When it comes to adding flavor to our baked goods and sweet treats, few ingredients are as popular as vanilla. But have you ever stopped to think about where that delicious flavor comes from? And more importantly, what's really in those bottles of 'natural' vanilla flavoring on your grocery store shelves?

The answer is often surprising. Many commercial vanilla flavorings aren't actually made with real vanilla beans at all, but rather with artificial compounds or even animal products like castoreum, a secretion from beavers. That's right - you might unwittingly be consuming a product derived from an animal's anal glands if you're using certain 'natural' flavored vanilla products.

But there is a way to get that pure, classic tasting vanilla flavor without resorting to artificial additives or animal byproducts. It all starts with high-quality vanilla beans, which can come from various sources such as Bourbon or Madagascar. By choosing extract grade vanilla beans, which tend to be smaller and drier but also less expensive, you can save money and still get that rich, creamy flavor.

Of course, making your own vanilla extract at home is the best way to ensure that you're getting pure, unadulterated vanilla flavor. All it takes is a few simple ingredients - vanilla beans and alcohol - and some patience as you wait for the flavors to meld together. With homemade vanilla extract, you have complete control over the ingredients and can choose exactly what type of flavor profile you want.

So why not give making your own vanilla extract a try? Not only will you be avoiding any questionable additives or animal products, but you'll also be saving money and getting that pure, classic tasting vanilla flavor that we all know and love.

Pure vanilla flavoring