1 teaspoon (medium) of Vanilla Extract (4 g) has 12 calories. That works out to 288 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.5 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Vanilla Extract?

Vanilla extract is a fragrant liquid made by drawing aroma compounds from vanilla beans, commonly by steeping them in alcohol. It is added in small amounts to baking and desserts rather than eaten on its own; unlike vanilla sugar, it brings aroma without being a granulated sweetener.

Its warm, sweet, floral scent and slightly woody flavour suit cakes, cookies, custards, ice cream and pancakes. A few drops can also round out coffee or hot chocolate. It is a familiar baking-cupboard staple in many English-speaking kitchens. Nutritionally, vanilla extract contributes little in a usual serving and is chiefly a flavouring. Stir a little into plain yoghurt or oats when you want vanilla aroma without making the dish much sweeter.

Vanilla Extract Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

288

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

12.7g

· 5% DV

Protein

0.1g

· 0% DV

Fat

0.1g

· 0% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 98% · Protein 1% · Fat 1%

Vanilla Extract Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

0.01mg · 1% DV

Vitamin A

0µg · 0% DV

Minerals

Potassium ⭐

148mg · 4% DV

Magnesium

12mg · 3% DV

Calcium

11mg · 1% DV

Phosphorus

6mg · 1% DV

How Nutritious Is Vanilla Extract?

Nutrient density

Low

5/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

11/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Vanilla Extract Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Vanilla Extract

To burn the 288 calories in 100 g:

🚶

71min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

29min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

39min

Cycling

🏊

34min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Vanilla Extract Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Vanilla Extract Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Vanilla Extract Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Vanilla Extract Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.01g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.01g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.01g

Compare Vanilla Extract

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Vanilla Extract vs Cinnamon41 kcal more per 100 g

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Vanilla Extract vs Sumac188 kcal more per 100 g

→🌱vs🌶️

Vanilla Extract vs Black Pepper33 kcal more per 100 g

→🌱vs🧂

Vanilla Extract vs Spice Mix32 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Foods Similar to Vanilla Extract

🌰

Cinnamon

247 kcal

🌿

Sumac

100 kcal

🌶️

Black Pepper

255 kcal

🧂

Spice Mix

320 kcal

🌱

Mustard

66 kcal

🌿

Oregano

265 kcal

🌶️

Red pepper flakes

282 kcal

🟡

Turmeric

312 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Extract

What is vanilla extract made from?

Vanilla extract is made by steeping vanilla beans in a liquid, commonly alcohol and water. The liquid draws out the beans’ aromatic compounds, creating the concentrated vanilla flavor used in baking and other recipes.

Is vanilla extract the same as vanilla essence?

No. Vanilla extract is typically made by extracting flavor from vanilla beans, while vanilla essence may be imitation flavoring made with vanillin. Products vary, so the terms do not always mean the same thing on a label.

Does vanilla extract contain alcohol?

Most pure vanilla extracts contain alcohol, which helps extract and preserve the beans’ flavor. Some alcohol may evaporate during cooking, but not necessarily all of it; choose a product specifically labeled alcohol-free if that matters to you.

How do you make vanilla extract at home?

Split vanilla beans lengthwise, place them in a clean jar, and cover them completely with a neutral spirit such as vodka. Seal the jar and leave it in a cool, dark place, shaking it occasionally as the flavor infuses.

Can vanilla extract replace vanilla beans?

Yes, vanilla extract can add vanilla flavor when you do not have whole beans. It will not provide the small black seeds or the same visual effect, so use vanilla bean paste if those details matter in your recipe.

How much vanilla extract should you use in baking?

Follow the quantity in your recipe, since the right amount depends on the recipe and the strength of the extract. If adjusting a recipe, add a little at a time; too much can make the vanilla flavor overpowering.

Does vanilla extract lose its flavor when baked?

Some vanilla aroma can fade during prolonged or high-heat baking. For a more noticeable flavor, use the recipe’s amount and consider adding a small amount to a topping or filling that is mixed in after baking.

Does vanilla extract expire?

Vanilla extract usually keeps for a long time, but its aroma can weaken as it ages. If its smell, appearance, or consistency has changed noticeably, discard it and follow the date and storage guidance on the bottle.

How should vanilla extract be stored after opening?

Keep vanilla extract tightly closed in a cool, dark cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat. Refrigeration is generally unnecessary, and storing it somewhere warm or bright can gradually diminish its aroma.

Why is vanilla extract so expensive?

Vanilla extract can be costly because vanilla beans are labor-intensive to grow and harvest, and their supply is vulnerable to weather and crop disease. Extracting flavor from real beans also takes time and substantial quantities of beans.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026