Is vanilla extract halal?

Two different products hide behind vanilla flavour. Vanillin — the synthetic aroma used in most industrial products — is made without significant residual alcohol and is considered halal.

Natural liquid vanilla extract, however, is traditionally obtained by macerating vanilla pods in an alcohol solution (often 35%). Used in tiny amounts in a cake, the alcohol becomes undetectable — many scholars tolerate these non-intoxicating technical traces, while stricter views avoid them.

Debate-free alternatives: whole vanilla pods, vanilla powder, or alcohol-free extracts based on vegetable glycerine, easily found in health-food shops.