How many calories are in Mexican vanilla extract ACTUALLY?

So basically, I have this Mexican vanilla blend that says 1 tsp is 0 calories, but obviously I and Dale Gribble do not trust the government, but for me that's when it comes to calories.
Anyone wanna tell me how many calories are in a tablespoon (yes we're jumping to tablespoons), or am I just gonna have to estimate 30-60 for my entire life?
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Replies

  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,811 Member
    edited November 2019
    Depending on where you live your food labelling laws may well allow measurements under 5 cals to be labelled as zero.

    For example my can of Diet Coke has the text "no calories" on the can in large text but it actually has 0.4 cal per 100ml if you scrutinise the nutritional information. To be pedantic the text should read "insignificant calories".
    (1.32cals per 330ml can)

    Any other information on your packaging?
    But I doubt that a tablespoon is anywhere near as much as you are estimating.
  • lynn_glenmont
    lynn_glenmont Posts: 9,950 Member
    37.4 kcal in a tablespoon of vanilla extract (the real stuff, not the imitation)


    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173471/nutrients

  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    Depends on how much if any alcohol and sugar are used. What brand of vanilla extract are you asking about?
  • 0caloriedreams
    0caloriedreams Posts: 2 Member
    aokoye wrote: »
    Depends on how much if any alcohol and sugar are used. What brand of vanilla extract are you asking about?

    The one I'm using is Molina Mexican vanilla blend
  • lynn_glenmont
    lynn_glenmont Posts: 9,950 Member
    edited November 2019
    37.4 kcal in a tablespoon of vanilla extract (the real stuff, not the imitation)


    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173471/nutrients

    Withdrawing this, as thread has revealed we're talking about the imitation stuff (sorry, I never heard of it referred to as "blend"). I'm not on the app, so I can't check, but the fdc.mal.USDA.gov has an entry for imitation vanilla extract. If memory serves, it was about 5 kcal per Tbsp less than the real stuff.

    Edited to fix auto correct error.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,843 Member
    37.4 kcal in a tablespoon of vanilla extract (the real stuff, not the imitation)


    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173471/nutrients

    Withdrawing this, as thread has revealed we're talking about the imitation stuff (sorry, I never heard of it referred to as "blend"). I'm not on the app, so I can't check, but the fdc.mal.USDA.gov has an entry for imitation vanilla extract. If memory serves, it was about 5 kcal per Tbsp less than the real stuff.

    Edited to fix auto correct error.

    Here ya go:

    Vanilla extract, imitation, alcohol: 31 kcal per T

    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172235/nutrients

    Vanilla extract, imitation, no alcohol: 7 kcal per T

    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172236/nutrients
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,843 Member
    apullum wrote: »
    aokoye wrote: »
    Depends on how much if any alcohol and sugar are used. What brand of vanilla extract are you asking about?

    The one I'm using is Molina Mexican vanilla blend

    This? Mexican Vanilla Blend By Molina Vainilla, 16.6 Oz (Vanillin Extract) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002QEL98/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UWRYDbG1Q00RG

    If so, the label says zero calories. It is also not “vanilla extract.” Pure vanilla extract contains “vanilla bean extractives” (i.e., the flavor compounds from vanilla beans), water, and alcohol. Products marketed as “vanilla blends” including this one, often contain other ingredients. Those ingredients usually include vanillin, an artificial vanilla flavoring. That’s not to judge you for buying or liking the product; many people just don’t know the difference beween things sold as “vanilla,” and I think it’s worth knowing what you’re buying.

    For what it’s worth, about 10 vanilla beans split lengthways and dropped into a bottle of vodka makes delicious homemade vanilla extract :). I let it sit about 6 months before using.

    That brand comes up in a search for "real vanilla extract" >.<

    https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=real+vanilla+extract&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

    ************

    How big a bottle of vodka?
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    puffbrat wrote: »
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    apullum wrote: »
    aokoye wrote: »
    Depends on how much if any alcohol and sugar are used. What brand of vanilla extract are you asking about?

    The one I'm using is Molina Mexican vanilla blend

    This? Mexican Vanilla Blend By Molina Vainilla, 16.6 Oz (Vanillin Extract) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002QEL98/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UWRYDbG1Q00RG

    If so, the label says zero calories. It is also not “vanilla extract.” Pure vanilla extract contains “vanilla bean extractives” (i.e., the flavor compounds from vanilla beans), water, and alcohol. Products marketed as “vanilla blends” including this one, often contain other ingredients. Those ingredients usually include vanillin, an artificial vanilla flavoring. That’s not to judge you for buying or liking the product; many people just don’t know the difference beween things sold as “vanilla,” and I think it’s worth knowing what you’re buying.

    For what it’s worth, about 10 vanilla beans split lengthways and dropped into a bottle of vodka makes delicious homemade vanilla extract :). I let it sit about 6 months before using.

    That brand comes up in a search for "real vanilla extract" >.<

    https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=real+vanilla+extract&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

    ************

    How big a bottle of vodka?

    I use 8 vanilla beans in a 750 ml bottle of the cheapest vodka I can find in a glass bottle at the store. Every six months I remove 8oz to use and add 8oz of vodka to the large bottle. I have to add a new vanilla bean every 2-3 years.

    Pretty much this except I start over each time with new beans and new vodka. Which version is more economical probably depends on how much baking you do and what other uses you have for vodka ;). I do a lot of baking but have no other use for vodka.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    Most Mexican vanilla is fake and they use coumadin (a prescription blood thinner) to give it the vanilla flavor. If it says "Vanillin" it is also fake. Real vanilla has over 200 flavor compounds, vanillin is the most prevalent of those.

    Yes, you can make it at home with vanilla beans and vodka but most commercial real vanilla uses about 200 vanilla beans per gallon of spirits (this means about 40 per fifth of vodka). Penzeys uses 250 vanilla beans per gallon for their single strength or 500 for their double strength.

  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    And for people who want Mexican vanilla, here's a good source: https://nielsenmassey.com/products/mexican-pure-vanilla-extract/ (I can find it pretty easily in stores similar to Whole Foods (and I would be shocked if Whole Foods didn't carry that brand).
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    aokoye wrote: »
    And for people who want Mexican vanilla, here's a good source: https://nielsenmassey.com/products/mexican-pure-vanilla-extract/ (I can find it pretty easily in stores similar to Whole Foods (and I would be shocked if Whole Foods didn't carry that brand).

    The Spice House (owned by the sister of the Penzey's owner) also carries pure Mexican Vanilla https://thespicehouse.com/products/mexican-pure-vanilla-extract?_pos=14&_sid=30d34ec4a&_ss=r

    Fun fact: Neilsen-Massey does the extraction for both Penzeys and the Spice House. They give them the specifics (like how many beans per gallon to use)
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,843 Member
    edited November 2019
    aokoye wrote: »
    And for people who want Mexican vanilla, here's a good source: https://nielsenmassey.com/products/mexican-pure-vanilla-extract/ (I can find it pretty easily in stores similar to Whole Foods (and I would be shocked if Whole Foods didn't carry that brand).

    My Whole Foods has the Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract for $42 for 8 oz. It's currently $37.95 on Amazon. I bought that once from Amazon when it was a really good price. I didn't notice a difference over McCormick when used in ordinary baking where it was not the only flavor.

    The link from the NM site brought me to Nielsen-Massey Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract, with Gift Box, 8 ounces on Amazon for $43.95 for 8 oz.

    Vanilla is something I shop around for before I buy. Often supermarkets have vanilla on sale this time of year for baking season, so now is the time to stock up!
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    aokoye wrote: »
    And for people who want Mexican vanilla, here's a good source: https://nielsenmassey.com/products/mexican-pure-vanilla-extract/ (I can find it pretty easily in stores similar to Whole Foods (and I would be shocked if Whole Foods didn't carry that brand).

    My Whole Foods has the Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract for $42 for 8 oz. It's currently $37.95 on Amazon. I bought that once from Amazon when it was a really good price. I didn't notice a difference over McCormick when used in ordinary baking where it was not the only flavor.

    The link from the NM site brought me to Nielsen-Massey Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract, with Gift Box, 8 ounces on Amazon for $43.95 for 8 oz.

    Vanilla is something I shop around for before I buy. Often supermarkets have vanilla on sale this time of year for baking season, so now is the time to stock up!

    I heard the price skyrocketed but I didn't realize it tripled. I bought 8 oz of double strength for $24 2 years ago and it is up to $73 now.
  • maureenkhilde
    maureenkhilde Posts: 850 Member
    There had been a shortage as the story goes of vanilla beans, I believe due to a drought somewhere and the prices went insane. I read it about in relation to the bidding that is done annually for the vanilla beans.

    I always use pure extracts, and search out good deals both online. And look for holiday sales.

    But after reading some of the answers here maybe I will do my own up. But oh the cost of those vanilla beans.