I finally purchased a bottle of "Natural Madagascar vanilla bean paste" distributed by Lorann Oils Inc. Do you use this brand or the Nielsen Massey VBP? Is there a quality or taste difference between these brands and if so which do you prefer? I tasted the batter and it was a light vanilla taste. I used 1 tbsp. The recipe normally calls for 1 tbsp vanilla extract. I haven't seen NM VBP selling here only this brand by Lorann Oils. Just wondering if there is a winner between these two brands. Paid just over $20US for a 4 fl oz / 118ml bottle so I want to know it was well spent.

I just tasted a cupcake I made with Natural Madagascar bourbon vanilla distributed by Lorann Oils and I don't really taste the vanilla. Quite surprised to get such a mild flavour for a 1bsp used.

No comparison. None. I have not used Lorann's VBP, only their vanilla extracts (Madagascar and Tahitian) and while the Tahitian is really nice, their extracts are not on the same level with Nielsen Massey. It's like comparing a Toyota to a Mercedes. Unless LO is doing something drastically different with their VBP than they are with their extracts, I would venture to say it won't compare favorably with one of the top vanilla brands in the world.

....my word. Thanks for this review. It really was a very disappointing experience tasting the cupcake. I barely saw any vanilla bean flecks and for $20 for 118ml I feel very robbed. I guess I will have to use the NM madagascar bourbon vanilla extract. Just saw that a local store is selling this but not the VBP.

What I found strange was the odd smell and taste of Lorann Oils VBP. It smelled like satin ice fondant and didn't taste anything like vanilla ice cream or anything with vanilla.

That's funny. I tried the LorAnn 2x vanilla last year, was blown away by the strength and purity compared to good fresh beans. I recently bought hte LorAnn madagascar and loved it too.

Pearl you might have been sent old stock. I have had other LorAnn flavours go very bitter and theya re all old stock. Contact the seller and ask for a replacement.

I also love LorAnn Madagascar vanilla. Even DH (who never notices subtle differences with food) commented on how much more he liked the vanilla cake and icing with that extract.

Strange...I still would like to try NM VBP and do a comparison. My bottle of all natural madagascar VBP by Lorann Oils expires May 2015 so I don't see how it could be old stock. It has a unique smell. Not enticing at all.Smells just like Satin Ice fondant but a little weirder. Thought I would get a strong vanilla perfume scent from the bottle.

Yes thank you your post does help explain a lot. I was expecting a perfumed vanilla scent. I did notice a sweeter tasting cake with the vanilla bean paste in it.

I only use the Nielsen Massey vanilla extract and VBP.

Pearl, I'm not sure where you're located, but I was surprised at the price you paid. I'm thinking perhaps you're in the UK which could explain the price. I can buy a 4oz bottle of Nielsen Massey VBO for $11.95CAD.

http://www.flourconfections.com/nielsen-massey-madgascar-bourbon-vanilla-bean-paste-p-498.html

But I buy both my extract and paste in 32oz/944ml bottles for $39.95CAD,

http://www.flourconfections.com/nielsen-massey-madgascar-bourbon-vanilla-bean-paste-944ml-p-488.html

While we're on the topic of vanilla beans, anyone know where to get the big (32oz) bottle of Nielsen Massey VBP at wholesale price?

Any time I pick up and look at a bottle of Loranne anything all I see is artificial flavoring. Maybe their VBP is different, but I doubt it.

Nielson Massey is the way to go in all flavorings for me.

You can get excelent quality and more from your money by making your own vbp. I buy my beans from Beanilla trading co, that way I know exactly what I am getting. Its also fun to experinent with different types of beans and bean combos! Mmmmmmmm vanilla beans.....

When you watch top chefs on TV, you will find NM every time. I pay attention to these details, even when they turn the bottle around. I also look at trends in equipment and in liqueurs.

Everything I have ever smelled or tasted with LorAnn tastes and smells artificial even when it says natural, just like McCormick.

There is an issue in the food industry with the word "natural". Some industries, like orange juice, have come under fire. Natural ingredients are not the same as pure. If a chemically created ingredient started out as natural, it can be labeled as a natural flavoring, when in fact, the ingredients had nothing to do with the product. We find this in most processed grocery store items. And pure products can refer to the 'Pure" as one ingredient, not all.

So just because something states natural, it does not mean it is real and this is condoned by the FDA for now. But little by little, these ingredients are being exposed.

I use NM VBP along with my own extract. If the extract is not a premium or gourmet brand, chances of odd natural ingredients being present are likely.

Also, in cheaper vanillas, cheaper beans are used, accounting for the large disparity in pure vanilla tastes.

I do use LorAnn oils for their original purpose, stained glass candy, for my national museum work. They were a popular ingredient for homemade candy earlier in the last century, making a place historically in the candy market. But I think LorAnn wanted to expand this product and marketed it for baked goods too. This is where I think it doesn't fit and tastes artificial.

As a scratch baker, I am aware that adding an oil instead of the group of ingredients that actually make up the flavor, will always result in a processed flavor, as that is what it is. LorAnn products, to me, all have that processed taste.