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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Vanilla flavor is added to foods to provide a sweet, warm, and pleasant taste. …
What it is
Vanilla flavor comes from the vanilla bean, a plant native to Mexico. "Natural vanilla" is extracted from cured vanilla beans. "Artificial vanilla" is typically vanillin, a synthetic compound that mimics the flavor of vanilla.
Why it's used
Vanilla flavor is added to foods to provide a sweet, warm, and pleasant taste. It is one of the most popular flavors used in baked goods, desserts, ice cream, beverages, and candies.
Health notes
Both natural and artificial vanilla flavors are widely used in the food supply. The FDA lists vanillin as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a flavoring agent. International bodies like JECFA have also evaluated vanillin. At typical consumption levels, vanilla flavoring is not associated with adverse health effects.
Allergen info
Vanilla itself is not a major allergen. It is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens, nor does it contain gluten.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.