Vanilla extract
FDC 173471tsp (4 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 26 · -67 vs Spices & herbs medianA teaspoon of vanilla extract is mostly alcohol and water, so its 26 of 100 Nutrient Density Score and Low band, ranking 56 of 60 in Spices & herbs, says more about its concentrated sugar than any standout nutrient, since nothing in it clears a notable threshold in this dataset.
In the kitchen it is used by the teaspoon to round out baked goods, custards, and coffee, not eaten as food in its own right, which is why the per-100 g figures matter less in practice. There is no flagged limit for this bottle, though the 12.6 g of sugar per 100 g is worth remembering if a recipe calls for it by the tablespoon rather than the drop.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around vanilla extract, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 288 kcal | 14% |
| Total fat | 0.06 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.01 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 9 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 13 g | 5% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 13 g | |
| Protein | 0.06 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 148 mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 11 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.12 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 12 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 12 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 0.36 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.5 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0.5 g | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 5.9 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0.44 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 0.48 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 173471Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the spices & herbs median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Vanilla extract, imitation, alcoholDensity 32 vs 26Mustard, prepared, yellowDensity 34 vs 26Vinegar, distilledDensity 34 vs 26Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Vanilla extract is made by steeping vanilla beans in alcohol until the liquid takes on their dark color and floral, slightly sweet aroma. It rarely stands alone as food; instead it is stirred by the teaspoon into cake and cookie batters, custards, puddings, whipped cream, and ice cream bases to round out sweetness and add depth. A splash also finds its way into pancake batter, oatmeal, and coffee drinks, where it rounds out the sweetness without adding noticeable bulk to the batter or cup. Because the flavor is concentrated, recipes call for it in small measured amounts rather than by the spoonful as a standalone ingredient.
A teaspoon of vanilla extract weighs about 4 grams, so while the extract itself runs 288 calories and 12.6 grams of sugar per 100 grams, the actual amount used in a recipe contributes only a small fraction of that to the finished dish. Sodium is low at 9 milligrams per 100 grams. Store the bottle tightly capped in a cool, dark pantry away from direct light and heat, where it keeps its flavor for a long time; pure extract, made only from vanilla beans and alcohol, has a rounder flavor than imitation vanilla made from synthetic vanillin.
Frequently asked questions about vanilla extract
How many calories are in vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract has 288 calories per 100 grams, but a typical teaspoon used in baking weighs only about 4 grams.
Is vanilla extract used in large amounts in recipes?
No, it is added by the teaspoon to flavor batters, custards, and beverages rather than eaten as a food on its own.
How should vanilla extract be stored?
Keep it tightly capped in a cool, dark pantry; it holds its flavor well over time when kept away from heat and light.