Is Madagascar Pure Vanilla Extract Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this vanilla extract is kosher, we need to look at the three simple components listed on the label. The primary ingredient is Organic Vanilla Bean Extractives in Water. This is simply the flavor compound derived from vanilla beans dissolved in water. Since vanilla beans are a plant, this ingredient is inherently kosher and vegan.

The second key ingredient is Organic Alcohol. In the context of kosher certification, the source of the alcohol is critical. While alcohol can be derived from non-kosher sources like wine, it is most commonly derived from corn or potatoes in American products. Given the 'organic' designation and general manufacturing standards for this brand, the alcohol is plant-derived. Furthermore, the process of extraction and distillation renders the alcohol kosher. There are no flavorings, colors, or preservatives added that would require further investigation.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, vanilla extract is used in such small quantities that it has a negligible impact on your diet. A typical serving is about one teaspoon, which contains roughly 12 calories. There is 0 grams of fat and less than 1 gram of sugar per serving. Because the flavor is concentrated, you rarely consume enough to worry about sugar spikes or caloric intake. It fits easily into low-carb, keto, and weight-loss plans as a flavor enhancer rather than a nutritional supplement.