Perhaps no culinary ingredient is more unjustly maligned than vanilla. Its name has become synonymous with all things “plain”, “boring”, or “dull.” In reality, however, vanilla is anything but plain and boring. Instead, vanilla is one of the most versatile flavors in the culinary world, and something that no food manufacturer should operate without.
The applications for vanilla flavors are seemingly endless. Its mellow flavor profile allows it to complement a variety of other flavorings. It can work in pastries, drinks, fruity dishes, or chocolatey dishes, or even as a standalone flavor. Vanilla also works as a subtle natural sweetener when paired with other, stronger sweet flavors. Ultimately, vanilla is an essential ingredient in any culinary setting.
While vanilla can be prepared in a number of different ways, this article will be focusing primarily on vanilla extract and its applications in beverage factories.
High concentration
Vanilla extract offers a very potent vanilla flavor. This means that formulations calling for vanilla extract do not require high volumes of the ingredient. A small dose of vanilla extract can be all you need to put the finishing touch on your new product. Even just a few drops of vanilla extract can provide a little extra natural sweetness, meaning you can cut down on the use of additional sugars or artificial sweeteners in your products. Further, you can save money by using extract over larger quantities of genuine vanilla beans.
Longer shelf life & Versatility
Vanilla extract, when stored properly, can last for years without going rancid, becoming stale, or rotting. Its alcohol base helps to preserve this extra long shelf life. Vanilla extract should be stored in a cool, dry place and preferably away from sources of light. If these storage conditions are met, a batch of vanilla extract can go a long way for a long time. While pure extract may be more expensive than other vanilla flavorings, it makes up for it in both the shelf life and its high concentration.
Really, all vanilla is versatile. However, this is especially true of vanilla extract. Because it comes in liquid form, it is soluble and very easy to blend with your other ingredients. However, because high temperatures can reduce the flavor profile of vanilla extract, it is most effective when used in recipes that are cooked over low or no heat. This means that beverages can be particularly well suited for vanilla extract, as the natural flavoring is unlikely to be reduced during the manufacturing process.
Natural flavor
Perhaps the biggest advantage of vanilla extract is that it offers a completely natural, pure vanilla flavor. Vanilla extract is made quite literally by extracting the flavor from vanilla beans, condensed into a liquid solution. There are no unnatural chemicals and no manufactured sweetness. The flavor of vanilla extract is simply vanilla.
This is crucial for any manufacturer hoping to make a splash with any recipes making use of vanilla. Some recipes can get away with artificial vanilla if they require high heat. But for no- or low-temp items like most cold beverages, vanilla extract is the right choice. It’s true vanilla, after all.
We understand and appreciate the nuance of vanilla flavorings in all formulations. Visit our sample request page and request a vanilla sample to taste if they are right for you.