# McCormick Imitation Vanilla Extract > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** McCormick - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Cooking & Baking - **Size:** 2 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-imitation-vanilla-extract-2-oz - **Slug:** `mccormick-imitation-vanilla-extract-2-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrially produced additives (vanillin and other artificial flavorings), corn syrup and caramel color, and is formulated to provide a standardized flavor—characteristics of ultra-processed foods. ## Review McCormick Imitation Vanilla Extract is a small, budget-minded bottle you’ll find in the baking aisle alongside pure vanilla extracts, vanilla pastes, chocolate chips, and boxed cake mixes. Packaged as a 2 fl oz bottle with a screw cap pour spout, it presents as a pantry workhorse for everyday baking rather than a specialty ingredient. Shoppers reach for it on grocery runs for cookies, cupcakes, pancakes, frosting and quick dessert fixes — occasions that range from holiday cookie swaps to weekend morning pancakes and last-minute dinner-party desserts. The brand positioning leans on McCormick’s long-standing spice reputation: dependable, mainstream, and value-oriented, pitched to home bakers and families who want a consistent vanilla flavor without the price variability of pure vanilla extract. The front label emphasizes “Premium Flavor” and “artificially flavored” while the description touts vanillin plus natural extractives for depth; there are no organic or “all-natural” certifications and no child-specific branding, though the promise of easy, crowd-pleasing baking has a family-friendly feel. In plain processing context: this is a highly processed flavoring made from synthesized vanillin and added sweeteners/coloring to standardize taste and appearance. Sensory notes: a thin, alcohol-forward liquid that smells strongly of sweet vanilla with a slightly synthetic edge; visually it’s clear to light brown from caramel color. Ritual use is simple and precise — measured by teaspoon into batter or frosting, a small dash that reliably colors the aroma of the kitchen. Its story in American grocery culture is as the affordable, consistent shortcut for everyday and holiday baking when cost and predictability trump artisanal sourcing. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 serving - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 0 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 0mg (0% DV) - **Total carbs:** 0g (0% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Water, Alcohol, Natural Flavorings (Including Extractives of Cocoa and Extractives of Tea), Vanillin and Other Artificial Flavorings, Corn Syrup & Caramel Color. ## Flagged ingredients - **Caramel Color** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** holiday-baking, weekend-brunch, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** practical, nostalgic, convenient ## FAQ ### Is McCormick imitation vanilla extract healthy? Well, 'healthy' can mean different things to different people. This extract is low in calories and has no added sugars, which might appeal to those watching their sugar intake. However, it does contain artificial flavorings and high fructose corn syrup, so if you're looking for a clean, whole-food ingredient, you might want to explore other options. ### Is it vegan? Nope, McCormick's imitation vanilla extract isn't vegan. While it doesn't contain any obvious animal products, the natural flavorings could include animal-derived ingredients. If you're strictly plant-based, it's best to stick with a certified vegan vanilla extract. ### Is it gluten-free? Yes! You can happily use McCormick's imitation vanilla extract without worrying about gluten. It's a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, making it a safe choice for your baking adventures. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, there's no seed oil in this extract. Seed oils often get a bad rap, but in this case, you can rest easy knowing you're not adding any to your recipes with this product. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Yes, McCormick's imitation vanilla extract includes artificial flavorings, which can sometimes encompass sweeteners. While it's not overly sweet, if you're avoiding artificial ingredients, you might want to look for a more natural vanilla option. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! This extract is virtually sugar-free, which is great if you're keeping an eye on sugar intake. Just remember, it’s meant to add flavor, not sweetness, so don’t expect it to be a sugar substitute in your recipes. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider pure vanilla extract made from real vanilla beans. It's more expensive but offers a richer flavor without the artificial additives. You might also try vanilla bean paste for a similar taste with a natural touch! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! McCormick's imitation vanilla extract is safe for kids in small amounts, especially when used in baking. Just keep in mind that it does contain alcohol, which evaporates during cooking, so it’s best used in baked goods rather than straight up. ### Is it good for weight loss? While the extract itself is low in calories, it won’t directly help with weight loss. If you're using it to enhance the flavor of healthier, lower-calorie recipes, it could be a tasty addition to your weight-loss journey, but moderation is key! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, you could say this imitation vanilla extract is ultra-processed. It contains artificial flavorings and high fructose corn syrup, which are common in many processed foods. If you’re trying to minimize ultra-processed items in your diet, you might want to choose pure vanilla extract instead. ## Related products - [McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-perfect-pinch-italian-seasoning-131-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-perfect-pinch-italian-seasoning-131-oz - [Schar Artisan Baker Bread Multigrain](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/schar-artisan-baker-bread-multigrain-1410-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/schar-artisan-baker-bread-multigrain-1410-oz - [Louisiana Seasoned Crispy Breading Mix, Chicken Fry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/louisiana-fish-fry-products-seasoned-crispy-breading-mix-chicken-fry-9-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/louisiana-fish-fry-products-seasoned-crispy-breading-mix-chicken-fry-9-oz - [Betty Crocker Delights Supermoist Cake Mix Lemon](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/betty-crocker-delights-supermoist-cake-mix-lemon-1325-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/betty-crocker-delights-supermoist-cake-mix-lemon-1325-oz - [International Collection Sesame Oil, Toasted](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/international-collection-sesame-oil-toasted-845-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/international-collection-sesame-oil-toasted-845-oz - [Pillsbury Cake Mix, Moist Supreme Devil's Food](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pillsbury-cake-mix-moist-supreme-devils-food-1525-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pillsbury-cake-mix-moist-supreme-devils-food-1525-oz - [Betty Crocker Reeses PB Bar Mix](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/reeses-betty-crocker-reeses-pb-bar-mix-1730-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/reeses-betty-crocker-reeses-pb-bar-mix-1730-oz - [Spice Classics, Garlic Salt](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/spice-classics-classics-garlic-salt-570-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/spice-classics-classics-garlic-salt-570-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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