What is Vanillin and how is it different from Vanilla Extract
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh vanilla. Not only does vanilla add great flavor to cookies and cakes, it can also be used as a natural perfume or cologne. Vanilla beans are highly prized in culinary circles, and many foodies consider them an essential ingredient for any pantry or baking cabinet. There is, however, a common artificial vanilla flavoring called vanillin that is produced as a way to get "the same thing" as real vanilla extract at a reduced cost. Unfortunately, vanillin is lacking in flavor and consumption of this artificial enhancer may not be a great idea.
What Is Synthetic Vanillin Flavoring Made From?
Vanillin flavoring is a synthetic vanilla extract alternative made from a component of wood pulp called lignin. Synthetic vanillin is less expensive to make than vanilla extract made from real vanilla beans. Some types of synthetic vanillin may be produced using petrochemicals and byproducts from the paper industry. Unfortunately, because it's cheap, the stuff is everywhere. Vanilla flavored over-the-counter medicines, beverages, and cookies are all places you're likely to find vanillin.
Do Vanillin Food Additives have any Side Effects?
Don't get too frightened, vanillin isn't one of the most toxic food additives you'll find and in fact usually won't trigger much more than a headache or allergic reaction in sensitive folks. Usually, switching from artificial vanilla extract to pure vanilla extract is all that is needed to avoid issues. Many connoisseurs of the vanilla bean claim vanillin to be an inferior product to pure vanilla extract anyway. If you're making an attempt to eat quality food, you probably won't encounter much vanillin anyway.
What are the Benefits of Pure Vanilla Extract
Another thing to consider when you're consuming artificial vanillin, you're missing out on the benefits of pure vanilla extract. Vanilla in its pure form has several health benefits. Real vanilla extract contains a number of antioxidant compounds, at least according to one study.[1] Interestingly, this same study claims that vanillin contains a much lower amount of protective activity when compared to vanilla extract. Vanilla extract may also be helpful for fighting bacteria.[2]
Should I Stop Eating Vanillin?
Vanillin may not be one of the most dangerous food additives, but it certainly won’t provide you with the benefits obtained from pure vanilla. If you purchase processed foods or beverages, always choose organic. Most organic cookies, while still not the most healthy food on the planet, often contain pure vanilla. When baking, always choose organic vanilla beans or organic vanilla extract over artificial vanilla. Your health — and your taste buds — will thank you.
Vanillin FAQs
Do trees contain vanillin?
Sap from some types of oak trees can contain vanillin, an organic compound that can taste something like extract from pure vanilla beans. It’s for this reason that some wines and liquors stored in oak barrels can have a vanilla-like flavor.
What is artificial vanillin made from?
Vanillin can be synthesized from various sources, including guaiacol (a petrochemical) or lignin (a byproduct of wood pulp processing).[3]
Does real vanilla extract taste better than synthetic vanillin?
Synthetic vanillin tastes similar to vanilla extract, because both vanilla beans and synthetic vanillin contain the organic compound Vanillin (C8H8O3), However, natural vanilla extract contains over 200 different compounds, and this gives real vanilla extract a complex flavor that the synthetic version lacks.
What foods contain vanillin?
Artificial vanilla (called Vanillin) is found in many common foods with vanilla flavors, primarily baked goods and desserts like cakes, cookies, pastries, and some chocolates and ice cream flavors contain vanillin. Synthetic vanillin costs much less than real vanilla bean extract, and the high demand for vanilla flavors has led to the widespread use of vanillin in many foods.
References (3)
- Shyamala BN, Naidu MM, Sulochanamma G, Srinivas P. Studies on the antioxidant activities of natural vanilla extract and its constituent compounds through in vitro models. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Sep 19;55(19): 7738-43.
- Choo JH, Rukayadi Y, Hwang JK. Inhibition of bacterial quorum sensing by vanilla extract. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2006 Jun;42(6): 637-41.
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Vanillin, ChemEurope.com
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
