Imitation Vanilla Extract?

Question

I always use pure vanilla extract. Is there a difference between imitation and pure as far as taste and baking outcome?

Answer 1

Pure vanilla extract or cognac vanilla has a superior taste to chemically-manufactured imitation vanilla extract. However, the imitation stuff has no alcohol in it, if that is a consideration for you.

We only use imitation vanilla extract for making homemade ice cream because someone in this house who shall remain nameless swears the alcohol in the pure vanilla extract retards the freezing process.

Answer 2

Pure vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in an alcohol and water solution. Thereby the vanilla taste is extracting into the liquid. The process takes months to complete. Imitation vanilla is not made from vanilla beans. Imitation vanilla is made from artificial flavorings, most of which come from wood byproducts and often contain chemicals. Discerning palates find the imitation vanilla products to have a harsh quality with a bitter aftertaste. Twice as much imitation vanilla flavoring is required to match the strength of pure vanilla extract. For cold confections such as whipped cream, pastry fillings, and frostings, there is no doubt that pure vanilla extract is the best. It provides a sweeter and more intense flavoring, whereas imitation vanilla can prove bitter and bland. For general baking, such as a batch of cookies, it doesn’t matter as much which vanilla flavoring is used. Surprisingly, in many taste tests of baked goods the imitation vanilla has found favor among the testers and proved to be the preferred ingredient

Answer 3

As far as I am concerned there is no comparison to pure vanilla extract and would choose that over the imitation any day for flavor.

Answer 4

I always use madagascar real vanilla as opposed to the mexican. It is far more superior in taste. I buy the double strength from Penzey's. It is kinda spendy but once you use it, you won't go back. www.penzeys.com
I think that is interesting about the imitation and the alcohol. I just don't like imitation and I can tell the difference in what I bake and that it is real.

Answer 5

There is a difference in taste. I think that the imitation stuff has a chemical taste to it. I also think that the real stuff has a much richer flavor that comes through in the cooking that gives it that extra special homemade taste. Don't bother with the imitation stuff.

Answer 6

I think so ,I always use pure vanilla, if you want an even better vanillas taste, buy Mexican vanilla it's premium. Imitation just is,not as good,

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

Yes