Vanilla is one of the most universally loved flavors, yet it's the source and how it's made remains a mystery for most. There's a long path from plant to vanilla ice cream, something most people don't apprecdiate.

Vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world; its pods are laborious to harvest, after all. If you've ever wondered how this humble spice can be so magical and costly at once, the answer lies within that unassuming pod of Vanilla planifolia. In addition to being delicious, vanilla beans are filled with tiny black seeds known as vanilla bean powder or extract.

Though this may seem like just an alternative version of vanilla-flavored stuff, these black gems pack a lot more punch than their mild scent might suggest. They add an intense depth to baked goods and other dishes and impressively versatile functionality in your home kitchen.

What is Vanilla Bean Powder?

First, let's clear up a super significant difference. Vanilla powder is not the same thing as vanilla bean extract, despite their similar names.

Vanilla extract is made by steeping vanilla beans in a solution of alcohol (usually grain alcohol) for an extended period. This process extracts the flavor from the bean and leaves the seeds behind.

On the other hand, vanilla powder is made from the whole vanilla beans themselves ground into a fine powder. While the pods are often used in cooking and baking, vanilla bean powder is incredibly versatile and far cheaper than buying whole vanilla beans. It's a great way to save money without sacrificing flavor. Some would even say that vanilla bean powder is better than vanilla extract.

Why Use Vanilla Bean Powder?

There are other great reasons to use vanilla bean powder instead of vanilla extract.

Vanilla bean powder is more versatile than vanilla extract; it can be used in savory and sweet dishes. Vanilla extract, on the other hand, is almost always used in sweet baked goods.

Vanilla bean powder can be used in savory dishes, such as stews, curries, and marinades.

A little bit of vanilla bean powder goes a long way and can last long in your pantry.

Vanilla bean powder has a more robust flavor than vanilla extract.

You'll need less vanilla bean powder than vanilla extract to get the same level of flavor. This means that vanilla bean powder has a much more intense and lasting flavor than vanilla extract.

Wild Vanilla

The vanilla beans used in our Premium Wild Vanilla Bean Powder are thoroughly processed and dried before being further dried, giving them 7-10% moisture, which lends itself to grinding beans to powder. Ground vanilla beans are products made by further drying the vanilla beans down to a medium 4 percent moisture content for the vanilla beans and crushed beans to grind into a powder and pulverize.

You can use powdered vanilla beans instead of vanilla extract, or substitute it, depending on what flavor profile you want. Vanilla is also used medicinally, both for flavoring purposes and for appetite enhancement.

Vanilla bean powder can add deep flavors and visual appeal to ice cream, baked goods, custards, and more. Because the vanilla powder is more concentrated, 1/2 tsp vanilla powder can substitute for 1 tsp vanilla extract.

If you do not wish to use vanilla extract, try vanilla powder instead. Here's how: simply use half of the amount of vanilla extract required.