What can I use instead of vanilla pods? - Vanilla Etc Ltd (2024)

FAQs

What can I use instead of vanilla pods? - Vanilla Etc Ltd? ›

Vanilla extract makes a great substitute for Vanilla Pods when you haven't got any available. It is difficult to say exactly how much to use, but a good guide is using 1 teaspoon in place of one Vanilla pod.

Vanilla powder is a great alternative to the pods: ½ tsp is equivalent to 1 vanilla pod.

So we would suggest that if possible you try and use a good-quality vanilla extract. The strength can vary according to the quality of the extract, and there may be guidelines on the bottle, but most people find that 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract will be the equivalent to one vanilla pod.

Don't throw away the pod! You can simmer it in milk or cream, or store it in sugar to make vanilla sugar. Conversion: One vanilla pod equals 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.

Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that vanilla – sweet, creamy, delicious vanilla – may face an upcoming shortage due to inclement weather around Madagascar that threatens the 2024 harvest.

Vanilla pods contain the seeds from the vanilla orchid plant. Real vanilla is expensive as each plant must be pollinated individually by hand.

If you don't have any on hand, you can almost always omit the vanilla without impacting the final texture of your baked goods; although the rich flavor extract—or any form of vanilla—brings will certainly be altered. Just remember one thing: flavor comes first.

Maple Syrup or Honey

Its rich and sweet flavor makes a decent vanilla bean substitute and a great vanilla extract substitute. Honey's floral and bright sweetness is delightful in recipes like blondies, muffins, quick breads, cakes, and cookies.

My go-to substitute for vanilla extract is maple syrup. It has the same sweet aroma, and it does a pretty good job of mimicking vanilla's mellow flavor. Use the same amount of maple syrup as you would vanilla, and you'll barely notice the difference.

How do you convert one vanilla pod to extract? ›

If there's a vanilla bean kicking around your kitchen, you can substitute the scraping of one pod for 1 teaspoon of extract.

When vanilla growers plant a vanilla tree (a species of orchid), it takes three years to obtain the first fruits. Also, unlike some spices that offer a good yield from the first year, vanilla takes its time, which justifies a higher price. Another element that impacts the price: pollination.

Madagascan Bourbon Vanilla is regarded by most as the world's best Vanilla and these Gourmet Madagascan beans will not disappoint.

Vanilla extract makes a great substitute for Vanilla Pods when you haven't got any available. It is difficult to say exactly how much to use, but a good guide is using 1 teaspoon in place of one Vanilla pod.

Vanilla beans

Thus, whole vanilla beans are its closest alternative flavor-wise. To use a whole vanilla bean in place of vanilla extract, carefully slice the bean in half and scrape out the soft seed interior using a knife, fork, or toothpick.

As far as substitutions go, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is equal to one 2-inch piece of vanilla bean, so 1 typical vanilla bean will equal 3 teaspoons extract. As for vanilla paste, there are usually directions on each jar indicating proper equivalencies, so consult that first as the concentrations can differ.

Pro tip: If a recipe calls for one whole vanilla bean pod OR 1 tablespoon vanilla powder, you can use the same 1:1 ratio and substitute either with 1 tablespoon pure vanilla bean paste.

However, a single pod is enough to flavor your preparations and really smell like vanilla. Another important point: the conservation. My vanilla keeps for a long time (3 to 4 years without any problem in good conditions) and does not spoil. On the other hand, a cheap vanilla will go mouldy quickly.

Vanilla seeds are the black flakes that are got from scraping vanilla pods and removing the pulp. Although they don't add much flavour to the dishes, they're a great option to give them a stunning visual appeal.