Is Vanilla Extract Vegan? Why wouldn’t it be?

Last updated on December 17th, 2023

If you’re diving into the world of veganism or simply exploring plant-based alternatives in your diet, you might find yourself the question: Is vanilla extract vegan? As a big vanilla fan, I’ve asked this question too. And with a surge in vegan lifestyles and plant-based diets, it’s handy to understand the ingredients that go into your favourite foods and recipes. 

So, come with me while we take a friendly journey through the realm of vanilla extract, addressing some common questions along the way.

The answer is a pleasant one for all my vegan friends out there. Yes, vanilla extract is generally vegan-friendly. It comes from the aromatic vanilla bean and this kitchen staple is made through a process that doesn’t typically involve animal products. First vanilla beans grow on orchids. After a meticulous pollination process, the beans are harvested and cured. Eventually transformed into the concentrated flavour we know as vanilla extract. This process involves alcohol extraction, which helps draw out the rich vanilla flavour.

While vanilla extract itself is typically free from any animal ingredients, it’s essential to be aware of the alcohol use in the extraction process. Most commercially available vanilla extracts use ethyl alcohol (ethanol) as the solvent to extract the flavours from the vanilla beans. Ethanol comes from various sources, which can include grains, grapes, and sugarcane. These sources of alcohol do not pose a direct concern for vegans.

It’s worth noting that there’s a difference between natural vanilla extract and artificial vanilla flavourings. Natural vanilla extract, as we’ve discussed, comes from the vanilla bean itself. On the other hand, artificial vanilla flavourings, sometimes called vanilla flavouring or vanilla essence can come from various sources, including lignin (a plant compound) or synthetically produced. While both natural and artificial vanilla flavours are used commonly and are both vegan, natural vanilla extract is usually a better choice because it’s less likely to be harmful to the planet. 

New weird and wonderful products come out every day. So to ensure that the vanilla extract you’re using is vegan, it’s a good habit to get comfortable with reading ingredient labels. Just in case!

Look for vanilla extracts that explicitly state “natural vanilla extract” on the packaging. This label indicates that the extract comes from real vanilla beans. You can also check if the product has any additives or additional flavourings that might not be vegan-friendly. 

Natural flavourings are not always what they seem. You think they’d be pretty harmless. But they can come from natural sources such as plants as well as natural animal sources. So, if an ingredient list says ‘Natural Vanilla Flavor’ you just don’t have enough info to be sure if it’s vegan or not so you may want to stay clear. 

For the DIY enthusiasts out there, making your own vegan vanilla extract can be a rewarding task. All you need are vanilla beans and alcohol, such as vodka. Simply split a few vanilla beans lengthwise, place them in a glass container, and cover them with the alcohol. Seal the container and let it sit in a cool, dark place for a few weeks, or so, shaking it occasionally. You’ll be left with a flavorful homemade vanilla extract that’s undoubtedly vegan. 

Okay, that might be a bit vague, who’d have guessed I’ve never done it before, I’d probably check out BBC Good Food – Homemade vanilla extract

So, there you have it – the sweet truth about vanilla extract. In the world of veganism, vanilla extract is considered a plant-based option. It comes from the vanilla bean and is usually extracted using ethyl alcohol, it doesn’t involve animal products. Just remember to read labels carefully because you never know what surprise ingredients could be added. 

Whether you’re whipping up a batch of vegan cookies, adding a touch of flavour to your morning smoothie, or crafting your own vanilla extract at home, vegans and non-vegans can enjoy a dash of vanilla in anything. As I always say, a vegan life doesn’t need to be a sacrifice and you don’t need to miss out!

Want some more tips about what tips about vegan-friendly options check out my page on Vegan Food & Drink.

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Meet the Author

Meet Sinead O’Carroll: Vegan explorer, sustainability advocate and the founder of The Wondering Wandering Vegan. Embracing veganism since 2018 and vegetarianism since 2005, Sinead is armed with a Vegan Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle qualification, and is on a mission to share her passion for cruelty-free living. 

With a taste for adventure and a heart for eco-conscious choices, she’s here to prove that vegans never miss out on flavour, fun or style. Join her in enjoying the delights of a vegan-friendly world! 🌱✈️🌍
Want to know more? Check out Sinead’s About page here.

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Follow me on Instagram to see all the delicious vegan food I find, the vegan and cruelty-free products I use and what I get up to as a travelling vegan.

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