Quick Answer
A teaspoon of pure vanilla contains approximately 12 calories. Vanilla extract is made by macerating and percolating vanilla pods in a solution of ethanol and water, which extracts the flavor compounds from the pods. Since vanilla extract contains alcohol, it is more concentrated and intense in flavor than vanilla beans or vanilla powder. A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract contains 12 calories, while a teaspoon of vanilla powder contains around 5 calories.
How Many Calories in Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla extract is a highly concentrated form of vanilla that is commonly used for baking and flavoring foods and drinks. It is made by soaking vanilla beans in a solution of ethanol and water to allow the flavor compounds to infuse into the liquid.
The calories in vanilla extract come primarily from the sugar content, as pure vanilla extract contains no fat or protein. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a teaspoon (5ml) of pure vanilla extract:
- Calories: 12
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 0g
The 12 calories in a teaspoon of vanilla extract come entirely from the added sugar used to make the solution. Pure vanilla extract contains a minimum of 35% alcohol and is usually made from a simple syrup base of sugar and water.
Since vanilla extract is very concentrated, a little goes a long way in providing flavor. A teaspoon of extract can flavor a whole baked good or several cups of a drink or dessert.
Calories in Vanilla Beans and Powder
Vanilla beans and vanilla powder provide vanilla flavor but are less concentrated forms than vanilla extract.
A whole vanilla bean contains fewer calories than vanilla extract, providing around 3 calories per inch of bean. Vanilla beans consist of the seed pods of the vanilla orchid plant. The pods are dried and cured to develop the signature vanilla flavors and aroma.
Vanilla powder is made by grinding up whole vanilla beans into a fine powder. A teaspoon of vanilla powder contains around 5 calories, coming from the natural sugars in the vanilla bean. Vanilla powder can be substituted for extract in recipes, though more may need to be used to achieve the same depth of flavor.
Here is a comparison of the calories in a teaspoon of the various forms of vanilla:
| Type of Vanilla | Calories per Teaspoon |
|---|---|
| Vanilla extract | 12 calories |
| Vanilla powder | 5 calories |
| Vanilla beans | 3 calories per inch |
Vanilla Nutrition Facts
Though vanilla contains minimal calories and nutrients, it provides several beneficial compounds.
Here are some of the nutrients found in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla powder:
- Antioxidants: Vanilla contains antioxidants including vanillic acid, vanillin, and hydroxybenzoic acid. These antioxidant compounds help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage in the body.
- B-vitamins: Vanilla provides small amounts of B vitamins like niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and folate. These B vitamins are important for energy production, brain function, and cellular metabolism.
- Minerals: Vanilla contains trace amounts of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which play diverse roles in blood pressure regulation, bone health, and muscle contraction.
- Fiber: Whole vanilla beans provide around 2 grams of fiber per ounce. Fiber helps regulate digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.
So while vanilla extract and vanilla beans are low in vitamins and minerals compared to fruits and vegetables, they do contain beneficial plant compounds that provide health advantages.
Vanilla Extract vs Vanilla Flavoring
When looking for vanilla extract in the spice aisle, you may come across two types of vanilla sold side-by-side: vanilla extract and vanilla flavoring. What is the difference between pure vanilla extract and vanilla flavoring?
Pure vanilla extract is made solely from vanilla beans steeped in a solution of ethanol and water. It contains at least 35% alcohol.
Vanilla flavoring, on the other hand, is made from synthetic vanillin rather than natural vanilla. Vanillin is the main flavor compound found in vanilla beans, but synthetic vanillin is produced from chemicals derived from wood pulp or petroleum.
Some key differences between pure vanilla extract vs vanilla flavoring:
- Vanilla extract contains natural vanilla flavors, while vanilla flavoring contains artificial vanillin for the most part.
- Vanilla extract has a more complex, nuanced flavor compared to vanilla flavoring.
- Vanilla extract is more expensive than artificial vanilla flavoring.
- Vanilla flavoring does not contain alcohol, while vanilla extract contains a minimum of 35% alcohol.
For the purest, most authentic vanilla flavor, choose vanilla extract over artificial vanilla. Pure vanilla extract offers the complete flavor profile of vanilla beans, with hundreds of aromatic compounds compared to just vanillin in artificial flavor.
How to Use Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is used in both sweet and savory recipes to add flavor, aroma, and depth. Here are some tips for using vanilla extract:
- Add vanilla extract to cookies, cakes, muffins, quick breads, and other baked goods. Start with 1-2 teaspoons per recipe.
- Stir vanilla extract into oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, coffee drinks, and milkshakes.
- Drizzle vanilla over fresh fruit or add it to fruit salads and compotes.
- Use vanilla to enhance the flavor of creams, custards, puddings, and ice cream.
- Add vanilla to pancake and waffle batter.
- Stir vanilla extract into granola or overnight oats.
- Flavor meat rubs, marinades, and sauces with a few drops of vanilla.
- Sweeten plain yogurt by mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
When baking, add vanilla towards the end of mixing rather than at the beginning so that the delicate vanilla flavor does not bake out.
Does Vanilla Extract Go Bad?
With proper storage, vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life and does not go bad. The alcohol content in vanilla extract acts as a preservative to prevent spoilage.
However, over time, opened vanilla extract may slowly lose potency and flavor. Signs that vanilla extract is losing freshness include:
- Change in color from dark brown to red, yellow, or light tan
- Loss of vanilla aroma
- Weakened vanilla flavor
- Appearance of vanilla bean sediment at the bottom of the bottle
While vanilla extract does not truly expire, it will degrade in quality after about 3-4 years after opening. To maximize freshness, store vanilla extract in a cool, dark place and keep the bottle tightly sealed. Refrigeration can help prolong its shelf life after opening.
If your vanilla extract has lost its aroma and strength, it is best to replace it with a fresh bottle. Using old vanilla extract with a weak flavor can negatively impact the taste of baked goods and other recipes.
Does Vanilla Extract Contain Alcohol?
Yes, pure vanilla extract does contain alcohol as part of the extraction process. According to standards of identity set by the FDA, pure vanilla extract must contain a minimum of 35% alcohol.
The alcohol in vanilla extract comes from either ethanol or a mixture of ethanol and water. During production, the chopped vanilla bean pods are macerated and percolated in the alcohol solution over the course of several weeks. This process allows the flavor compounds to fully extract into the alcohol.
The alcohol not only extracts the flavors but also acts as a preservative for the vanilla extract. The alcohol content prevents the growth of bacteria and mold in the vanilla.
The amount of alcohol in a teaspoon of vanilla extract varies by brand but ranges from around 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of alcohol.
The alcohol evaporates when vanilla extract is heated during baking or cooking, leaving behind the vanilla flavor. However, the alcohol content needs to be considered when using vanilla extract in no-bake foods or giving it to children.
Common Questions
Is there a difference between vanilla extract and vanilla essence?
Vanilla extract and vanilla essence are different names for the same thing. Vanilla essence is more commonly used in Europe, Australia, and other regions, while vanilla extract is primarily used in the United States. But both refer to the same concentrated vanilla product made by soaking vanilla beans in an alcohol-water solution.
Are vanilla beans better than extract?
Vanilla beans and vanilla extract both provide excellent vanilla flavor. Vanilla beans give a more nuanced, multi-layered flavor when infused into liquids or food. But using beans can be more expensive and time-consuming. Vanilla extract offers convenience and consistent flavor. For most everyday baking, extract and beans can be used interchangeably.
Is imitation vanilla extract bad for you?
Imitation or artificial vanilla made from synthetic vanillin is not necessarily unhealthy but lacks the complex flavor of real vanilla. Imitation vanilla is less expensive but provides a flatter, more one-dimensional vanilla taste. Pure vanilla extract made from vanilla beans offers the complete flavor profile with many nuanced notes.
How long does opened vanilla extract last?
If stored properly in a cool, dark place, vanilla extract will remain good for at least 3-4 years after opening. The alcohol helps prevent spoilage so vanilla extract has a long shelf life. Over time, opened vanilla extract may slowly lose some flavor and aroma but it does not truly expire.
What can I use if I don’t have vanilla extract?
In a pinch, substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste. You can also substitute vanilla sugar, made by storing vanilla beans in sugar to infuse flavor. If no vanilla products are available, almond extract or peppermint extract can provide complementary flavors.
Conclusion
Vanilla extract provides an easy and convenient way to add rich vanilla flavor to foods and beverages. A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract contains around 12 calories, coming solely from the added sugar used to make the alcohol-water solution.
Vanilla extract offers the complete flavor of vanilla beans in a potent, concentrated form. When stored properly in a cool place, vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life, though it may slowly lose potency after several years. With its complex aromatic compounds and uses in both sweet and savory recipes, pure vanilla extract is an essential ingredient for any kitchen.
