Does Trader Joe's Bourbon vanilla have bourbon in it?: A Nutrition Diet Fact Check

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, pure vanilla extract must contain a minimum of 35% alcohol by volume, but the “Bourbon” in Trader Joe's Bourbon vanilla does not refer to whiskey, but rather the region where the vanilla beans are cultivated. This fact is crucial for anyone on a specific nutrition diet, especially those avoiding alcohol.

Quick Summary

Explores the distinction between Bourbon vanilla, named for its regional origin in the Indian Ocean, and bourbon whiskey. Clarifies that while pure extract contains alcohol for flavor extraction, Trader Joe's offers alcohol-free alternatives.

Key Points

Name Origin: 'Bourbon' vanilla refers to the bean's origin in the Indian Ocean region, specifically the former Île Bourbon (Réunion), not bourbon whiskey.
Alcohol Content: Pure vanilla extract, including Trader Joe's, is legally required to contain alcohol (around 35% ABV) for flavor extraction, but it is ethyl alcohol, not whiskey.
Alcohol-Free Alternatives: Trader Joe's offers alcohol-free Bourbon vanilla flavoring, made with a glycerin base, for those on diets avoiding alcohol.
Dietary Safety: While the alcohol in baked goods typically cooks off, raw consumption by children, pregnant women, or those with alcohol sensitivity should be avoided.
Negligible Nutrition: In standard serving sizes, vanilla extract contributes minimal calories and nutrients, though it does contain antioxidants from vanillin.
Gluten-Free: Trader Joe's Bourbon vanilla extract and paste are generally considered gluten-free, with the distilled alcohol process removing any potential gluten from grains.

The Truth About Bourbon Vanilla

The most common misconception about Bourbon vanilla is that it is made with or tastes like bourbon whiskey. This is incorrect. The name "Bourbon" is a geographical descriptor, not an ingredient list. The term originates from Île Bourbon, the former name of Réunion Island, a key location for vanilla cultivation in the Indian Ocean. This region is where the Vanilla planifolia orchid, a specific species of vanilla, is grown and processed. Vanilla beans from this area, which also includes Madagascar and the Comoros, are renowned for their rich, creamy, and distinct flavor profile.

The House of Bourbon Connection

The link between Bourbon vanilla and bourbon whiskey is a historical coincidence related to the House of Bourbon, a French dynasty. Both Île Bourbon and Bourbon County, Kentucky, are named for this royal family. However, the connection ends there, and the vanilla itself has no direct relationship to the American whiskey. The flavor characteristics of Bourbon vanilla come from the soil, climate, and curing methods of the region, not from any added alcohol.

What's in Trader Joe's Bourbon Vanilla Extract?

So, if it doesn't contain whiskey, why does Trader Joe's Bourbon vanilla extract list alcohol as an ingredient? Pure vanilla extract, by legal definition, is made by soaking vanilla beans in a solution of ethyl alcohol and water. This process extracts the flavor and aroma compounds from the beans. The alcohol used is a neutral, flavorless spirit, not bourbon whiskey. In the case of Trader Joe's Organic Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract, the ingredients are water, organic ethyl alcohol, and organic vanilla bean extractives. The resulting product has a high alcohol content, typically around 35% alcohol by volume (ABV), consistent with FDA standards.

Vanilla and Your Diet: Nutritional Breakdown

For a general diet, the nutritional impact of vanilla extract is negligible, as it is used in such small amounts. A typical teaspoon adds only around 12 calories and minimal carbohydrates. The small amounts of minerals present, like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, are not significant enough to be considered a major nutritional source. The primary nutritional consideration comes from the product's preparation and ingredients.

Vanilla extract also offers some antioxidant benefits due to the presence of vanillin, the main aromatic compound. However, the quantity consumed is usually too small to have a significant health effect. For those with specific dietary requirements, such as those related to alcohol, the source and type of vanilla product are more important than its minor nutritional profile.

Trader Joe's Vanilla Options for Every Diet

For those who need to avoid alcohol or prefer a thicker consistency, Trader Joe's offers a variety of vanilla products beyond the standard extract.

Organic Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract: The classic product containing alcohol.
Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste: A blend of sugar syrup, vanilla extract, and vanilla beans for a richer, more visual vanilla flavor. It does contain some alcohol due to the extract content.
Double Fold Alcohol-Free Bourbon Vanilla Flavoring: A great option for those avoiding alcohol, made with vanilla bean extractives and a glycerin base instead of alcohol.

Comparing Trader Joe's Vanilla Products


Product	Main Ingredients	Key Feature	Alcohol?	Best For
Organic Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract	Water, organic ethyl alcohol, organic vanilla bean extractives	Potent, classic vanilla flavor for baked goods	Yes (approx. 35% ABV)	Standard baking where alcohol bakes off
Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste	Invert sugar syrup, vanilla extract, vanilla seeds, xanthan gum	Thicker, richer flavor with visible vanilla bean specks	Yes (small amount)	Frostings, custards, whipped cream, adding visual appeal
Double Fold Alcohol-Free Vanilla Flavoring	Water, glycerin, vanilla bean extractives	Intense vanilla flavor without alcohol	No	Anyone avoiding alcohol, unbaked recipes like cold drinks or frostings

Dietary Considerations: Kids, Pregnancy, and Alcohol Sensitivity

The alcohol content in pure vanilla extract, while not from a fortified spirit like bourbon, is a key consideration for specific diets. For most baking applications, the alcohol evaporates during the cooking process, leaving only the flavor. However, when used in uncooked preparations like frostings, milkshakes, or smoothies, the alcohol remains.

For Children: The small amounts of vanilla extract used in baked goods are generally considered safe because the alcohol bakes off. However, giving children uncooked products with vanilla extract can expose them to alcohol and is advised against. Trader Joe's offers alcohol-free vanilla flavoring specifically for this purpose.
For Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Consuming small, cooked amounts of vanilla extract is considered safe. However, as with children, large or uncooked amounts should be avoided to prevent any unnecessary alcohol exposure. Alcohol-free flavoring is the safest alternative for raw applications.
For Alcohol-Sensitive Individuals: Those with alcohol sensitivities or allergies should opt for the alcohol-free version to avoid any adverse reactions.

Is Trader Joe's Bourbon Vanilla Gluten-Free?

For those following a gluten-free diet, Trader Joe's Bourbon Vanilla Extract and other vanilla products are considered safe. Pure vanilla extract is naturally gluten-free as it's made from vanilla beans, water, and alcohol. The alcohol used is distilled, which, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation, makes it gluten-free regardless of its source grain. However, always check the product's label and ingredients list for any added components that might contain gluten, though Trader Joe's products are typically straightforward. The Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste is also labeled as likely gluten-free.

Conclusion

The name Bourbon vanilla refers to the geographical origin of the vanilla bean from the Indian Ocean region, not the whiskey. While pure extract contains a standard amount of ethyl alcohol, it is not bourbon whiskey. For anyone managing a nutrition-focused diet, particularly those avoiding alcohol, it is vital to distinguish between pure vanilla extract and alcohol-free vanilla flavoring. Thankfully, Trader Joe's provides options for both. By understanding the ingredients and production methods, you can make informed choices to ensure your baking and culinary creations align with your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For further information on sourcing and processing of various vanilla types, you might consult an authoritative source like The Vanilla Company.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the term 'Bourbon' in Bourbon vanilla refers to the Indian Ocean islands, such as Réunion and Madagascar, where the specific variety of vanilla bean is grown. It is a geographical designation, not a reference to bourbon whiskey.

Yes, Trader Joe's Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract contains ethyl alcohol, which is necessary for the extraction process to draw flavor from the vanilla beans. The alcohol content is around 35% ABV, as required by the FDA for pure vanilla extract.

Yes, vanilla extract is typically suitable for a vegan diet. The extract is made from vanilla beans, water, and alcohol, all of which are plant-based. However, always double-check the label for any other ingredients.

Yes, Trader Joe's offers a Double Fold Alcohol-Free Bourbon Vanilla Flavoring, which uses a glycerin base instead of alcohol to extract the flavor. This is ideal for diets that require no alcohol.

When baked, most of the alcohol in vanilla extract evaporates. Therefore, it is generally considered safe for children to eat baked goods made with vanilla extract. However, uncooked preparations should be avoided.

Consuming small, cooked amounts of vanilla extract in food is considered safe for pregnant women. However, it is best to avoid uncooked preparations containing vanilla extract to prevent any unnecessary alcohol exposure.

Yes, vanilla extract is naturally gluten-free. The alcohol used is distilled, which removes any gluten. Trader Joe's Bourbon vanilla extract is safe for those on a gluten-free diet.