Do You Know the Difference between Vanilla Essence and Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla is the enriching flavour that adds sweet taste to everything it is added in. If one thinks about baking something, how can you skip vanilla? A total product that is rich, warm and creamy. But the question often arises as to, which vanilla to add while baking? Vanilla essence or vanilla extract?
Though they sound similar and even taste similar sometimes, but both are different on various grounds!!
They differ on their usage, the flavour they create, and the nutritional value. They are made in very different ways and one seems healthier than the other.
Vanilla Essence
Vanilla essence is a chemically produced product that has a flavour of vanilla embedded in it. It is mostly used while baking cakes or any other desserts. It is quite affordable as few drops are enough to add the taste of vanilla in the cake and is easily available too everywhere.
Its nutritional value is quite less than that of vanilla extract, so it has the flavour as it is made out of artificial ingredients.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is the real product made from the real vanilla ingredients like its molecule vanilla is a prime ingredient in it. It is made after soaking vanilla pods in some solution of water and ethyl alcohol.
There are no preservatives or artificial chemicals added to it but yes do contain sugar which isn't that significant. It has higher nutritional value and flavor than vanilla essence. But this makes it costlier than vanilla essence.
Vanilla Essence V/s Vanilla Extract
- Difference in how they are produced
Vanilla essence though sounds similar but it isn't made out of real vanilla. It is prepared with chemicals and is a synthetic produced substance.
Whereas, Vanilla extract is made with real ingredients and in a natural way with adding Vanillin in it, which is found in vanilla naturally. It is made by the process of soaking vanilla pods in some solution of water and ethyl alcohol.
- They both differ in their ingredients
Vanilla essence has various ingredients like colourant, water, flavourings, emulsifiers, ethanol, and propylene glycol.
Whereas vanilla extract has ingredients such as natural extract of vanilla bean, water, alcohol, sugar. There are no preservatives or artificial chemicals added to it.
- Difference in Uses
When you want to bake cakes in a large number, you can have vanilla essence as it comes at an affordable price and adds taste similar to vanilla extract with some drops of it. It is used in making cakes, pastries, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, etc. However, it is often suggested not to use it more, as it has artificial ingredients in it.
Whereas, vanilla extract is a natural and real flavour of vanilla. When you wish to have authentic vanilla flavour in your cake or pastry, you must add vanilla extracts. Professional chefs use vanilla extract only, as it gives a real taste of vanilla. It is used in cakes, pastries, vanilla pudding, custard, vanilla coffee creamer, etc.
- Affordable between the two
Vanilla essence is quite affordable as few drops are enough to add the taste of vanilla in the cake and is easily available everywhere. Most affordable is vanilla essence, however if you need a real taste of vanilla, choose vanilla extract despite its comparatively higher cost.
Vanilla is the mouth-watering flavour loved by all and enjoyed by all. When a pure vanilla is added it makes any dessert more delicious.
Amongst the two, vanilla extract is the best!
