Vanilla Extract Safety: Alcohol In Kids' Treats

Vanilla extract is often used as a flavouring in cooking and baking, and it contains alcohol. While the amount of alcohol in vanilla extract is small, it has been warned that children are using vanilla extract to get drunk. However, when used in cooking, the alcohol content in vanilla extract is likely to burn off, and it is generally considered safe for children to consume in small amounts. Some people are allergic to vanilla, and it may cause headaches and sleep problems. Vanilla paste and alcohol-free vanilla are also available.

Vanilla extract is safe for babies in small amounts

Pure vanilla extract is made by steeping vanilla beans in alcohol, typically containing a minimum of 35% alcohol by volume. This means that a third of a couple of tablespoons of vanilla extract is alcohol. However, when used in cooking or baking, the alcohol evaporates, leaving only the vanilla flavour. As such, vanilla extract is generally recognised as safe for babies and young children when used in typical amounts in recipes.

Vanilla is commonly featured in desserts and sweetened forms, such as frostings, sugars, and syrups. It is safe to add a small amount of vanilla extract to season French toast, pancakes, waffles, and baked goods. It can also be whipped into cream or full-fat coconut milk. However, it is important to keep bottles of extract out of the reach of babies and toddlers.

While vanilla extract is safe for babies in small amounts, it is not recommended for use as a natural insect repellent. The application of alcohol directly to the skin can cause irritation and contact dermatitis. Small amounts of alcohol can also be absorbed through the immature skin of babies and young children.

If you prefer to avoid alcohol altogether, alcohol-free vanilla extract does exist. Instead of alcohol, glycerin, which is found naturally in plant and animal fat, is used to extract the vanillin from vanilla beans. Glycerin is recognised as safe by the FDA, and alcohol-free vanilla extract is a safe choice for your baby.

Vanilla extract is used as an insect repellent

Vanilla extract is often used as a flavouring agent in baking. However, it has also been used as an insect repellent, particularly against mosquitoes.

The use of vanilla extract as a mosquito repellent has been a trending topic on social media platforms such as TikTok and Reddit. Users have suggested mixing a spoonful of vanilla extract with a cup of water and applying it to the skin to keep mosquitoes away. This method is based on the idea that mosquitoes are repelled by the scent of vanilla, which masks the human odours that attract mosquitoes.

While there is some research to support the insect-repelling qualities of vanilla extract, the effects are generally considered short-lived, lasting only about 30 minutes. Additionally, the effectiveness of vanilla extract as a repellent may vary from person to person. Experts recommend using EPA-registered insect repellents for more reliable and long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and other insects.

It is important to note that vanilla extract contains a significant amount of alcohol, with pure vanilla extract containing a minimum of 35% alcohol. This has raised concerns about its accessibility to minors, as it is easily obtainable from grocery stores and kitchen cupboards. There have been reports of children and teenagers consuming vanilla extract as an alternative to traditional alcohol, which can lead to intoxication and even require emergency medical attention. Therefore, while vanilla extract may offer a pleasant-smelling and natural option for short-term mosquito relief, it is crucial to use it with caution and be aware of its potential risks, especially for children.

Vanilla extract is cheaper than alcohol

Vanilla extract is a common ingredient in baking and is often found in kitchen cupboards. It is made by steeping vanilla beans in alcohol and is often used to add a strong vanilla flavour and aroma to dishes. While it is a useful ingredient, vanilla extract has also gained attention for its alcohol content, which is typically around 35-40% - similar to popular spirits like vodka and rum.

Despite its high alcohol content, vanilla extract is not typically purchased from liquor stores and is instead easily accessible in supermarkets and grocery stores. This accessibility, coupled with its high alcohol content, has led to concerns about its misuse, particularly among teenagers seeking to get intoxicated. Vanilla extract is more expensive than most alcohol, but its availability in baking aisles and lack of regulation as a liquor product make it an appealing option for those seeking to get drunk without raising suspicion.

The issue of teenagers consuming vanilla extract for its alcohol content is not new, with news stories and parental blogs highlighting this trend. Cases have been reported of students sneaking vanilla extract into school and mixing it with coffee to achieve a buzz before class. In some instances, this has resulted in hospitalisations, with one student from Grady High School in Atlanta requiring emergency room treatment after drinking vanilla-spiked coffee.

While vanilla extract is a valuable ingredient for culinary purposes, its accessibility and high alcohol content underscore the importance of responsible storage and supervision, particularly in households with children or teenagers. The distinction between vanilla extract and liquor in terms of regulation and purchasing outlets highlights a loophole that may require addressing to prevent misuse, especially given the health risks associated with alcohol consumption among minors.

Vanilla extract is 70 proof

Vanilla extract is a flavour enhancer commonly used in baking. It is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol, which is why vanilla extract contains a high percentage of alcohol. Pure vanilla extract is 70 proof, which means it contains 35% alcohol. This percentage is similar to that of most hard alcohols, like vodka and rum. In fact, vanilla extract is made with a minimum of 70 proof alcohol to be classified as "pure".

The high alcohol content in vanilla extract has led to its misuse, with reports of children consuming it to get drunk. Vanilla extract is easily accessible as it is commonly found in kitchen pantries. This has led to concerns among parents and schools, as children can mix vanilla extract into their drinks and go to school buzzed.

The misuse of vanilla extract can have serious consequences, as ingesting large amounts of vanilla extract is similar to alcohol intoxication and can lead to alcohol poisoning. This has resulted in some students requiring emergency medical attention.

Due to its high alcohol content, vanilla extract should be handled with care and kept out of the reach of children. While it is a valuable ingredient in baking, its potential for misuse underscores the importance of responsible usage and storage.

Vanilla extract is used in baking

Vanilla extract is a common ingredient in baking, often used to add a sweet vanilla flavour to baked goods such as bread, muffins, cakes, and cookies. It is produced by steeping vanilla beans in alcohol, which acts as a dissolving agent to extract the compound vanillin. This compound gives vanilla extract its distinctive taste and aroma.

Vanilla extract is typically added to baked goods in small quantities, providing a potent flavour without significantly altering the texture of the final product. During the baking process, the alcohol in the extract evaporates, leaving behind only the vanilla flavour. This means that baked goods containing vanilla extract are safe for children and babies to consume, as the alcohol content is negligible.

However, it is important to note that vanilla extract has a high alcohol content before it is baked. Pure vanilla extract is required to contain a minimum of 35% alcohol by volume, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. This makes it a potential hazard for children and teenagers who may have access to it in the pantry or kitchen cupboards. There have been reports of students consuming vanilla extract directly or mixing it with coffee to get intoxicated, taking advantage of its accessibility and high alcohol content.

To ensure the safety of children and babies, it is recommended to keep bottles of vanilla extract out of their reach. When used in typical amounts for baking, vanilla extract is safe for all ages to consume, and can add a delightful flavour to a variety of baked goods.

Some popular ways to use vanilla extract in baking include adding it to cake batter, muffin batter, or bread dough. It can also be used to enhance the flavour of frostings, sugars, and syrups. For a more sophisticated touch, vanilla beans can be scraped into the batter or whipped into cream or coconut milk.

Frequently asked questions