I used to get confused between vanilla essence and extract ALL the time until I actually learnt what the difference precisely was. So I’m going to share with you exactly just what is the difference (if any) between the two…
Vanilla Extract
Made from real vanilla pods, as the name suggests the vanilla flavour is extracted from the pods
Extract is generally more expensive because of the process
A stronger vanilla flavour in the extract
Vanilla Essence
Manufactured using chemicals commercially
Essence is a thinner substance than extract
Is there a difference in the taste of a product between the two?
Technically yes. But this is due to the fact that the extract has a stronger flavour, so if you use the amount you would normally use for essence you will notice the difference in flavour.
So my advice is, unless you want a strong vanilla flavour if you are going to use extract when the recipe says essence (or vice versa) you may want to edit the amount you add. Because extract is about twice as strong in flavour you may want to try altering by half. For example, when replacing with essence use half as much again as the recipe states for extract, i.e. 1 teaspoon of extract = 1.5 teaspoons of essence.
Of course this is just a loosely calculated conversion and there are so many different brands of vanilla extract/essence and each will have a different formulation and flavour/strength to them. It is all down to personal preference, some people prefer a strong vanilla flavour, others just a hint.
Hope this has been handy!
Claire
World of Food 
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At last….I’ve found someone who’s told me the difference in strength…thanks for this. Lot’s of other sites explain the difference between essence and extract but they don’t give the relative ratios. Thanks
Thank you for your info. Now I understand !
Thanks so much, now I need advice for the new entrant vanilla bean paste which I guess is stronger in flavour of the three.
Thank you, very helpful
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When replacing with essence use half as much again as the recipe states for extract -> Should use double when replacing with essence.
Thank you, toralux! I was thinking that too!
If you start with 1.5 times the recipe for extract and it’s not strong enough you can always add more. If you start with double and it’s too strong you can’t take any out. The make up of vanilla essence isn’t half as strong as extract, just less strong and the ratio will depend on brand. That’s why I said it’s best to play around to see what flavour is best 🙂