Just like when you’re cooking and the quality of olive oil you use makes all the difference, the same is true for vanilla extract when baking. Pure vanilla extract is made from simple ingredients: water, alcohol, and vanilla beans. Depending on the type of alcohol used and the source of the vanilla beans, the extract may contain additional flavor notes.
One of my favorite vanilla extracts, Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, is made with vanilla beans sourced from Bourbon Island in Madagascar, and its rich, creamy and sweet flavor is among the best I’ve found. The full, velvety after-tones come from the “weeks-long, gentle cold extraction method that draws out and preserves more than 300 flavor notes for deliciousness in a bottle.” Their recipe also includes cane sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Nielsen-Massey has been in business for three generations, with experts on its team who have spent years learning about vanilla, and it shows in their stellar product. They are also environmental stewards, working to strengthen the vanilla industry to make it a more sustainable crop. Their product description states, “We are currently building farmer co-ops to provide farmer education, health programs and [to] give you full product traceability.”
Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, Two-Pack, $34.99 at Costco
The Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract is certified kosher, gluten-free, Non-GMO Project verified, all-natural, allergen-free, and has a shelf life of three years. And we’re delighted to see Costco is selling a two-pack of eight-ounce bottles for a stellar price. It retails for $49.99 but is currently on sale for $34.99.
Fans are taking to the reviews section to share their excitement for the product and the reduced price. “I have baked with it for years, and it consistently outperforms any other brand I have tried. I was so excited to see that Costco started carrying Nielsen-Massey, and the sale price makes it about half the retail price—a great deal!” said one person.
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“This vanilla is like liquid gold for baking. It is hard to find, but worth the effort. [I] was thrilled when I saw Costco was offering it. If you are going to take the time to bake from scratch, this vanilla will elevate your efforts tenfold. You will be amazed with the difference. Truly!” stated another fan.
The Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract is an online-only Costco item, and the sale runs through Nov. 17. Be sure to order a pack before it ends.
