilla beans and a high-proof liquor live a vodka. I've made my own for a while now. I've got a bourbon vanilla bean extract going on right now.

[@laurieherman1215]

For real if you don't want to make your own Simply Organic is literally my favorite of all time. I buy simply organic products purely on the fact that it is an equal pay/trade company. We use so many of their products in our home.

[@lordgarion514]

Just remember that you lose a lot of the "extra" flavors real vanilla has when you really cook it.

[@theahmedation]

@@lordgarion514 I believe you can counter act that by adding it at the end of cooking. So if I’m making a custard I’ll put the vanilla in once the pan is off the heat but still warm, nothing boiling or anything

[@kimberlyolvera8523]

I use Molina Mexican vanilla blend. It's really quite good and you can find it in any supermarket in the Hispanic section. It is made with Mexico's finest pure vanilla.

[@lilguava70]

The problem with Mexico's finest pure vanilla is that Mexico isn't known for having quality vanilla.

[@hostesswiththemostess7082]

Kimberly, we are out of vanilla. So I’m going to buy Molina vanilla for our baking. Thanks so much

[@ngs5554]

Molina is not real vanilla, read the ingredients.

[@kimberlyolvera8523]

@@ngs5554 it's a blend

[@annoyedok321]

@@debh94066 Mexican vanilla made with the tonka plant is dangerous because it contains a blood thinner compound that has been banned in food since the 50's. If the ingredient is vanilla bean, it's okay. Molina wouldn't be sold in the US if it was made with tonka, but the banned kind is available in Mexico. Another example is sassafras that was the natural root beer flavoring. It was replaced with an imitation flavoring due to it being carcginic. However a new process allows the dangerous compound to be removed.

[@marysullivan1588]

Simply Organic is my choice for vanilla. Worth the price .

[@ginnyscott7255]

I started making my own during the vanilla crash. I have 4 batches going right now. A spicy rum, 2 different bonbons and a vodka. All are delicious.

[@Passionforfoodrecipes]

Thanks for *extracting* this information for us!

[@cindys2995]

😃

[@b.walker5955]

Julia, your dedication and hard work was evident in this segment. Thanks for going the extra, extra, and extra serving for us. 🤣 I was for decades a Nielsen Massey die hard junkie all the way. Their paste, the whole bean, the whole line. Then went to Simply Organic in haste of an empty bottle, and then one day I read the reviews from Watkins how people preferred their Imitation double double over real. I have never gone back. I find ANY in Watkins to fulfill my Vanilla needs. I can pick it up at the grocery store and very economical. I will say, I DO NOT like the plastic bottle nor the word propylene glycol printed on the label. PS. One benefit to plastic is you can make it a squeeze bottle. I take a sharp knife, insert it into the foil seal and make a slot shape. More precise measure always and I feel it lessens the aroma's escape. Better sealed.

[@lightmarker3146]

The glycol made it stable and not flash off in heat like baking also a longer shelf life .

[@b.walker5955]

@@lightmarker3146 so what does the PROPYLENE do? : )

[@ophthodoc]

Best vanilla I’ve ever had the pleasure of using was Los Cinco Soles Mexican Vanilla. I love Mexican vanilla. Hard to find, so I use Costco brand. And I put it in my Nielsen Massey bottle so as to not have a huge bottle of vanilla in the spice cabinet.

[@brucebeauvais1324]

I grew up with Watkins. In the days when the "Watkins man" made door-to-door sales stops. I still buy it at Menard's. Nice to see it's a blend and well-rated. Perhaps when it runs out I'll try another of the top 4.

[@christinacody5845]

Both my parents and my Great grandfather sold Watkins products. I still swear by their vanillas. We use the imitation in baking. Once did a taste test of cookies baked with generic imitation and the real stuff. As they said here, the taste difference is clear between imitation and real vanilla is only prevalent in uncooked foods.

[@lightmarker3146]

I sold Watkins and because it uses less alcohol it must be called imitation although it has more vanilla. We would have the customer rub a drop between their finger and thumb to create heat. Then the pure rubbed on the other hands thumb and finger . The Watkins wins every time. It has a stabilizer so it stands up to heat and has a longer shelf life , doesn't evaporate . The company is not the same and made by a San Francisco firm.

[@sokiecribbs5881]

Trader Joe’s makes an excellent vanilla extract too- it’s labeled as Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract. It’s got a smooth flavor with an intense vanilla flavor and aroma at around $4.99 for 4 oz. plastic bottle. Their vanilla bean paste is excellent as well at around $4.99 for 2 oz.

[@BlueHen123]

Totally agree! I'm guessing it's Nielsen-Massey

[@AskMiko]

TJ's variety is a private label variety produced by another manufacturer vs. TJ's production plant. I agree it might be Nielsen-Massey. I have both and the compounds perform the same.

[@JonBonesJones84]

It's probably sourced in China for that price. Usually they never tell you from which country the product was made in.

[@mechanik1313]

I use the Trader Joe's stuff also. I agree, it's a delicious value. One hint about who produces their products is in the color pallet of the label. The TJ's label is often printed with the same color inks as the company that manufactures their product.

[@leavingitblank9363]

I've used TJ's vanilla for years, but the last time I bought it (about 6 months ago), they didn't have their usual product. The only thing my store sells now is organic, and it was $10 for a 4-oz bottle.

[@Ceme612]

I have used McCormicks for years, then I went to a specialty brand, then Neilson-Massey to making my own. I keep a bottle of NM in my cupboard as backup when I had started my own. I keep using until I can finish the jar. I gave my sister a jar of It before and she loves it. Now she’s waiting on me to get to the homemade.

[@cecipalacios1007]

Vanilla originated in Mexico and first grown by Totonacs of Mexico's east coast.

[@kade82]

I use Totonacs Mexican vanilla. Bought it on Amazon. Great vanilla flavor for all my cooking. (Though, I guess it's not technically considered "pure" or "imitation," based on how it is made.)

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Wouldn't that make it Vaneeya, then?

[@LaBucci]

Best Vanilla 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@wildoutstandingworld4066]

correct! I sell vanilla from Mexico in the US

[@cynthiakeller5954]

When I lived on the Mexican border I would buy Mexican vanilla by the liter. Unfortunately I don't remember the name but it was the best vanilla hands down.

[@DanteYewToob]

I love Jack, and both our wonderful ladies Julia and Bridget and I wish they would do a longer series all together. Perhaps ranking types and brands of foods for specific uses, or more of Jacks amazing information on why certain foods suck or taste amazing. Definitely MORE please! I blew through all my Lisa videos and I’ve got all the gadgets and gear I need.. now I need to know what to cook with it all!

[@mytoesarecold5555]

Was excited to hear what they were going to say about the Nielsen Massey vanilla, that was pictured at the beginning. They said nothing about it! It’s, by far, the best vanilla I’ve used in the kitchen.

[@Homoclite]

I agree with you 100%

[@theodore6548]

Agreed.

[@AhmedAbdullah-me5xb]

.

[@karenryder6317]

Where can one buy it?

[@melissamartinez8819]

@@karenryder6317 Amazon 😊 not sure which stores carry it tho.

[@audreywy1743]

I've used all but the far right. I'd use the simply organic for special occasions and the bakers for everyday use.

[@margaux6890]

I always favor all natural Vanilla Paste. Love the taste ❤️

[@karenryder6317]

Where can one buy it, and what does it cost?

[@tmross4]

I like making my own vanilla extract. Just stick 4-5 split vanilla beans into a bottle of vodka, rum, or my favorite, cream sherry. Let sit for a few months in a dark area. Shake every couple of days, until it's the strength you like. Bonus! You can take the beans, dry them, and stick in either regular sugar or powdered sugar, let sit for couple of weeks, and you have vanilla sugar!

[@eily_b]

And tthen you can put the dried up beans into an electric coffee grinder and you have vanilla powder to use in puddings etc. The vanilla aroma never really goes away. It's amazing

[@sethbender2863]

We bought vanilla extract in Mexico when we were On a cruise. It was the best we have ever had. Nothing else since has compared

[@ccMomOfJays]

Do you recall the brand?

[@sethbender2863]

@@ccMomOfJays absolutely not. If I did I would buy more. It was sold at a little shop In Mexico. Didn’t have a brand label on it sadly

[@LoneWombat2126]

I was actually able to buy their favorite vanilla extract (organic Madagascar vanilla) marked down when I was working at Sprouts farmers market and it was back ordered when someone returned a bottle at an extremely reduced price with my employee discount. 😊

[@ashleyyaw9785]

I got a hold of some vanilla from Mexico. It's amazing so much better than anything I've ever gotten in a grocery store

[@alanef4127]

I buy the Wilton clear vanilla imitation extract. First I got this so it wouldn't discolor frosting but now its my go to vanilla. I have won multiple ribbons at our local fairs and no one has guessed my cheap secret...shhhh!

[@MuslimChickawam08]

Finally! An opinion on imitation vanilla, I still would like to see the rankings on your imitation vanillas.

[@katesanch6378]

I LOVE watching you all and would love to work in the test kitchen. Since that probably won't happen, I just watch and learn. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being an excellent source for all things involving food!!!

[@mattbeidleman6799]

Oh my god I couldn’t pay attention to anything he was saying I was so distracted by the pudding eating hahaha

[@CC-iv7uj]

Kirkland Costco is excellent! No imitation stuff for me.

[@zzizahacallar]

I've heard good things about that brand

[@Zelmel]

I ride the price:quality tradeoff by doing Kirkland brand from Costco because it's WAY cheaper per ounce and is still totally fine for almost all applications. I'm fairly sure you guys don't do the generic brands for big box stores for a variety of reasons, but it might be worth considering for the ones that most of your audience has access to given that you do include local/regional brands sometimes.

[@cjstory8418]

At 30 something a bottle?

[@Zelmel]

@@cjstory8418 The cost per volume is much cheaper than major grocery store brands.

[@Saml3227]

@@cjstory8418 but how big is the dang bottle they make u get?

[@karenryder6317]

@@Saml3227 That's my question too. I don't want to have the same bottle of vanilla extract on my shelf for the rest of my life!

[@charleskelm3703]

@@cjstory8418 It's a 16 oz bottle, and in February 2023 it's only $11.99.

[@BRADSPIG]

Such a great channel. I love all this stuff. THANKS!

[@wmst5065]

Julia: I'm not sure. I'd better try some more. Jack: Have some more pudding. Julia: Gimme the *?!$@# bottle Jack!

[@mender95gmail]

off camera she'd plow through a bucket of that pudding.

[@Dollgrl1]

She can’t stop eating the pudding ! 😂 That would be me 👍🏼

[@CantankerousDave]

I've been nursing a 16oz bottle of McCormick's for months because the last time I looked, it was going for $28. I think I'll make do with imitation when it runs out.

[@smalugin383]

It is easy to make your own then never have to worry about it.

[@smalugin383]

No that is what we use just get quality beans we got them on eBay very reasonable.

[@geezermann7865]

@@smalugin383 Funny, while I'm reading these comments I see on the right side a video suggested by YT on how to make your own vanilla extract. I never thought to check eBay for vanilla beans, even though I buy and sell there all the time.

[@flygirlfly]

Try looking at the food sections at T.J.Maxx/HomeGoods/Marshall's. I've scored some great buys on extracts & spices.

[@geezermann7865]

@@flygirlfly Yes, and my tiny Kroger has a shelf for markdown items, and just today they had Kroger Vanilla Blend for 1.99, those small bottles. Not pure extract, but good for that price. I have seen a guy on eBay who has all kinds of spices real cheap, free shipping. Like McCormick, Kingsford, Lawry's, Tajin Clasico. I've bought some, good buys.

[@Pznluv6]

Great to know. I had the hardest time justifying the cost of the pure vanilla extract on a tight budfet. I started using powdered vanilla instead. It only uses a 1/4 as much and actually tastes real good with out mixing it with anything which the extracts do not. I'm also happy to use alcohol free, seems to be a win win-better and less expensive.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

This channnnel has so much value. Thanks for producing all these videos.

[@betsyward9777]

My favorite is Neilson & Massey vanilla bean paste. Too bad it didn’t make the cut.

[@gigigigi9479]

Neilson Massey and Rodelle are the best- hands down.

[@mustardtiger9265]

their madagascar bourbon is the best vanilla we've ever used. you can eat it with a spoon without the alcohol flavor or overly sweet. makes the best pancakes, waffles, tiramisu, and choc chip cookies to die for. and is extremely hard to over use, you can add a bit more and it doesnt drown out what ever you are making. that price lately tho.

[@pattifeit4354]

Mine, too! I love the little bits of vanilla seeds they put in the paste.

[@danacheong9966]

HakHas Jamaican Pure Vanilla Extract with Beans is the BEST I'd ever had by far. Searched online many times but can't find it. Next time I go to Jamaica it's on! Trader Joe's has a nice one too that is extracted with Bourbon. Used Watkin's the other day but it's not the same in my opinion.

[@jujub4553]

I made my own for the first time last December 2020, it’ll be ready to use this year December 2021 😂

[@veroniquefaison]

I also made my own vanilla extract on 5/13/20. I cannot wait to use it.

[@pattijesinoski1958]

There is a recipe floating around making vanilla extract in an electric instant pressure cooker without having to wait a year to use.

[@veroniquefaison]

@@pattijesinoski1958 thanks for sharing that info. I will do a Google search and hopefully I can find it.

[@blschafer4310]

@@pattijesinoski1958 Ive never waited a year to use it, just a few months.

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

Out of curiosity, how much is one bean where you live? They’re $10 each here.

[@faranduloca]

I always get Mexican Vainilla is excellent!! So good! Is The best One for my.

[@Katy32344]

She is certainly giving it a go with a gusto.

[@matroxman11]

Those are some BIG spoonfuls of pudding girl goddamn

[@heidelbergaren5054]

I loved that she just kept going

[@melissadana7829]

@@matroxman11 OH for f*ck's sake, can we PLEASE stop food-shaming and weight-shaming women??? She is tasting them methodically, in order, and if you watch closely, each taste is barely *half of a spoon* size, and not piled up high either. So you can f*ck right off with your bullshit, misogynistic comment that has no relation to reality.

[@MichaelMangi]

I usually use Watkins because it's always been one of my favorite vanillas, but maybe I need to do a taste test between that and Baker's

[@selfsacrafice]

Yay! the Watkins vanilla is the one my mom uses. Would also recommend their lemon extract as well

[@farmfreshideas579]

The fresh market has a Madagascar bourbon vanilla paste that is awesome! So yummy! It makes a clear difference in all my recipes now.

[@barbarawinslow5991]

Ok I prefer vanilla paste. You should do a comparison on that

[@PSquared-oo7vq]

I too like vanilla paste, but I haven't bought any recently. I'm guessing it too has greatly increased in price?

[@mark91345]

I've never tried vanilla paste. It is stronger tasting than the extract?

[@barbarawinslow5991]

@@mark91345 I find Vanilla paste is a richer vanilla flavor

[@mark91345]

@@barbarawinslow5991 I’m going to buy some.

[@SkipperJane]

@@mark91345 it generally has some seeds in it. If you’re looking for that “French vanilla” visibility (in ice cream or creme brûlée), paste is a good cheat of you can’t find a vanilla pod. Trader Joe’s is quite good in my opinion. And if you do get a pod, stick it in vodka after you scrape out the seeds and you can make your own extract.

[@BocookGaming]

Had to rewind because I thought Jack said "boujieness", not "booziness". hah

[@ArgentAbendAzure]

I heard it that way at first too. But it works either way.

[@meghanfaulkner4154]

She could taste the imitation vanilla. And so can I. Vanilla icing is not the same with imitation, as I once learned. She says it's "fine", but she didn't pick it as her favorite.

[@jeffreym68]

Sadly, I can taste the difference, easily, even in baked goods, so it will always be real stuff or no stuff for me.

[@comfeefort]

Me too, imitation leaves a very bitter after taste, I can always tell

[@katydidiy]

Every cake decorator who wants pure white frosting uses clear imitation vanilla.

[@drakejdf]

I absolutely love this show.I speeded through because I needed to buy some vanilla flavor and the inexpensive one was what I was curious about and shocked it was even considered on test kitchen because I highly respect the opinions of the great people on this show.

[@HLT646]

In my family we grew up using imitation vanilla, and everything that my mom made with it tasted good. Plus it was the Baker brand that we used. So don't knock it until you try it.

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

IT'S CHEAP JUNK. NOT HEALTHY. 😤😥😧😧😧

[@k2990j]

@@captainamericaamerica8090 if you’re making desserts does it really matter

[@catherinetimmerman5212]

I’m a baker so I make my own vanilla extract by using a vanilla bean “stalk” and vodka. If I have to use store bought vanilla, I get it from William Sonoma.

[@0703la]

What is a stalk, please? I use at least an ounce of beans to a cup (8 ounces) of vodka or rum.

[@Tratios]

Just put vodka or bourbon in a jar with vanilla beans and its cheaper in the long run. My quart jar is almost 3 years old with about 30 beans packed in it and cannot beat it.

[@DaveTexas]

About a decade ago I tried out a number of different vanilla extracts and landed on Watkin’s as my favorite. It’s all I’ve used since then. I might need to give the Simply Organic a try…someday. When a local grocery store was closing down a couple of months ago, everything in the store was being clearances at 40-60% off. I bought several large jars of Watkin’s. I’ll be using it for years…

[@HopskotchBunny]

The one made from petroleum sounded appealing.

[@MasterMoose04]

I like how she just keeps eating the pudding as he talks

[@BobHarrison1229]

@@sandrah7512 You're defending someone who wasn't attacked. #skewedfilters

[@MasterMoose04]

@@sandrah7512 I just thought it was funny because she tastes each pudding multiple times when most hosts usually taste a dish once then discuss. Also I didn’t know this was a program produced for television.

[@walksoflifesixnine]

Buy a bottle of imitation. And buy some good vanilla beans. Pour some vodka or unspiced rum into a jar, and drop the vanilla beans in a tightly sealed jar. Every couple of days, shake the jar. Use the imitation bottle in the meantime. Don't get me wrong, the beans are still expensive....but in about 3-9 months you'll have a TON of vanilla extract that is arguably just as good as any of the extracts you buy.

[@pamelagrimes3453]

I appreciate this information! Thank you ! 😊🙌💕

[@casperlory]

How about vanilla bean paste?

[@thebuzzah]

I recall an issue of Cook's Illustrated that had blind tests on different vanilla extracts. I thought some were imitation and some of those imitation vannillas came out ahead. Now I'll have to find the article.

[@virtualmanny]

The vanilla video by MinuteFood does a great job explaining the chemical differences between extract and imitation vanilla.

[@glenng7085]

I used to own an ice cream shop and there is definitely a kick of alcohol from pure vanilla, We preferred Neilsen Massey's pure vanilla and used to purchase a brand of vanillin that had no alcohol and was much milder. However my belief was depending on the product , it all comes down to finished product flavor, because change takes place when freezing, cooking, baking etc. And in the case of ice cream.... We really couldn't decide until after about 72 hours or more after production! As it turned out our vanilla ice creams were a local favorite in Miami Beach Fla, for almost 39 years!, and my secret was the best combo of natural vanilla mixed with less quantity of vanillin to mellow it out, I'm proud to say! Delicious

[@CaptainFabulous84]

I only use pure artisanal vanilla extract cultivated by blind nuns in the Himalayas. I mean, sure, it's $389/ounce, but dammit I can taste the difference! And I refuse to use anything but the very best when I make cupcakes for my 6-year old's class at public school. I mean, doesn't everyone? What kind of Dad would I be if I fed my kids imitation vanilla made from petroleum and beaver anus glands? The more it costs the better it is, right?

[@IamThePedestrian]

Ha! =^..^=

[@sharongeorge5449]

Made me laugh!!!

[@kimbutler6912]

Hahaha

[@isurrenderall5544]

It would be nuts for me to spend that amount on vanilla that ends-up in the toilet! Lol

[@andy4717]

Kirkland brand is great too

[@krish9885]

Spoiler: it is none of these, it is the giant glass bottle you get in Mexico with the mariachi on the label. You’re welcome

[@lestranged]

Some years ago I bought 3 types of vanilla from Nielsen-Massey, just to compare them and experiment. 1 was Madagascar vanilla, one was Tahitian vanilla and 1 was Mexican vanilla. I liked Madagascar the best, it was most like what I was used to and what I think vanilla is supposed to taste like. But the Mexican was also really good. Tahitian was fine but just not as familiar. Now I see they have Ugandan and Indonesian vanillas available too. I am curious to try the Indonesian one since it says it stands up to high heat better than other varieties so it might be good for nut brittle, toffee and other hard candies. You guys should do a taste test of all 5 types made into a variety of foods, like some cooked with high heat, some uncooked, etc.

[@melissadana7829]

Great idea, and I think you hit on something that many don't realize. Often things get voted "the best" because they are what we are most familiar with. I can see that with vanilla for sure. Cinnamon too. So I think the results will skew more towards familiarity than anything. But then, these are all subjective anyway, so I suppose we should take "the best" rankings with a grain of salt, as they say.

[@lestranged]

@@melissadana7829 Especially with foods that we ate in childhood and foods strongly tied to memories like holidays. Whatever we grew up eating is what we compare everything else against. I've seen blind tasting of American Kraft mac & cheese vs Canadian 'Kraft Dinner' (the ingredients are slightly different even tho it's the same brand) and basically whichever one people ate as a child is the one they pick as the best. But then it's also true that the same brand can change it's recipe over time so that the one we grew up eating isn't the way they make it now. Especially if you are over 40 you start noticing packaged foods do not taste the way you remember.

[@jeffmorse645]

I've heard its harder to tell the difference (or care about the difference) in baked goods. Things like pudding or ice cream - definitely the real deal is best.

[@KenS1267]

The more something is cooked the less of the other flavor compounds survive and only the vanillin survives so the imitation is ok. That's also why recipes usually say to add the extract at the very end of what ever stove top cooking is being done.

[@tomrut3653]

I make my own, one batch on the shelf until the end of the year, one batch made in the instant pot and is usable right away.

[@publiusovidius7386]

@@adamchurvis1 Yep. Serious Eats Stella Parks explains. Infusion, not extract. www.seriouseats.com/2019/12/diy-vanilla-extract.html I was disappointed when Claire Saffitz deleted my comment about this on her youtube video where she claims to be making vanilla extract. I thought she was better than that.

[@e.conboy4286]

@@adamchurvis1 Well dammit, man! No need to go ballistic. If she happy with the results no one should berate her.

[@e.conboy4286]

@@adamchurvis1 So what?

[@dawnmontoya4444]

@@adamchurvis1 while maybe saying "I make the same thing at home" wasn't accurate, I've seen many professional cooks use "homemade vanilla extract" in place of extract done the original and more thorough way. Taco Bell calls their food Mexican food, yet ..........well you get my point. And also, what I wouldnt give to have a bite of that ice cream!

[@uiscepreston]

@@publiusovidius7386 Says a website with affiliate links selling vanilla extract. So yeah.

[@barkingdoggai]

The ATK is a genuine source of good information for all things food.

[@terrykobleck6529]

I like Pensey’s vanilla because it has a piece of vanilla bean in the bottle. I fish it out and put it in my sugar when the bottle is done.

[@nowahklrk]

(Real) vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, after saffron. So if someone calls you 'vanilla' to mean boring, remember they're also calling you a luxury item!

[@FishWash]

It’s so awkward for her to pretend to listen while she eats hahah

[@zzizahacallar]

She's not pretending. We all see she's clearly not. Lol

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I stopped buying Vanilla when it went through the roof. I was paying $13 at Costco for their brand before the crazy prices. Last year it hit $42, then slowly came down. I bought some last week finally, for $20.

[@renitamadrid4824]

You can make your own.1oz of vanilla beans to 8oz of 80proof Vodka or other alcohol of your choice.By joining a Vanilla bean co-op you save a lot compared to EBay or Amazon.Try Vanilla bean Kings Co-op with beans as low as 10 dollars per oz.

[@junglepitts]

I wish when they did taste testings they used different spoons for each bowl of whatever they are testing.

[@HH-le1vi]

If she's the only one eating it 1 spoon isn't bad. She'll just have to wipe off the spoon after each scoop

[@Okicop]

My absolute favourite vanilla extract is the Simply Organic non-alcoholic! It has all the amazing flavours of vanilla but not the boozy undertones, since I am not a huge fan of alcohol taste!

[@dawnlauren7377]

Mine too

[@zzizahacallar]

Same. It's what I have in my pantry.

[@karenryder6317]

That's the standard I'd personally go by if money were no object. However, it's costly. Who sells it?

[@ivyrose779]

Thank you! I really don’t like the alcohol taste.

[@Okicop]

@@karenryder6317 Simply Organic is the brand, yeah it definitely is pricy sadly

[@firstjohn3123]

I found Simply Organic about 5 years ago, and could taste the difference when baking & in vanilla syrups. It became my go-to brand. My daughter picked up on it right away. She's REALLY picky with spices & can tell the differences right off - think she inherited it from me...🥺 Now she always makes sure it's in my cupboard before baking.

[@Melalunga]

I keep vanilla beans from my garden in India in Rum, and just top it up once a year. The best.

[@lisaboban]

I know you couldn't include it in your taste test, but home made vanilla extract is both delicious and cost effective. I've been making my own for decades, using cheap rum and whole vanilla beans. I figured out it costs me about $.62 per ounce. It takes about 6 months to cure to my preferred strength, so planning ahead is important. But I think it's worth it.

[@margaretd3710]

That's great! What are the proportions that you use? and directions? I haven't heard of making your own before, but it's definitely something I'd like to try.

[@ajs11201]

@@margaretd3710 It's easy to find with a simple Google search (sorry--I don't have the proportions at hand, or I'd gladly share them here, but I *think* it's about three beans per quart/liter), but note that you can use whichever alcohol you like. Many people choose vodka. Some of the commercial brands use bourbon. You might try a couple different versions to see which you like best.

[@lisaboban]

@@margaretd3710 There are tons of articles online, but I use 6 beans per liter of (cheap) rum or vodka. Split the beans and stuff them in the bottle. Shake vigorously. Store in a dry place about 6 months, shaking it when you remember to. Then I pour off some vanilla into a smaller container, add another bean or 2 to the bottle, top it off with more booze and keep it going. Both my daughter and daughter in law request my "special vanilla" as gifts. It's really wonderful stuff.

[@forget3817]

Doesn't rum impart its own tastes? Why not use Everclear?

[@forget3817]

@@sandrah7512 Behind their email wall ...

[@compupix]

I wonder if Costco's Kirkland Vanilla was included in their tests.

[@SammiJoReviews]

I admit that I’m a bit of a vanilla extract snob. My absolute favorite is Nielsen -Massey vanilla extract and their vanilla bean paste. Much of the time, I use the vanilla bean paste over the liquid extract only because I prefer the taste. That being said, I do keep a big bottle of Watkins vanilla extract in the cabinet for when our (adult) daughters want to make cookies, from scratch vanilla Dutch babies or pancakes. My niece has been living with us as she finished high school. She uses the Watkins, like our girls do, when she makes things like French toast. Our oldest daughter just came back from a cruise trip to Cozumel, among other stops including Honduras. She was able to pick up some Mexican chocolate for me. I’m hoping next trip she or her close friends who make frequent cruise trips to Mexico, that I can get local sourced Mexican vanilla. 😋 I’m a bit of a chocolate snob too. 😳☺️🫣

[@MONi_LALA]

Vanilla bean paste is another option i like over extract. It gives the black specks visual which make it looks like you using vanilla bean which is ungodly expensive.

[@maranscandy9350]

We’ve come a long way since great great grandma used rose water and orange water for flavorings.

[@CBDabbs]

I make my own, but Costco vanilla is just fine.

[@Appaddict01]

I bought some of that Simply Organic, when it was on sale, that stuff is amazing.

[@trekkiejunk]

People will think i'm nuts, but when i make scrambled eggs (5 count), sometimes i put 4 or 5 drops of pure vanilla extract in them. It's extremely subtle in flavor, but it does add a little something to the eggs that i love.

[@mrtodd3620]

Making vanilla extract at home has become a thing in recent years. An interesting experiment would be to test a number of these homemade extracts made by ATK or their readers and see how they stack up against the store-bought varieties.

[@karenryder6317]

But remember that the vanilla beans that are used for homemade cost the bloody earth! So, if you are budget conscious, stick with the imitation extract that you like best.

[@mousiebrown1747]

I’ll stick with McCormick’s Pure Vanilla extract; it’s plenty expensive enough for me.

[@fnjesusfreak]

The faux was also McCormick. XD

[@russ5024]

Sad that a natural disaster affected the price so much! Three years ago?

[@HH-le1vi]

@@russ5024 it's hand pollinated, hand picked and they take 2 years to produce. It's not surprising at all

[@rheahorvath9274]

Thanks guys! Much appreciated!!! ❤

[@user-ch7mn1kj4b]

Good information. Thanks for doing this video.

[@effiebug4278]

I've used Baker's Imitation Vanilla for decades. It works just fine.

[@kelleytucker6816]

I’ve always used Mexican vanilla extract. It comes in a huge bottle and I buy it at a Hispanic grocery. It is clear, so I am wondering now if it is imitation or pure? I’ve never thought to look, I just buy it because it’s what my grandmother bakes with.

[@russ5024]

I know know of any natural clear extracts--but there are so many brands i have never tried

[@atklecz2695]

Check the ingredients. The Mexican vanilla extracts I have seen have sugar as the number one ingredient which is a bad sign in general because it’s basically filler which is why it comes in such a huge bottle so if you want strong enough vanilla flavor you will have to use a lot more but then also compensate for the added wetness to recipes

[@Appaddict01]

If it’s clear it usually means it’s imitation.

[@Wickedsugarspice]

I don’t know why the lady was cracking me up I thought the lady liked the 2nd one she seemed to like that one a lot because she was digging into it the most but she said she liked the last 2 the best . She has a fancy Pallet lol good girl . Thank You both for that I learned a lot .

[@rachelk4805]

I am making my own extract right now with some Tahitian beans. It has only been a few days and it already smells amazing.

[@anonnymous4684]

I'm doing the same thing. It's early days but I think I preferred it when I did it with Madagascan beans.

[@pinkshamrock5590]

I get cold pressed Mexican vanilla $58 a gallon. It doesn't have that nasty alcohol taste... just pure vanilla. It's fabulous.

[@mark91345]

Do you actually go through a gallon of it? That seems like a lifetime supply.

[@pinkshamrock5590]

@@mark91345 my kids love to bake and experiment... so I let them go for it. A lot of fun memories have been created... and the smell is fabulous!!!

[@addman]

but that's also not vanilla its made from Tonka bean of the Tonka tree, not from vanilla bean

[@pinkshamrock5590]

@@addman if that’s the case, it has been far superior than any vanilla I have ever had.

[@Quiscalus777]

Where do you get it from? Is there a brand you prefer?

[@joegadget670]

Petroleum is organic. It’s just really really old plants.

[@joegadget670]

@@sandrah7512 you are correct. Petroleum is carbon based. It is very natural.

[@thechocolatequeen9680]

Thanks for the taste test information!

[@passionateherbs8183]

I have been buying the organic vanilla for decades now, but I recently started making my own.