# McCormick Imitation Vanilla Extract Premium > 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:** 4 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-mccormick-imitation-vanilla-extract-premium-4-oz - **Slug:** `mccormick-mccormick-imitation-vanilla-extract-premium-4-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrially formulated additives (vanillin, artificial flavorings), corn syrup, caramel color and other processed extracts, indicating ultra-processing. This product is a manufactured flavoring blend rather than a minimally processed food. ## Review McCormick Imitation Vanilla Extract Premium (4 foz) is the pantry shorthand for everyday baking and quick flavor boosts. You’ll find it on the spice and baking aisle near other extracts, imitation and pure vanilla, baking chocolate, and shelf-stable flavorings. Shoppers reach for it during holiday-baking runs, weekly cookie-prep, and casual weekend baking when a reliable vanilla note is needed without the cost of pure extract. Positioned as an accessible, budget-friendly option from a long-established brand, the product appeals to home bakers, busy parents, and value-minded cooks who recognize the McCormick name; the marketing leans practical and familiar rather than artisanal. The label often highlights "Premium" vanilla flavor while listing familiar words like "natural flavorings," but it lacks organic certification and does not make clean-label health claims — it reads like a conventional grocery staple rather than a health-forward product. In plain terms, this is a manufactured flavoring: a blended liquid containing alcohol, flavor extracts, vanillin and artificial flavorings, corn syrup, and color — processed ingredients combined to mimic vanilla. Sensory notes: a viscous, amber-brown liquid in a small screw-top bottle with a measuring pour or drop ritual; the aroma is sweet and vanillin-forward, more candy-like than the complex floral of pure vanilla. Typical use is a teaspoon or two stirred into cake batter, cookie dough, frostings, glazes, or pan sauces for a quick flavor lift. Its convenience and consistency make it a go-to when bakers want predictable vanilla flavor without special sourcing or expense. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - 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, and Caramel Color. ## Flagged ingredients - **Caramel Color** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** holiday-baking, weekend-brunch, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, practical, comforting ## FAQ ### Is McCormick's imitation vanilla extract healthy? Healthiness can be a bit subjective! McCormick's imitation vanilla extract is not necessarily 'healthy' in the conventional sense, as it contains ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavorings. However, if you’re using it in moderation for baking or flavoring, it can add a delightful vanilla essence without breaking the calorie bank. ### Is McCormick's imitation vanilla extract vegan? Unfortunately, no, this imitation vanilla extract isn't vegan. While it doesn’t contain any direct animal products, the natural flavorings could potentially include trace animal-derived components. If you’re strictly vegan, you might want to seek out a certified vegan vanilla extract. ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, McCormick's imitation vanilla extract is gluten-free! So, if you’re baking up a storm for someone with gluten sensitivities, you can feel safe incorporating this into your recipes without worry. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils in McCormick's imitation vanilla extract. It's primarily made up of water, alcohol, and flavorings, so you can skip the seed oil debate here and just focus on the sweet aroma of vanilla in your baking. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Yes, this vanilla extract does contain artificial sweeteners. While they can add a bit of sweetness without calories, some folks prefer to steer clear of them for various reasons. If you're looking for a more natural sweetness, consider using pure vanilla extract instead. ### Is it high in sugar? Not exactly! McCormick's imitation vanilla extract doesn’t have a high sugar content, but it does contain high fructose corn syrup. So, while it’s not a sugar bomb, it’s always good to keep an eye on how much you’re using, especially if you’re mindful of your sugar intake. ### What are healthier alternatives to this vanilla extract? If you're on the hunt for healthier alternatives, consider using pure vanilla extract or vanilla beans. These options are less processed and offer a more robust flavor without the artificial ingredients. Plus, they can elevate your baking game to a whole new level! ### Can kids eat McCormick's imitation vanilla extract? Sure! Kids can enjoy baked goods made with this vanilla extract, but it’s best to use it in moderation. Just remember, it’s not a health food, so balance it out with other wholesome ingredients in your recipes. ### Is it good for weight loss? Using McCormick's imitation vanilla extract in moderation can certainly fit into a weight loss plan, especially if it adds flavor without adding too many calories. Just be cautious with how much you use, as the high fructose corn syrup could add up if you’re not careful! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, McCormick's imitation vanilla extract falls into the ultra-processed category due to its use of artificial flavorings and high fructose corn syrup. While it may not be the most wholesome option out there, a little goes a long way in flavor, and we all enjoy a bit of convenience in our kitchens! ## Related products - [Crisco Vegetable Oil](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/crisco-vegetable-oil-64-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/crisco-vegetable-oil-64-oz - [Morton and Bassett Chili Powder, Chili](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/morton-bassett-and-bassett-chili-powder-chili-190-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/morton-bassett-and-bassett-chili-powder-chili-190-oz - [McCormick Grill Mates Brazilian Steakhouse](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-grill-mates-brazilian-steakhouse-106-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-grill-mates-brazilian-steakhouse-106-oz - [4C Gluten Free Bread Crumbs, Plain](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/4c-gluten-free-bread-crumbs-plain-12-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/4c-gluten-free-bread-crumbs-plain-12-oz - [Earth Balance Oil Omega Blend](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/smart-balance-earth-balance-oil-omega-blend-48-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/smart-balance-earth-balance-oil-omega-blend-48-oz - [Bob's Red Mill Cornstarch](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bobs-red-mill-cornstarch-18-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bobs-red-mill-cornstarch-18-oz - [Morton & Bassett Cinnamon, 100% Organic, Ground 2.2 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/morton-bassett-cinnamon-100-organic-ground-22-oz-22-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/morton-bassett-cinnamon-100-organic-ground-22-oz-22-oz - [King Arthur Multi Purpose Flour](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/king-arthur-baking-company-multi-purpose-flour-24-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/king-arthur-baking-company-multi-purpose-flour-24-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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