In this infographic, I explain the similarities and differences between vanilla and vanillin.
Vanilla vs Vanillin – What’s the Difference?
Vanilla:
Vanilla is a spice obtained from the vanilla pod of a vanilla orchid. The vanilla orchid only grows between 10 & 20 degrees lat. from the equator or in a greenhouse. Vanilla is labor intensive, needing long & extensive care, resulting in prices as high as 500$/Kg
Vanillin:
Vanillin is a naturally occurring organic compound, making up to 80% of vanilla’s flavor. 85% of synthetic vanillin is made of guaiacol, a petrochemical. The rest is made of wood pulp. This allows for extremely cheap production (10-20 $/kg) which has made synthetic vanillin very popular.
Even though vanillin is artificial, that DOES NOT mean it is unhealthy or toxic:both natural and artificial vanillin have exactly the same chemical structure.
Which one is better: vanilla or vanilin?
Flavor/aroma
- Vanilla: has over 250 flavor and aroma compounds giving it more depth and richness compared to vanillin.
- Vanillin: has only 1 flavor and aroma compound resulting with a less complex flavor and aroma. However, most people don’t taste a difference.
Availability/price
- Vanilla’s availability varies due to climate, weather and other factors.Prices range from 400-600 $/kg. Climate change could further increase price and decrease availability.
- Vanillin’s availability isn’t based on climate, weather, etc, as it is produced synthetically. Prices range from 10-20 $/kg.
Nutrition
- Vanilla contains small quantities of: vitamin-b, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, etc.
- Vanillin has no nutritional value.
Health benefits
- Vanilla has some health benefits such as: antioxidization, anti-inflammation, and lowering anxiety or feelings of nausea
- Vanillin has no health benefits
Eating massive quantities of vanillin and/or vanilla can cause side effects.
Conclusion
With all these facts in mind, vanilla has more nutritional value and flavor, but is very expensive and not as available as vanillin. If you have the chance, buy vanilla over vanillin to achieve a more wholesome and aromatic taste.
Labiba Abdul
Amazing stuff! 🙂