Category: Spices

Whether you like strawberries, peanuts, butterscotch, or chocolate, vanilla can fit anyone’s tastes. Point #3: Vanilla typically contains less sugar and is healthier than chocolate based ice cream because the sugar it does contain is natural as opposed to artificial or refined sugar. What is healthier vanilla or chocolate? Both vanilla and chocolate have a […]

You probably won’t be surprised to find that vanilla most likely has come to mean boring because of colonialism. First, the history: Vanilla is actually as South American as chiles or chocolate. Native to Mexico, vanilla, as chocolate was, was originally cultivated by Indigneous peoples. Is vanilla a boring flavor? As a noun, vanilla refers […]

As one of the most exotic flavours in the world, the tale of vanilla is rich with history and tradition. Much like fine wine, vanilla beans vary in flavour and aroma according to their growing location, climate and how the pods are cured, making them a very special baking ingredient. What does vanilla do to […]

Vanilla sugar is actually sugar that has been infused with vanilla over a long period of time, so it still retains that nice granular texture that we love in sugar (and need for our perfect baked goods!), but with an added flavor of vanilla for a unique pop! Can you use vanilla sugar instead of […]

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vanilla is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women when taken by mouth in food amounts. Can vanilla extract hurt my baby? Is Vanilla Extract Safe For Babies? Vanilla is a safe spice for babies, until it is introduced into their diet in the amounts commonly found in foods. A few drops […]

The purest form of vanilla powder comes from vanilla beans. The beans are dehydrated and finely ground. But you’ll also find another type of vanilla powder on the market, where sugar is added. This type, called vanilla sugar, is popular in France and Mexico and used as a substitute for regular sugar in some recipes. […]

Sniff vanilla-scented products A study at St George’s hospital, south London, found that putting vanilla-scented patches on the back of participants’ hands significantly reduced their appetite for sweet foods and drinks. Does smelling vanilla reduce sugar cravings? A study at St George’s hospital in Tooting, south London, has found that vanilla-scented patches can significantly reduce […]

Almost all vanilla extracts (including artificial ones) are suitable for vegans. Is vanilla vegan? When it comes to your average supermarket purchases, there’s no need to fret: Nearly all vanilla extracts are vegan—even the imitation ones. Is pure vanilla vegan? Yes, almost all vanilla extracts (even artificial ones) are vegan. Is vanilla aroma vegan? Excellent […]

Using Vanilla Extract Instead of Vanilla Sugar: One teaspoon of vanilla extract is the equivalent of 1 1/2 teaspoons of homemade vanilla sugar, or 1 teaspoon of commercially made vanilla sugar. Can I substitute vanilla extract for sugar? Can you substitute vanilla extract for vanilla sugar? For 1/4 cup of vanilla sugar, substitute 1/4 cup […]

Are Natural Flavors Harmful to Your Health? The short answer is, probably not. It’s unlikely you’re eating enough chemical-laden vanilla flavoring to do much damage. Is vanilla Flavour harmful? When taken by mouth: Vanilla is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. However, some people are allergic to vanilla. It […]

Very often, vanilla sugar is used as a flavored sweetener in the baked good’s batter or dough, but it can also be used as a final touch sprinkled on the tops of those fresh out of the oven cakes, pies, and of course, cookies. Vanilla sugar is also a great addition to homemade frostings and […]

Vanilla sugar is simple enough. It’s simply granulated sugar, infused with vanilla from the beans. Add it to hot cocoa, tea, cakes, cookies, your morning cup of coffee, and anything else you want for a bonus hit of vanilla. You can top your morning oatmeal with it. Can I put vanilla in my coffee? Yes, […]

Vanilla. Vanilla has been used as a natural aphrodisiac for centuries. That is why it is of no surprise that it is one of the scents that men find attractive in women. The reason for it, according to Dr. Why do guys like the scent of vanilla? Vanilla has long since been a favourite for […]

Vanilla Sugar Substitutes (How To Use Them) The top vanilla sugar substitutes are vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, vanilla powder, palm sugar, coconut sugar, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Note: I recommend using pure vanilla extract as it provides a better flavor than imitation vanilla extract. What is the difference between vanilla sugar and regular […]

Vanilla sugar is simply store-bought granulated sugar infused with the aromatic essence of whole vanilla beans. It can also be made using pure vanilla essence or vanilla powder. Is vanilla sugar healthy? But this DIY Vanilla Sugar has a secret… it’s healthy. It has just a fraction of the calories and carbs as regular sugar, […]

Vanilla is a truly medicinal food that has been used for centuries, and an everyday ‘superfood’ if you want to call it that. It’s especially powerful at enhancing brain and mood health. Are there health benefits to vanilla? Smelling vanilla can have calming effects on adults too. It can reduce startle reflexes and also provide […]