When You Should Never Buy Vanilla Extract From Walmart

You should never buy vanilla extract from Walmart if you are looking to save money as Walmart prices its non-imitation vanilla extract significantly higher than other competing grocers.

By Ryan Clancy | Published

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Walmart is one of those places that has everything one needs but does it have a quality vanilla extract for baking? Every baking aficionado knows that vanilla essence is one of the most important ingredients when it comes to getting that ever-so-important taste right. Vanilla is an enhancer in baking as it lifts every other ingredient mixed in with it. It is a main ingredient in many baking recipes and something everyone should have in the cupboard. For the true bakers, there are so many different versions of vanilla, and the imitation varieties simply will not do. So when you are shopping in Walmart, what do you look out for?

To ensure that you add the highest quality vanilla to your recipes, don’t forget to check the labels. You may want to steer clear if the labels state that an imitation vanilla flavor is used instead of vanilla extract. Always opt for the real version rather than the chemically made vanilla extract; this will stop unwanted chemicals from entering your baking masterpiece.

Anything except vanilla extract can cause unwanted bitterness in your bake, which no baker wants. While natural vanilla is the more expensive option, the quality will show in your creation.

So what if you are serious about baking but are low on funds? There is a cost-effective way to ensure you do not have to skimp on vanilla. Vanilla extract can be made very simply at home and kept in your store cupboard. It is made using only two ingredients; vanilla beans and brandy.

If that isn’t for you, you can find it in a range of grocery stores as it is a common food item. Walmart is no different from any other grocery store; it contains vanilla extract as well as an imitation vanilla. But they are known for charging a higher price for natural vanilla than other grocery shops.

As it is something that you do not want to leave out of your baking creation, be ready to shop around. At Walmart, you can pay nearly double what you would at Food Lion or Costco. Walmart’s Pure Vanilla Extract costs at least $4, while at Food Lion, it is priced at $2.99. It is even cheaper it Costco, as it is just over $2 for a bottle. You can also buy pure vanilla extract in a larger amounts for over $11.

Vanilla extract was shown to be on several lists that contain foods that should never be bought in Walmart as they charge too high a premium compared to other retailers.

One of the things that every informed consumer should know is to be aware of different price changes within shops, especially grocery stores. We live in a world of economic unrest and hyperinflation, where living is becoming increasingly expensive. Everyone has been guilty of going into a grocery store and buying their usual food items without really looking at the price. But don’t be afraid to shop around and get the best deal. Or else you could be overpaying for things like vanilla.