Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract

Rodelle Pure Vanilla Extract is our signature vanilla made from Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans and hand-crafted from bean harvest through extraction to deliver a consistent, deep, natural vanilla flavor. With only three ingredients (water, vanilla beans and alcohol), this pure vanilla extract has no added sugar or additives and is just the way it should be: rich, complex, and delicious. Bakers love its warm aroma, smooth flavor, and the way it brings depth and dimension to everything from cookies and cakes to frostings and ice cream.

From classic chocolate chip cookies and vanilla buttercream to French toast, smoothies, coffee drinks, cold foam, milkshakes, and cocktails, Rodelle Pure Vanilla Extract belongs in every kitchen. Its rich vanilla flavor stands out in both baked and no-bake recipes without overpowering other ingredients.

• Origin: Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans hand-selected for quality and consistency.
• Sizes: 1 oz through 128 oz bottles (retailers may vary; search Where to Buy or contact our commercial team for business inquiries).
• Ingredients: Vanilla Bean Extractives in Water, Alcohol (minimum 35%).
• Crafted with just three ingredients: vanilla bean extractives, water, and alcohol
• Gluten Free | Kosher certified
• No artificial flavors, no corn syrup, no additives.
• Ideal for cookies, cakes, frostings, ice cream, French toast, coffee drinks, cocktails, and everyday baking.
• Rodelle does not utilize peanuts or tree nuts on its production floor. Contact us for other allergen questions.

Pure vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in a water-and-alcohol solution, which draws out the more than 200 flavor compounds naturally present in the bean. The result is a deep, complex flavor you simply can’t replicate with imitation vanilla.

The FDA defines pure vanilla extract as a product that contains at least 35% alcohol and at least 13.35 oz of vanilla beans per gallon of liquid. Rodelle meets these standards and our time-honored extraction processes help get the most flavor from the vanilla beans we can. By using only premium Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans which are known for their rich, creamy, sweet flavor profile, we have created a fan-favorite flagship product.

The difference is often noticeable in finished recipes. Customers consistently tell us they can taste the richer vanilla flavor in cookies, cakes, frostings, custards, and ice creams, while appreciating the smooth vanilla character without the harsh alcohol notes often associated with lower-quality extracts.

What “Bourbon” means: The name has nothing to do with whiskey. “Bourbon” refers to the old colonial name for the island of Réunion (formerly Île Bourbon), where the technique of hand-pollinating vanilla orchids was first developed and then spread to Madagascar.

Baking tip: Pure vanilla extract can be used in both baked and no-bake recipes. In baked goods, some of the alcohol evaporates during cooking, but don’t worry, it will leave behind the vanilla flavor!

Q: What’s the difference between pure vanilla extract and imitation vanilla?
A: Pure vanilla extract is made from real vanilla beans and follows a standard of identity. Imitation vanilla is made from synthetic vanillin, typically derived from wood pulp or petrochemicals. Pure extract delivers a more complex, rounded flavor that doesn’t fade during baking the way synthetic vanillin can.

Q: What is pure vanilla extract made of?
A: Rodelle Pure Vanilla Extract contains three ingredients: vanilla bean extractives, water, and a minimum of 35% alcohol. Some manufacturers choose to add sweeteners or glycerin but Rodelle’s Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract only contains vanilla bean extractives, water and alcohol.

Q: Will I notice a difference compared to other vanilla extracts?
A: Many customers tell us they do. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans are prized for their rich, creamy flavor profile, and our extraction process helps preserve that character. The result is a vanilla flavor that remains noticeable in baked goods, frostings, custards, coffee drinks, and other recipes.

Q: Does pure vanilla extract go bad?
A: Pure vanilla extract basically has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly sealed in a cool, dark place away from heat and light. The alcohol acts as a natural preservative. You may notice some sediment over time; this is natural vanilla bean residue and harmless. We recommend shaking each bottle before use to homogenize the mixture and give the best flavor with each pour.

Q: Is pure vanilla extract gluten free?
A: Yes. Rodelle Pure Vanilla Extract is gluten free and certified Kosher.

Q: Does pure vanilla extract contain alcohol?
A: Yes, there is a required standard of identity that all vanilla extracts must follow. The FDA requires pure vanilla extract to contain at least 35% alcohol. The alcohol extracts flavor compounds from the vanilla beans. For an alcohol-free option, see Rodelle Alcohol-Free Vanilla FlavorAlcohol Free Vanilla Flavor.

Q: How much vanilla extract should I use?
A: Most recipes call for 1 teaspoon per batch. Thanks to its concentrated flavor, many customers find they can achieve great vanilla character using the amount specified in their recipe. For custards, frostings, whipped cream, ice cream, and other vanilla-forward recipes, try up to 2 teaspoons.

Q: Can I use Pure Vanilla Extract outside of baking?
A: Absolutely. While it shines in cookies, cakes, and frostings, customers also enjoy it in coffee, lattes, cold foam, milkshakes, smoothies, oatmeal, protein shakes, French toast, ice cream, and cocktails.

Q: What makes Madagascar Bourbon vanilla special?
A: Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans are the world’s most prized vanilla variety, known for their intensely rich, creamy, sweet flavor with notes of caramel. They’re grown in Madagascar’s ideal tropical climate and hand-pollinated, which makes them labor-intensive to produce and deeply flavorful to use.