Pure vanilla extract is a lovely thing: aromatic, flavorful and a core part of any gourmet baker’s pantry. Because a typical recipe calls for only small amounts of vanilla, it doesn’t contribute significantly to the calorie count.
Calories
One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract contains 12 calories, while 1 tablespoon contains 37 calories.
Contents
To meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s regulations for pure vanilla extract, it must contain 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon during extraction and 35 percent ethyl alcohol. It should have no added sugar.
Benefits
Inhaling the scent of vanilla might help calm you and aid in weight loss, according to Georges M. Halpern, M.D., Ph.D. in “The Healing Trail: Essential Oils of Madagascar.”