McCormick Culinary Imitation Vanilla Flavoring, 16 fl oz - One 16 Fluid Ounce Bottle of Imitation Vanilla Flavoring for Baking, Best for Cakes, Frostings, Desserts and More

I know vanilla better than most people. I make my own extract, from beans and alcohol. It's about an 18 month process, though little work is required.Vanilla is a superb seasoning, making it one of the two most important of all the spices (black pepper is about 60-70% of the spice business (by dollar) And vanilla is the second most valuable spice.And who doesn't love vanilla? Vanilla ice cream is the single most asked for flavor, and in some stores, accounts for about half of all sales!But some recipes that call for vanilla just need it for a base flavor, you are never really tasting the vanilla. Like my waffle recipe. If you make it without vanilla, it tastes a little off, a little flat, but you are not really tasting the vanilla.And that is where the imitation vanilla comes into play. At a fraction of the cost of even the cheapest vanilla extract, the imitation vanilla can provide that base flavor for a fraction of the cost of the real stuff.Vanilla extract contains over 200 different chemicals, most in minuscule amounts. But one, vanillin, is THE primary flavor of vanilla. That is what is in the bottle, just vanillin. So recipes where vanilla is not the key ingredient (waffles, pancakes, desserts strongly flavored with other flavors, etc.), this stuff can step in and provide that flavor base, for a fraction of the cost. Good value, from a trusted source.

Good flavor, perfect for baking

Real vanilla has gotten super expensive so this is a great substitute. Tastes just like the real thing for fraction of the price, and no alcohol to boot.

No es el sabor que busco

I'm pleasantly surprised by this. I tried it after reading an article about imitation versus real vanilla and am happy I did. Real vanilla is insanely expensive right now. This works as well, has a wonderful flavor, and is a great value. So glad I stopped being a vanilla snob! BTW, the article said the imitation works really well where it is not the front and center flavor, so in cookies and cakes and other baked goods where the recipe calls for that standard 1 teaspoon. If the vanilla is THE focus of what you're making, then opt for the real stuff as it has more complex flavor notes. America's Test Kitchen discusses the difference in an article on their site dated Sept 16, 2022 if you want to read more.

happy with it

Good substitute for real vanilla extract.

Vanilla flavor tastes well and smells great.