Vanilla essence vs extract: How are they different?

New Zealand ranks No. 1 in ice cream consumption, with vanilla the most popular flavour and outranking hokey pokey.

However, if you would like to incorporate this flavour into your cooking or baking, learning the difference between vanilla extract vs essence is important. This article, which compares and contrasts the two products, serves as a guide in this regard.

What is vanilla essence?

Bottle of vanilla essence displayed with vanilla beans and a vanilla flower (Source: iStock)

Vanilla essence is a type of imitation vanilla flavouring composed of synthetic or natural vanillin, ethanol, and artificial flavours. Although typically dark- or amber-coloured, some varieties are colourless. In terms of viscosity, vanilla essence is a thin liquid; however, non-alcoholic ones have a slightly thicker consistency.

What is vanilla extract?

Close-up of vanilla extract in a spoon with vanilla pods and extract bottles in the background (Source: iStock)

Vanilla extract is a natural vanilla flavouring made from vanilla beans, vanillin, and water. Does vanilla extract have alcohol in it? Yes, ethyl alcohol is also one of its main components. Nevertheless, some companies, like Queen Fine Foods, offer alcohol-free versions.

Vanilla extract has a dark colour and sometimes has visible particles from vanilla bean pods. Just like vanilla essence, it has a thin consistency.

Vanilla extract vs essence: Which is better for your needs?

What is the difference between vanilla essence and vanilla extract? Learn the answer in terms of the following factors:

In terms of processing level

Vanilla beans being sorted and packed into a plastic bag during processing (Source: iStock)

How is vanilla extract made? It is done by grinding and soaking pure vanilla beans in a water–ethyl alcohol mixture to bring out the flavour from vanillin and other natural compounds. This process sounds simple, but completion can take around a year. Afterwards, the mixture will be filtered to remove small particles.

Meanwhile, the vanilla essence ingredients—mainly ethanol, emulsifiers, water, propylene glycol, and artificial colouring and flavourings—are combined chemically. Another core ingredient of vanilla essence is vanillin, whether synthetic or natural. In most instances, synthetic vanillin is derived from either guaiacol or lignin.

In terms of quality assurance

New Zealand abides by the regulations set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), which differentiates vanilla essence vs vanilla extract. FSANZ describes vanilla essence as a flavouring that contains vanillin. The organisation also requires stores that sell it in volumes above 100 ml to have the necessary licence. 

On the other hand, FSANZ specifically states that vanilla extract’s flavour should be directly obtained from vanilla beans.

In terms of cost

Owing to its natural ingredients and production method, vanilla extract tends to cost more than vanilla essence. In New Zealand, a 100 ml bottle of vanilla extract starts at $7.50. Meanwhile, you can have the same amount of vanilla essence for as low as $2.

In terms of flavour profile

Split vanilla beans showing seeds beside vanilla extract in a small dish (Source: iStock)

Flavour-wise, vanilla extract is more intense and concentrated than vanilla essence. The vanilla flavour one gets from it is also purer, since it is less processed and contains fewer, or no, synthetic ingredients.

Depending on the vanilla bean variety used—Tahitian or Mexican, for example—the aroma of vanilla extract may be described as creamy, woody, or fruity, among other notes. Vanilla essence, meanwhile, is typically described as having a sweet smell.

In terms of health impact

Is vanilla extract the same as vanilla essence in terms of nutritional content? The answer is no. Vanilla extract offers more health benefits; it has a calming effect on both newborns and adults and can somewhat numb the pain of a toothache. It can decrease one’s sugar consumption when used as a sugar alternative. 

Moreover, it contains antioxidants like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Do note, however, that vanilla extract typically has a high alcohol content, and consuming it as a regular alcoholic drink can lead to intoxication.

Meanwhile, vanilla essence has less nutritional value since its components are mostly synthetic. But both vanilla essence and vanilla extract may have ingredients that can trigger allergies.

In terms of versatility

Scoop of vanilla ice cream served in a waffle cone (Source: iStock)

Both vanilla extract and essence are versatile. You can use them for sweet and savoury food, such as cakes, puddings, pies, and cookies. However, for meals where the vanilla flavour is meant to be the highlight, the extract is preferred. It also lends a rounder flavour to recipes that do not require cooking, such as iced coffee and ice cream.

In terms of shelf life

Vanilla essence stored in a bottle with vanilla beans on a rustic surface (Source: iStock)

Vanilla essence or vanilla extract—which is better in terms of shelf life? Vanilla extract’s shelf life tends to be longer, lasting for several years. It can even be stored indefinitely if it has a high percentage of alcohol. On the other hand, if you have a bottle of vanilla essence in your pantry, use it within two to four years.

Request grocery delivery services on Airtasker

If you suddenly find yourself wanting to cook a vanilla-laced meal, know that someone at Airtasker can deliver the grocery items you need right to your door. You can ask them to shop at Morrisons, Tesco, or elsewhere. All you need to do is go to the Airstasker website and post a task with all the relevant details, such as:

• Your list of grocery items (including vanilla extract or essence).

• Your budget.

• Your location.

Wait for Taskers to respond to your post, then choose the one you think is right for the job.

In the mood for a sweet or savoury treat? You can also find someone who can whip up baked goods for you.