Ariana Losch
Water, alcohol, and the oil from bitter almonds. Those are the only ingredients in pure almond extract. Of course, there are almond extracts that use synthetic flavors, too—but for the purpose of this taste test, we focused on the real deal. We tracked down ten different brands to find the best almond extract for baking, mixing, and incorporating as the secret weapon to all of your recipes (almond blueberry pancakes, anyone)? Three really stood out to us in different ways.
How I tried the almond extracts
Wisely, you might be thinking, “How the heck did you manage to taste test almond extract? That’s absurd.” Correct. It is absurd. We’re resourceful people, but it wasn’t realistic for me to go on a baking spree with nearly a dozen different brands of almond extract, so I had to get a little creative. I made one cake, dropped a little almond extract on twelve slices, and compared the flavor individually. I also tried them in milk. And just like Sporked writer Hebba Gouda who ranked vanilla extract, I taste-tested these in instant pudding, too.
What I looked for in the best almond extract
Plenty of factors go into sussing out the best almond extract—and price is a big one for an expensive pantry staple like this. Most almond extracts, including the synthetic ones, will get the job done. The variations in quality are subtle but present, and they need to be weighed against the cost. Ideally, the best almond extract carries a bold, rich, natural flavor. Even in small quantities, it’s potent enough to bring depth and warmth to all of your baked goods. Typically, tasting them raw, the best almond extracts won’t end on a sharp, astringent note or smell like cough syrup. In fact: bonus points to any bottle that smells like holiday cookies as soon as we twist off the cap. (Which did happen—please see our #1.) Based on this initial taste test, here are the three best almond extracts I recommend you buy.
Best Almond Extract, Ranked
- McCormick Pure Almond Extract
-
The economy is in shambles. It’s medically necessary that I can make homemade blueberry almond pancakes at an affordable price to combat the stress of daily life. (I know I’ve mentioned those twice now, but I really, really want them right now, okay?) Enter: McCormick, a trusted baking ingredients brand that’s always easy to find and never breaks the bank. You get a big bottle with bold flavor here—not as refined as our top two, but a little definitely goes a long way, because this stuff is pretty strong. This is the best almond extract for long, buttery almond braids.
Credit: Merc / Amazon
- Watkins Almond Extract
-
Watkins must know a thing or two about extracts, because this brand also made it into our vanilla extract ranking with a pretty glowing review. Their almond extract is bold and boozy, but in a way that feels neat, not astringent. It might smell like maraschino cherries, but the flavor maintains a strong nuttiness. It’s more pricey than McCormick, but you can also find smaller 2 oz bottles at places like Walmart for under $4!
Credit: Merc / Amazon
- Morton & Basset Almond Extract
-
By smell alone, you can already tell that M&B’s almond extract is going to taste good. When you open the cap, the rich, toasty almonds smell isn’t overpowered by the burn of pure rubbing alcohol. It’s an authentic preview of the smooth, marzipan-like flavor you get when you taste it, too. The balance and quality feels thoughtful and high-end. Someone’s bound to accuse me of just being influenced by the cute apothecary aesthetic of the bottle, and that’s fair. But M&B was the brand that immediately stood out to me in the tasting and I kept coming back to after many, many slices of almond extract-soaked cake. It’s the best almond extract from this taste test, and I stand by that.
Credit: Merc / Instacart
Best Budget
Runner Up
Best of the Best
Other almond extracts we tried:
Private Selection Pure Almond Extract, Simple Truth Organic Almond Extract, Sprouts Organic Almond Extract, Simply Organic Almond Extract, Signature Select Almond Extract Pure, Good & Gather Pure Almond Extract, Amazon Fresh Pure Almond Extract, 365 by Whole Foods Market Almond Extract
This article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.
Tyler Bowers
Jordan Myrick
