Is imitation vanilla really used in everyday baking?

Yes. Vanillin, the main flavor in vanilla, was first synthesized in the 1850s. Today, most chocolates, cakes, cookies, and baked goods sold in stores use imitation vanilla. There simply is not enough pure vanilla in the world to supply the demand, so imitation vanilla is the standard for large-scale baking.

Does imitation vanilla taste the same as pure vanilla extract?

Imitation vanilla has a pleasant vanilla flavor that works well in baking and desserts. The flavor is simpler and less complex than pure vanilla, but it is a good choice when you need an affordable option for everyday baking or large batches.

When should I use imitation vanilla instead of pure vanilla?

Use imitation vanilla in recipes where cost, quantity, or consistency matter more than depth of flavor. It is often chosen for cookies, cakes, and commercial baking because it provides reliable vanilla taste at a lower price.

Does imitation vanilla go bad?

Imitation vanilla flavor does not spoil like fresh foods, but it does have a shorter shelf life than pure vanilla extract. Instead of alcohol, it uses other carriers such as propylene glycol, which do not preserve the flavor compounds as long. Over time the taste may fade or change. For best results, keep imitation vanilla tightly closed in a cool, dark place and use it within 2–3 years for the best flavor.

Product Information

McCormick Imitation Vanilla Flavor 32 Fl oz 0.94L

Price: $10.87USD

Click to enlarge

McCormick Imitation Vanilla Flavor 32 Fl oz 0.94L

Imitation Vanilla Flavor differs from extracts because they do not contain alcohol; they do, like the imitation extracts use both natural and artificial ingredients.

Vanilla is an essential flavor used in cakes, cookies, brownies, puddings, frosting, candy confections, mousse, and flan. Vanilla is a perfect complement to use in sauces, beverages, sweet potatoes, vegetables, baked beans, breads, muffins, french toast, pancakes, and waffles.

Ingredients: Water, Caramel Color, Vanillin, Ethyl Vanillin, and 0.1% Potassium Sorbate (added as a preservative) OU Certified Kosher

Net: 32 fl oz (1 Quart) 946mL

Tiered Product Pricing
Quantity	Description	Price
Each	Unit Price	$10.87USD
6	6 or More	$10.54USD
24	24 or More	$10.08USD

Recipe: Honey-Vanilla Glazed Pork Tenderloin

2 Pork Tenderloins (3 pounds)
1/2 cup honey
4 tbsp vinegar
2 tsp McCormick Imitation Vanilla Flavor
1 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp ground mustard
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

Place pork tenderloins on a rack in a baking pan.
Make a glaze by mixing honey, vinegar, Imitation Vanilla Flavor, pepper, paprika, ground mustard, and salt. Brush this glaze on the pork.
Roast in a 375° F oven for 45 minutes. Brush with glaze every 1- to 15 minutes. Slice pork and serve.

Makes 8 servings of Honey-Vanilla Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Recipe: Vanilla Sauce

Melt 1 cup butter or margarine over low heat. Carefully pour off clear portion of butter into a small bowl to make clarified butter.
Stir in 1/2 tsp lemon juice and 1/3 tsp Imitation Vanilla Flavor.
Serve hot with steamed lobster, other seafood and steamed vegetables.

Recipe makes 3/4 cup of Vanilla Sauce.

McCormick Item Code: 930607

Gross Weight: 2.30 lbs.

UPC Code: 52100 30607

GTIN 12: 052100306070

Product Ingredient Lists and Nutrition Facts, when provided, are for your convenience. We at Spice Place make every effort to insure accuracy of the ingredients listed. However, because manufacturers may change formulations, persons with food allergies should always check actual package label.

Quantity

Reviews

McCormick Imitation Vanilla Flavor 32 Fl oz 0.94L - FAQ

Q: Is imitation vanilla really used in everyday baking?: A: Yes. Vanillin, the main flavor in vanilla, was first synthesized in the 1850s. Today, most chocolates, cakes, cookies, and baked goods sold in stores use imitation vanilla. There simply is not enough pure vanilla in the world to supply the demand, so imitation vanilla is the standard for large-scale baking.
Q: Does imitation vanilla taste the same as pure vanilla extract?: A: Imitation vanilla has a pleasant vanilla flavor that works well in baking and desserts. The flavor is simpler and less complex than pure vanilla, but it is a good choice when you need an affordable option for everyday baking or large batches.
Q: When should I use imitation vanilla instead of pure vanilla?: A: Use imitation vanilla in recipes where cost, quantity, or consistency matter more than depth of flavor. It is often chosen for cookies, cakes, and commercial baking because it provides reliable vanilla taste at a lower price.
Q: Does imitation vanilla contain alcohol?: A: No. It's alcohol free.
Q: Does imitation vanilla go bad?: A: Imitation vanilla flavor does not spoil like fresh foods, but it does have a shorter shelf life than pure vanilla extract. Instead of alcohol, it uses other carriers such as propylene glycol, which do not preserve the flavor compounds as long. Over time the taste may fade or change. For best results, keep imitation vanilla tightly closed in a cool, dark place and use it within 2–3 years for the best flavor.

Product Name	Buy Now	Price
Sizes of "Imitation Vanilla Flavor" Available
McCormick Imitation Vanilla Flavor 1 Pint 473ml		$6.73USD
McCormick Imitation Vanilla Flavor 32 Fl oz 0.94L		$10.87USD

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