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The story of how vanilla became the world’s favorite flavor will help you understand why vanilla extract is on our list of “must find” items.
Vanilla extract is a liquid mix made by soaking and breaking down vanilla bean pods in alcohol and water, and then filtering out the results.
It can be homemade, but it usually takes about two months of soaking to be ready.
Although it’s worth the wait as it’s a more natural option, especially now that there are speculations as to what’s really in the imitation vanilla selling on the market.
If you want to know where to find vanilla extract in the grocery store, let’s help you find original brands.
Where is vanilla extract in grocery store?
Vanilla extract is usually in the Baking aisle of the grocery store as it features in many baking recipes. E.g. cookies, pancakes, etc.
They mostly come in glass bottles, however they’re easy to confuse with the imitation brands. So it’s best to read the labels before purchase and study the bottles closely.
Real vanilla extract comes in a dark shade of brown, while the imitations are clear and see through.
Though if you miss it, always ask the employees hanging around the store, or the Front End of the store to help you out.
Where is the best place to buy vanilla extract?
Currently, these are the best places to buy vanilla extract:
Amazon
Amazon has almost everything you’re looking for, being one of the largest stores in the world. Its current bestseller is the Watkins All-Natural vanilla extract. But it also houses other great brands like the McCormick pure vanilla extract. You can order them and get doorstep delivery.
- Made with Pure Vanilla Extract and all naturally derived ingredients
- Concentrated, bake and freeze proof blend is ideal for baking
- No Artificial Colors or Flavors. Note: Contains Sulfites
- Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Corn Syrup Free, Kosher
- Crafted in the USA
- Premium pure vanilla bean extract with a deep, rich taste and color
- Each batch blended for consistent flavor in every bottle
- A baker’s best friend — even balances meat and seafood dishes
- No corn syrup, gluten-free and Non-GMO
- Perfect addition to cakes, cookies, pies and other baked goods
Walmart
Walmart has a long list of vanilla extract products to choose from. If you love free shipping, you’ll be delighted to know that most of them are eligible for it. You can visit any of the available outlets in your region or order online.
Kroger
Kroger houses only the best brands of Vanilla extracts, and for affordable prices too. Even better, it has its own brand, the pure vanilla extract. Currently, it’s available for delivery and pickup, but not for shipping. Although, you can check out the other vanilla extract product varieties before making your final choice.
Whole Foods
Like Kroger, Whole Foods has its own brand, which is this 365 Whole Foods vanilla extract. It’s suitable for vegans and Keto-friendly. There’s also this other pure vanilla extract made by a different brand known as Simply Organic. Presently, you can’t order them online, but you can visit any of the stores near you to purchase them.
Trader Joe’s
Here’s another store that prides itself on having its own vanilla extract brand. Although you can’t order it from the online platform, you can always get Trader Joe's Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract - 4 Fl. Oz., 118ml in Plastic Bottle on Amazon. Alternatively, you can visit any of the stores near you.
Wegmans
Wegmans also has its own brand of vanilla extract, which is the Organic Premium vanilla extract and this other Pure Vanilla extract. Both are gluten-free, and eligible for home delivery.
H.E.B
H.E.B currently has vanilla extract in stock. It’s inventory is quite large, so you’ll have a wide selection of vanilla extracts to choose from.
How important is vanilla extract in a recipe?
Vanilla extract isn’t a core or “must-have” ingredient, except in a few recipes that use it as a base or theme ingredient. For example, Vanilla pancakes.
You can leave it out of your recipe if you don’t have it in your pantry or can’t afford the cost. However, it amplifies flavor in pastries, from cookies down to cakes.
So if you’re always complaining about how your recipes don’t come out right, it’s worth giving a try.
Now, you know where to find vanilla extract in the grocery store. But there are other rich and flavor enhancing products in the grocery store. Here are some guides on how to find them:
- Where is Evaporated Milk in the Grocery Store?
- How & where to Find Tahini in the Grocery Store
- Where to find Balsamic glaze in the grocery store
Irene is a Freelance content writer who helps professionals and startups build an audience with original content online. She has written over +100 articles, and is backed up by 3 years experience. She loves gaming and listening to music, while she’s not tapping furiously on her laptop.