# McCormick Imitation Almond 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:** 1 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-mccormick-imitation-almond-extract-1-oz - **Slug:** `mccormick-mccormick-imitation-almond-extract-1-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The product is an industrially formulated flavoring that uses synthetic benzaldehyde (an additive) and alcohol to deliver an imitation almond taste, fitting NOVA group 4 as an ultra-processed ingredient designed to replicate a natural flavor. ## Review McCormick Imitation Almond Extract is a small, pantry-ready bottle that lives in the baking aisle alongside vanilla, other flavor extracts and bottle spices. You’ll find it near cake mixes, chocolate chips and other baking staples — a grab for people restocking for cookies, cakes and quick dessert upgrades. It’s positioned as an affordable, reliable McCormick product for home cooks who want a pronounced almond note without the cost of natural extract. The label is straightforward: the word “Imitation” signals synthetic flavoring rather than natural almond oil, and there are no organic or “all-natural” claims; packaging is simple, utilitarian and clearly aimed at practical home bakers rather than gourmet shoppers or parents seeking kid-focused branding. In everyday use the product is a concentrated, clear liquid with a punchy, sweet-nectarine/almond aroma; only a fraction of a teaspoon is added to batters, glazes, coffee or ice cream to provide a strong almond impression. Rituals include measuring a scant 1/4–1/2 teaspoon into batters, stirring into syrups, or adding a drop to hot drinks—small gestures that lift familiar recipes. From a processing perspective it’s an industrially made flavoring: few ingredients, but synthetic benzaldehyde provides the characteristic almond note. Culturally, McCormick’s imitation extract sits at the intersection of nostalgic baking and practical convenience — a go-to for holiday cookies, quick home desserts and for cooks who want consistent flavor without sourcing bitter almonds or pricey natural extracts. It’s an everyday tool for boosting flavor with minimal fuss. ## 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 (32%), and Benzaldehyde. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** holiday-baking, weekend-brunch, movie-night - **Vibes:** nostalgic, indulgent, convenient ## FAQ ### Is McCormick Imitation Almond Extract healthy? When it comes to flavoring, McCormick Imitation Almond Extract is a great way to add a punch of almond flavor without the calories or fats you'd find in whole almonds. While it's not a health food per se, it can be a useful addition to your pantry for enhancing baked goods. Just remember, moderation is key, especially in recipes where you might be adding sugar or fats elsewhere! ### Is McCormick Imitation Almond Extract vegan? Nope, this almond extract isn't vegan-friendly. It contains alcohol, which can sometimes come from animal sources in the distillation process. If you're looking for a strictly vegan option, you might want to look for extracts that specifically state they're vegan certified. ### Is McCormick Imitation Almond Extract gluten-free? Yes! McCormick Imitation Almond Extract is gluten-free, making it a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can confidently use it in your baking without worrying about any hidden gluten. ### Does McCormick Imitation Almond Extract contain seed oils? Nope, this extract doesn’t contain any seed oils. It’s pretty straightforward with just water, alcohol, and benzaldehyde. So you can use it knowing you’re not adding any extra oils to your recipes. ### Does McCormick Imitation Almond Extract contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! This almond extract is free from artificial sweeteners, making it a nice choice if you're looking to avoid those. Just keep in mind that it’s meant to enhance flavors rather than sweeten your dishes. ### Is McCormick Imitation Almond Extract high in sugar? Nope, it’s not high in sugar at all! In fact, it contains no sugar whatsoever, which makes it a great option for flavoring without adding any sweeteners. Perfect for those baking endeavors where you want almond flavor without the extra calories. ### What are healthier alternatives to McCormick Imitation Almond Extract? If you're looking for alternatives, consider using pure almond extract for a more natural flavor, though it can be pricier. You could also try other nut extracts or even vanilla extract, depending on your recipe. Just note that the flavor will differ, so adjust accordingly! ### Can kids eat McCormick Imitation Almond Extract? Yes, kids can enjoy foods flavored with this almond extract, but keep in mind that it does contain alcohol. The alcohol content is typically cooked off in baking, but you may want to avoid giving it to kids in raw applications. Always best to use your judgment based on the recipe! ### Is McCormick Imitation Almond Extract good for weight loss? While this almond extract itself is low in calories and has no sugars, it won’t directly aid in weight loss. It can be a flavorful addition to low-calorie recipes, helping you enjoy treats without the guilt. Just remember that what you pair it with matters! ### Is McCormick Imitation Almond Extract ultra-processed? It’s not considered ultra-processed, as it’s made with just a few simple ingredients: water, alcohol, and benzaldehyde. While it's definitely processed, it’s more about enhancing flavor rather than adding a bunch of additives or preservatives. So, it's a decent option for a flavoring agent in your kitchen! ## Related products - [Betty Crocker Gluten Free Mix, Yellow Cake](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/betty-crocker-gluten-free-mix-yellow-cake-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/betty-crocker-gluten-free-mix-yellow-cake-15-oz - [Bob's Red Mill Semolina Pasta Flour](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bobs-red-mill-semolina-pasta-flour-24-oz-7) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bobs-red-mill-semolina-pasta-flour-24-oz-7 - [McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-mccormick-grill-mates-montreal-steak-318-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-mccormick-grill-mates-montreal-steak-318-oz - [Mrs. Dash Salt-Free Seasoning, Extra Spicy](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dash-mrs-salt-free-seasoning-extra-spicy-250-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dash-mrs-salt-free-seasoning-extra-spicy-250-oz - [Betty Crocker Cookie Icing Red](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/betty-crocker-cookie-icing-red-7-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/betty-crocker-cookie-icing-red-7-oz - [Duncan Hines Cream Cheese Creamy Home?Style Frosting](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/duncan-hines-cream-cheese-creamy-homestyle-frosting-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/duncan-hines-cream-cheese-creamy-homestyle-frosting-16-oz - [McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-perfect-pinch-salad-supreme-seasoning-434-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-perfect-pinch-salad-supreme-seasoning-434-oz - [McCormick Basil Leaves](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-mccormick-basil-leaves-125-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-mccormick-basil-leaves-125-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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