Tag: Bourbon vanilla

A widespread culinary myth suggests that the popular bourbon vanilla gets its name and distinctive flavor from bourbon whiskey. However, this is not the case, and its origin is rooted in a surprising geographic location and a pivotal moment in vanilla history, so is there bourbon in bourbon vanilla?

According to the official Trader Joe's website, the bourbon vanilla paste includes invert sugar syrup, concentrated bourbon vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds, and xanthan gum. This combination of ingredients is what gives the paste its unique flavor profile, thicker consistency, and signature speckled appearance.

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.