Vanilla gets a bad rap. It’s used as a synonym for boring, simple, and bland. But anyone who’s accidentally left the vanilla extract out of a batch of chocolate chip cookies will tell you that vanilla is crucial. And a recipe is almost always made better when you double the amount of vanilla extract listed. But what is the best vanilla extract? Is there even a difference between vanilla extract brands? I tasted a bunch to find out.
Given that the heavenly smell of straight-from-the-bottle vanilla extract is cancelled out by its horrid taste, I knew I had to put it in something to judge fairly—or at least be able to stomach nine samples without wanting to cry. My solution was to make a batch of simple pudding, portion it into bowls, then stir a bit of the vanilla extracts into each. I kept all other variables the same, including the amount of vanilla used in each pre-portioned amount of pudding, before blind-tasting them.
I finished by picking the bowl of my favorite pudding and eating it with crushed Oreos on top. That’s not important to the taste test, I just like to relieve nice memories.
Here are the best vanilla extracts from this glorious test.
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- Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract
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I understand we’re searching for the best extract rather than the best pure vanilla bean, so I wasn’t expecting a total absence of chemical flavor or aftertaste from any of the products. But this one impressed me. Of all the vanilla extracts I tried, Watkins tasted the most simply and genuinely of vanilla. It added a layer of sweetness and depth to the pudding but lightened up the flavor at the same time. Truly a feat of culinary chemistry, it did it all without leaving any sort of detectable aftertaste. For vanilla purists who don’t want to shell out the money for real vanilla beans, this is the best pure vanilla extract to buy.
Credit: Merc / Amazon
- Nielsen Massey Everyday Gourmet Vanilla Extract
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As I tasted vanilla extract after vanilla extract, I was surprised by how many had notes so bright they almost came across as citrusy. Instead of mellowing the pudding into a comforting but somewhat one-dimensional butterscotch-y flavor profile, Nielsen Massey’s vanilla extract lent a bit of sharpness to this pudding that was really delicious. We’re not talking lemon curd levels of bite, but the little zip the extract offered was intriguing in all the right ways. I can see why it’s Ina Garten’s vanilla of choice. It’s not just one of the best vanilla extracts, it’s “the good vanilla.”
Credit: Merc / Walmart
- Rodelle Alcohol Free Vanilla Flavor
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From the get-go, Rodelle came to play. It has a noticeably darker color than the others, and a bolder flavor to match. The taste of this vanilla extract is so strong it’s almost syrupy, so it’s no surprise there’s a bit of an aftertaste. That being said, it is bold—and fortune favors the bold. I love unapologetic flavors, and I loved this wallop of vanilla. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, Rodelle makes the best vanilla extract.
Credit: Merc / Rodelle
- Beyond Good Vanilla Extract
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This vanilla extract took me on a ride. Destination: Flavortown. Adding this to a very simple pudding turned it into something that tasted like a cross between a marshmallow and a sea salt caramel. It was sweet and warm (flavor-wise, not temperature-wise), and almost alarmingly salty, but I’m into that. While this was my personal favorite vanilla extract, I realize it might have a little too much going on to be an all-purpose vanilla extract. Putting it in your sugar cookie recipe might be a little like putting Lizzo in your kids’ elementary school choir. It could steal the show. But if that’s your style, then this is 100% the best vanilla extract for the job.
Credit: Merc / Amazon
- McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
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McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract earned resounding yummy noises from everyone that tasted it. I wrote down “luxuriously strong.” It speaks to the quality of this extract that it had me transcending the bounds of my own vocabulary. It has an assertive flavor that is still true to vanilla, and a few drops made the simple pudding taste like a bowl of melted vanilla ice cream. The sweet taste lingers not in the form of a chemical aftertaste, but as a happy memory of that lovely recent spoonful. I used huff through the spice aisle, mad at McCormick for being more expensive than the store brand, but you know what? They earned it. This is the best vanilla extract brand—and you can find it pretty much anywhere.
Credit: Merc / McCormick
Best Pure Vanilla
Best Zippy
Best Bold Flavor
Best Complex Flavor
Best of the Best
Other vanilla extracts we tried: Badia, Great Value, McCormick Small Batch, Simply Organic
You have not tried our vanilla…but it is wholesale only so I understand why it wasn’t on the list. We have beat all of these vanillas in tastings for over 100 years, we win on flavor every time. Proprietary Cool – Extraction process, premium gourmet vanilla beans . Lochhead Vanilla – http://www.lochheadvanilla.com buy it by the gallon, happy to send a sample!
I didn’t see Heilala Vanilla. Such an amazing vanilla
You are crazy! Also, no Penzey’s? Neilsen Massey is the GOLD STANDARD!
In no form of reality is Mccormick better than Nielsen Massey. I have been a professional baker for years. This is not even close. Perhaps your taste buds were damaged somehow? Singed on some hot pizza or something?
Which vanilla extract would you recommend for homemade vanilla ice cream?
Not McCormick‼️ Your taste buds have been corrupted. Not sure how McCormick made the cut. Pure Mexican and Costa Rican vanilla is top and Nielsens a close second.
My vanilla flavors from Honduras and Belize are THE BEST!!!!! I 🌼 always receive compliments on my baked goods.
Mexican vanilla is far superior to these chemical cocktails. I buy Usumacinta from Amazon. Get a small bottle in your next Amazon order. You will love it.
Thank you!!!! 🌼
Exactly this! I’ve only ever used Mexican vanilla my entire life and will never use anything else.
No Penzeys?
Rigged
Ikr? Double-strength Madagascar vanilla is the best!
All Vanilla flavored products on grocery store shelves are pure Junk.
Just take a look at the ingredients …..there is nothing “Pure” about it.
I took it upon myself to make my own…what a huge difference in taste in my recipe.
No way McCormick is better thanBeyond Good’s vanilla.
I found out about ORLANDO PRODUCTS Vanilla Essence on a trip to Cabo San Lucas about 10 years ago and would never use another brand. Made by a family-owned company, it is pure, organic and a smell test shows its superiority!
McCormick?
I used to make & sell vanilla extract on Amazon (Heaven Scent). Every review waa five stars. McCormick has a bland aroma/flavor that seems less complex than the others mentioned.
I agreed with Vivian L Brown’s reply. Don’t give this post a second of your time. Instead, view some of the well known chefs for guidance eg. Ina Garten, Pierre Hermé, François Payard, Dominique Ansel, Cédric Grolet, and Nina Métayer
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This piece is very much useful for me. And, your style of writing is damn sweet.
Your telling me that McCormick is better then Nielsen?? I don’t think so.
The bottle it comes in. Plastic or glass? Does it matter?