I remember making cookies with my mom as a kid. It was like magic how butter, sugar, and flour came together to make the cookie dough. If that isn't magical enough, she always put a nice dose of vanilla extract into the dough.
Taste
Vanilla extract smelled so amazing. But I always wondered why she didn't taste it. So, curiosity got the better of me one day in my childhood. And I poured myself a little tablespoon. What a surprise as to how terrible it tasted!
Despite the overwhelming smell of deliciousness of vanilla extract, the taste never measured up to the flavor. I had never encountered something where the disconnect between the aroma and concentrated flavor was so pronounced.
Much later in life, I was introduced to vanilla bean paste. It was a new item to most of us in the class. They also encouraged us to taste it.
Many of us were a bit hesitant to, as I think as people tried it and their faces indicated that it wasn't terrible tasting like vanilla extract.
It tasted like what I thought vanilla extract should taste like. It was sweet and fragrant. Plus the vanilla bean seeds are present throughout. So if you are making something light in color, it will reflect the more natural beauty of vanilla.
Back in 2016, when they first announced the price of vanilla would go up, I stocked up on some Nielsen-Massey vanilla. I bought a quart of vanilla bean paste and thought I was being spendy at $35. That same quart on amazon has become incredibly expensive.
In other words, this 2-ounce jar from Trader Joe's at $4.99 is a bargain. The quality is similar to my beloved Nielsen Massey vanilla. There are subtle differences in the ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
The following are common questions about Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Paste.
Yes, however, they only have it during the holiday season. During the rest of the year, they only sell the extract and vanilla flavoring
They can be used interchangeably for the same 1:1 ratio. However, they are a different products. While vanilla extract is usually just neutral alcohol. Vanilla bean paste is sweetened and contains a thickener as well as a large dose of vanilla bean seeds.
You can use exactly the same amount of vanilla bean paste in place of vanilla extract. So if a recipe calls for a teaspoon of vanilla extract then a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste.
Starting in 2021 this product was offered with the label indicating it is now organic.
Overall
This product is solid. If you use vanilla extract at all in your household, this is one of those products that you should get. There is no need to be fearful of using this because it is an equal substitute for vanilla extract. So whether you need a teaspoon or tablespoon the measurements in your most beloved recipes remain the same.
Best of all, if the finished product is light enough in color you'll see those beautiful vanilla bean specks.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The jar of Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Paste:
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Paste
Product Name: Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Paste
Product Description: Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Paste is interchangeable with vanilla extract.
Price: $4.99
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Paste is a new and seasonal offering at Trader Joe's.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- A good quality vanilla bean paste
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Seasonal item
- If you like this or think it will make a good gift idea, now is the time to stock up
judilyn says
Decades ago, I kept a vanilla bean in the sugar bowl. But these days, there is no sugar bowl, and that vanilla bean needs its own security team! This looks like something to try, fur sure!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
Hey Judie! Vanilla beans have gotten so incredibly expensive. And yes, they need their own security detail. Thanks so much for stopping by!
H M says
Do you know how long you can store the paste, opened or opened? Could the jar be frozen to preserve it further? Thanks, in advance.
becomebetty says
Hey H M! My big jar of vanilla has a 3 year shelf life but I've found it has lasted even longer. The little jar from Trader Joe's is good until 2021. It is small so it will be empty long before then. I hope that helps.
Paige N. says
I just bought some of this, because I love baking and I love using vanilla bean paste when I can. I am just skeptical that something so cheap can give the same effect as a more expensive paste. From looking at the ingredients my only guess is that it's cheap because it contains more filler and less vanilla. I might have to do some experimenting to see how it compares!
becomebetty says
Hey Paige- when I wrote this I went to look at my Nielsen Massey Jar ingredients- it reads sugar, water, vanilla extract, vanilla beans, gum tragacanth. Whenever I've made extract at home its a very high ratio of vodka to vanilla beans. So with either product there is quite a bit of filler. But then again my favorite spice store sells 3 vanilla beans for $20. I wish vanilla weren't so expensive. Let me know how your baked goods come out!
Hanna says
Hey there! I was wondering if you may be in a Trader Joe’s test area, because my local Joe’s in Denver does not carry this as of yet.
becomebetty says
Hey Hanna! I'm in Westchester county. So I'm not sure if we are a test area. But sometimes east coast and west coast get items at different times
Chief Winehound says
Got mine in SoCal
Darlene says
Thank you! I'm going to have to see if my local Trader Joe's has this in stock. I've always used NM Paste but have been trying to find an alternative since the price has increased so much!
becomebetty says
Hey Darlene! I understand totally. I hope your store has it in stock!
Lita M Poppenberg says
TJ'S VANILLA Bean Paste is fabulous SADLY it's no longer available Seasonal thing except the holidays are still upon us.. What a bummer ALSO The Peppermint Loaf also DONE They need a BIG SIGN .I would have bought a lot. had I known..
becomebetty says
Hey Lita! I'm sorry to see that go too and OMG the Peppermint Loaf was amazing. If you look at the signage (I know it varies by store) but if they have a holiday-themed sign then it is pretty certain it is a short run item I'll see if I can post a copycat recipe if that helps. Thanks again for sharing!
Lita M Poppenberg says
So My Idea { though not perfect} is Using the Chocolate Brownie / Cookie Mix.. making cookies adding pure Peppermint extra roll it in powdered sugar...I haven't tried it yet But the Mix as cookie is glorious..So I'm thinking literally outside the box:)) haha
Lita M Poppenberg says
So my idea { though not perfect} is using the Truffle Brownie / cookie mix.. adding Pure Peppermint Extract and roll it is powdered sugar.. The Mix makes great cookies.. literally thinking outside the box lol..... we'll see I'll let you know:))
Elaine says
I love vanilla bean paste but it has become very costly. TJ’s is selling it again this fall for $4.99, which is still pricey but cheaper than other brands. They are almost out of stock locally and I don’t know if more is on the way. Another wonderful seasonal product is the organic maple cream.
Elaine Berger says
I have kept it in my pantry for years and it is still food. I would not freeze it.