# Vanilla Extract: Commercial Product History

Canonical: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/food-evolution/vanilla-extract
Market: United States
Coverage: 3 product families; 13 confirmed observations; 1963-09-14 to 2026-08-30.

## Historical identity
Vanilla is the cured seed pod of tropical climbing orchids in the genus Vanilla, originally cultivated by the Totonac and Aztec peoples of Mesoamerica before European colonial trade spread vine cuttings to the Indian Ocean islands. The full Vanilla history article traces the long transformation of the orchid from Aztec royal beverage additive to global flavor staple; this buying guide evaluates current United States retail labels, standard-of-identity compliance, packaging math, and home baking use cases.

## Current product snapshot
- Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract: Single-fold pure vanilla extract in 35% alcohol; 8 fl oz bottle; observed price $37.95 for 8 fl oz; observed 2026-08-30.
- McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract: Single-fold pure vanilla extract in 35% alcohol; 4 fl oz bottle; observed price $14.49 for 4 fl oz; observed 2026-08-30.
- Simply Organic Madagascar Pure Vanilla Extract: Certified USDA Organic single-fold vanilla extract; 4 fl oz bottle; observed price $18.99 for 4 fl oz; observed 2026-08-30.

## Confirmed timeline
- 1963-09-14: The FDA promulgated the federal standard of identity for vanilla extract. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration established 21 CFR 169.175, defining pure vanilla extract as containing not less than 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon in not less than 35 percent ethyl alcohol by volume.
- 2026-08-29: Current U.S. product observations compiled from the linked product and seller evidence.

## Method and limits
No missing year is treated as evidence that a price, package, formula, owner, origin claim, or availability stayed unchanged. External source material remains with its rights holder; this record publishes source metadata, links, and checksums.

## Sources
- McCormick. All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract. https://www.mccormick.com/spices-and-flavors/extracts-and-food-colors/extracts/pure-vanilla-extract (2026; captured 2026-08-29).
- Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. https://nielsenmassey.com/products/madagascar-bourbon-pure-vanilla-extract/ (2026; captured 2026-08-29).
- Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. Our Story & Heritage. https://nielsenmassey.com/about-us/ (2026; captured 2026-08-29).
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. From pods to puddings: Vanilla and other sweet-tasting orchids. https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/vanilla-digitisation (undated; captured 2026-08-29).
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Vanilla - Vanilla planifolia. https://www.kew.org/plants/vanilla (undated; captured 2026-08-29).
- Simply Organic. Madagascar Pure Vanilla Extract 4 fl oz. https://www.simplyorganic.com/products/simply-organic-madagascar-pure-vanilla-extract-4-fl-oz (2026; captured 2026-08-29).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sec. 525.750 Vanilla Extract - Adulterated with Coumarin. https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/cpg-sec-525750-vanilla-extract-adulterated-coumarin (2020; captured 2026-08-29).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration / eCFR. 21 CFR § 169.175 Vanilla extract. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-169/subpart-B/section-169.175 (2024; captured 2026-08-29).

Public JSON: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/food-evolution/vanilla-extract/data.json
Public CSV: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/food-evolution/vanilla-extract/data.csv
Buying guide: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/buying-guides/vanilla-extract
Full food history: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/food/vanilla