Tag: Vanilla substitutes

A single-serving cup of popular flavored yogurt can contain more sugar than a glazed donut. For those on a low-carb diet, this fact raises a critical question: is vanilla Greek yogurt keto safe? Unfortunately, the answer for most store-bought varieties is no, due to high levels of added sugar.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, pure vanilla extract must contain a minimum of 35% alcohol to be labeled as such. But is vanilla powder the same thing as vanilla extract? The short answer is no, and understanding their unique properties is key to achieving the best results in your recipes.

European brands, like Dr. Oetker, often package vanilla sugar in sachets of 8 to 10 grams, a standard that has been used for over a hundred years. For many home bakers, figuring out how much is one packet of vanilla sugar and its actual cost can be a puzzle, as prices vary significantly based on brand, region, and whether it is sold individually or in bulk.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a product labeled "pure vanilla extract" must contain at least 35% alcohol, but this regulation does not mean you cannot find excellent alcohol-free versions. Several alternatives are available for those who avoid alcohol for dietary, health, or religious reasons, or for recipes where the alcohol's taste is undesirable.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, more than 3 million Americans have celiac disease, making gluten-free options a necessity for many. A common question that arises is, 'Is there such a thing as gluten-free vanilla?,' a query that requires a closer look at the different types of vanilla products on the market.

While the Whole30 diet once restricted vanilla extract due to its alcohol content, an update in 2019 made a small but significant change, allowing botanical extracts. However, whether you can have sugar free vanilla on Whole30 still depends entirely on the product's ingredients, as most commercial versions contain non-compliant sweeteners.

Pure vanilla extract typically contains a minimum of 35% alcohol by volume, which is required for the extraction process. For those adhering to Islamic dietary laws, this raises the important question: **Which brand of vanilla extract is halal** and safe to use in cooking and baking?.