What is Vanilla Bean Paste?

What is Vanilla Bean Paste?

It's more like a rich, syrupy blend. Made using pure vanilla extract, real vanilla bean seeds (caviar) or finely ground beans, and a thickener like sugar or xanthan gum. Vanilla paste delivers a potent flavour along with the signature black specks that reflect its authenticity.

How Does It Differ from Vanilla Extract?

Vanilla extract is produced by soaking split or chopped vanilla beans, often Grade B beans, known for their lower moisture content, in alcohol for several months. This allows the alcohol to absorb the complex flavour and aroma of the beans.

Vanilla paste includes both extract and the actual seeds, making it a more intense and visually striking product. It’s thicker, more concentrated, and ideal when you want your dish to showcase both taste and texture with visible specks of vanilla.

Can You Substitute Vanilla Bean Paste for Vanilla Pods?

Absolutely. One teaspoon of vanilla paste is usually equivalent to the seeds from one whole vanilla pod. It’s a convenient alternative when you want that robust vanilla flavor and visual charm without the hassle of slicing and scraping a pod.

That said, if you’re working with highly sensitive recipes such as delicate pastries or custards, be mindful that paste does introduce a small amount of extra liquid. In those cases, whole pods might be preferable. Otherwise, vanilla paste is an excellent choice for most culinary uses.

How to Choose Quality Vanilla Paste?

Not all vanilla products are created equal. Be wary of labels like “vanilla flavouring”, which often indicate artificial or synthetic ingredients not derived from real vanilla beans. Some commercial vanilla pastes also contain low bean content and unnecessary fillers.

We believe in purity and transparency. Our vanilla bean paste is made using premium Sri Lankan vanilla beans grown by smallholder farmers and processed without additives.  You’ll experience the full-bodied aroma and flavour of true vanilla with every spoonful, complete with natural seed flecks.

Why Choose Sri Lankan Vanilla?

Tropical climate and nutrient-rich soil in Sri Lanka create the ideal environment for growing vanilla with unmatched aroma and flavour. By choosing KAgroo Sri Lankan vanilla, you’re not only getting a superior culinary ingredient but also supporting sustainable farming communities and preserving traditional cultivation methods.