Difference Between Imitation Vanilla and Vanilla Extract

Vanilla is the go-to flavour whenever we bake cakes, cupcakes, muffins and so on. Imitation Vanilla and Vanilla extract are used in many food products because of their smell and flavour. Vanilla extract is a primary ingredient that is used on cakes, while imitation vanilla is made from different kinds of chemicals and are generally not preferred.

Imitation Vanilla vs Vanilla Extract

The main difference between imitation vanilla and vanilla extract is that vanilla extract is generally considered expensive, whereas imitation vanilla is budget-friendly. Imitation vanilla is prepared in laboratories with the help of various chemical substances, including synthetic vanillin. Imitation vanilla can taste slightly bitter because of the chemicals present in it, whereas vanilla extracts are pure in nature and even contains sugar that adds to the sweetness.

Imitation vanilla, just like its name sounds, is made from different kinds of chemicals. The artificial flavouring used in the preparation of imitation vanilla is generally the by-products of wood and are somewhat bitter in taste. Imitation vanilla is economical. Imitation vanilla is made from synthetic vanillin (obtained from the pulp of wood).

Vanilla extract is extracted from the pods of vanilla beans. In terms of pricing, vanilla extract is considered expensive, and the price may vary according to the quality of the vanilla beans. They also need to contain a certain amount of alcohol to be regarded as “pure vanilla extract.” Vanilla extract is used in the preparation of baking, such as cupcakes, muffins and cakes.

Comparison Table Between Imitation Vanilla and Vanilla Extract

What is Imitation Vanilla?

Imitation vanilla is a vanilla flavouring that is prepared in the labs. Unlike vanilla extract, imitation vanilla is prepared from the by-products of wood (such as wood pulp) or naturally extracted from the beans of the vanilla pods. Just like its name sounds, imitation vanilla is prepared from imitation chemicals and are considered unhealthy.

They can be a good substitute for vanilla extract when it comes to baking. In terms of pricing, imitation vanilla has the upper hand since it is budget-friendly. The taste of imitation vanilla is slightly bitter due to the chemicals present in it. They are prepared from synthetic vanillin, which tastes similar to pure vanilla extract. Just like pure vanilla extract, imitation vanilla is used in the preparation of baking products (such as cakes, cookies, muffins and custards) and food products.

Imitation vanilla can cause several health problems such as digestive problems, allergy and headaches. Just like pure vanilla extract, the imitation vanilla can also be used for ice creams and cookies. To replace vanilla extract, one will need double the quantities of imitation vanilla. To conclude, pure vanilla is best in all its forms and are healthy to consume, while imitation vanilla can act as a replacement for vanilla extract but are unhealthy.

What is Vanilla Extract?

Vanilla extract or pure vanilla extract is a sweet substance that is procured from the beans of the vanilla pods. They have a sweet scent and generally is loved by everyone for their amazing flavour in baking products and perfumes. A pure vanilla extract is a mix of soaked vanilla beans, ethyl alcohol and water.

In order to be “pure”, the vanilla extract must contain a certain amount of alcohol and vanilla beans (thirty-five per cent alcohol and 13.35 drops of vanilla beans). The pure vanilla extract has a sweet scent with a hint of jasmine and tastes like caramel. Vanilla extract is mainly used in the preparation of vanilla ice creams and can be used as a flavouring agent in other ice creams. They are also used in the preparation of coffee and milkshakes.

The pure vanilla extract is actually brown in colour. With regard to skincare, vanilla extract sure is a good performer as it contains anti-ageing components which allow to slow down the ageing process. They can help to pacify irritated skin. Vanilla extract is also widely used in perfumes for its fragrance. They are used along with other essential oils and acts as perfect perfume. Overall, a pure vanilla extract is considered healthy and has a variety of uses.

Main Differences Between Imitation Vanilla and Vanilla Extract

Conclusion

People often get confused with the products “Imitation Vanilla” and “Vanilla extract”. Both tastes and smells are similar to vanilla, but the only difference is that both are prepared differently. Their preparation plays an important role as it decided whether they are healthy or unhealthy.

Imitation vanilla is prepared in the lab using the by-products of wood, while the vanilla extract is procured from the vanilla beans. Pure vanilla extract is brown in colour and is used in baking and food products. Imitation vanilla tastes somewhat bitter because of the chemicals present in it and can act as a good substitute for vanilla extract when it comes to baking. In terms of pricing, vanilla extract is generally expensive but are also healthy.

References

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