Now, here’s a sneaky fact: some products labeled “vanilla extract” are actually a mix of real and imitation—especially cheaper brands. The law only requires a certain percentage of real bean extract. Look for “pure vanilla extract” to guarantee the good stuff. And if you see “vanilla flavor,” that’s pure synthetic. Read those tiny words, folks.
What about vanilla paste and vanilla powder? Oh, those are different beasts. Paste is concentrated extract mixed with seeds—perfect for when you want those beautiful black specks in a white frosting. Powder is dried, ground beans, often with sugar. They’re all cousins in the vanilla family, but extract is still the most versatile.
