Can you get drunk on vanilla extract? This popular baking ingredient does contain alcohol, but is it powerful enough to have an intoxicating effect if you consume it in large amounts?
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out to Live Oak Wellness today.
Call us now or verify your insurance to start your journey to recovery.
What Is The Alcohol Content in Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla beans don’t contain alcohol, but vanilla extract does. This occurs because of the process used to create the extract. And while it may sound surprising, the misuse of vanilla extract highlights how substance abuse can take many unexpected forms. At Live Oaks Wellness, a trusted drug rehab in Marin County, we often educate families about hidden sources of alcohol and how seemingly harmless items can be part of a larger pattern of addiction.
To produce vanilla extract, manufacturers soak vanilla beans in a solution of water mixed with ethyl alcohol. They can use various forms of alcohol for this process, including vodka, rum, and bourbon.
For a product to be sold as vanilla extract in the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires it to contain at least 35% alcohol, which is a minimum of 70 proof.
For comparison, vodka and gin must contain at least 40% alcohol (or 80 proof) to be sold in the U.S. While most beer contains 3%-5% alcohol by volume, or about six to 10 proof.
The alcohol content of vanilla extract varies based on several factors. These include the type of alcohol used, the bean-to-alcohol ratio during production, and how long the mixture sits.
Can You Get Drunk on Vanilla Extract?
The alcohol content of vanilla extract is comparable to that of gin or vodka, and much higher than beer. This would seem to mean that the answer to, “Can you get drunk on vanilla extract?” would be a definite yes. But is that actually the case?
Types of Vanilla Products: What Are You Drinking?
First, you need to be sure exactly what you are drinking. Stores sell a variety of products that can add a vanilla taste to food, including vanilla extract, vanilla flavoring, and vanilla powder. While these may sound like multiple ways of describing the same thing, that’s not the case:
As we noted in the previous section, vanilla extract must contain at least 35% alcohol by volume. The FDA requires it to also consist of no less than one unit of vanilla per gallon. It can also include a range of other ingredients, such as glycerin, dextrose, and sugar.
Concentrated vanilla extract must also contain at least 35% alcohol by volume, along with at least two units of vanilla per gallon.
Vanilla flavoring and concentrated vanilla flavoring must contain less than 35% alcohol, along with either one or two units of vanilla per gallon, respectively. Products that are marketed using these terms may have as little as 2%-3% alcohol by volume.
Vanilla powder contains no alcohol at all.
Can You Actually Get Drunk on Vanilla Extract?
If you have real vanilla extract that’s at least 35% alcohol by volume, you can get drunk on it, right? Theoretically, yes. However, in practice, it’s not a great idea..
Vanilla extract typically has a strong, harsh taste. Most recipes that call for it usually require a teaspoon or two. It takes about six teaspoons to make an ounce, which would be the equivalent to a standard shot of vodka.
If you tried to consume several ounces of vanilla extract, the taste could quickly become off-putting, and you may develop symptoms such as stomach ache, headache, lightheadedness, and potentially an allergic reaction.
Misusing vanilla extract for intoxication isn’t just a quirky internet myth, it can be dangerous and is often a sign of deeper alcohol dependency. If you or someone you know is struggling, exploring options like drug rehab in Marin County can be the first step toward lasting recovery.
Is It Dangerous to Drink Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla extract isn’t poisonous, but drinking it could be problematic for a few reasons.
First, as we’ve established, you can get drunk on vanilla extract. You can also develop headaches and dizziness. This combination could put you at risk of injuries due to slips and falls. If you drive a car after drinking vanilla extract, you could put yourself and others in grave danger.
Second, drinking vanilla extract in an attempt to become intoxicated could be a warning sign that you have an alcohol problem. This is similar to trying to get drunk by drinking mouthwash or certain medications. When your alcohol cravings becomes so powerful that you find yourself consuming products such as vanilla extract, mouthwash, or cough medicine in order to stave off withdrawal symptoms, it may be time to speak with an addiction treatment specialist.
Alcohol use disorder, which is the clinical term for alcoholism, is a treatable condition. But if you don’t get proper care, your urges are unlikely to disappear all on their own. The longer you live with untreated alcohol addiction, the greater your risk becomes of incurring serious, potentially irreversible physical or psychological harm.
With the right help, you can learn to manage your symptoms, resist your self-defeating compulsions, and live a much more satisfying life in recovery.
Find Help for Alcohol Addiction in Marin County, CA
Live Oaks Wellness is a trusted provider of life-affirming care for adults who have become addicted to alcohol and other drugs.
If you need help getting through withdrawal, you can start your recovery journey in our on-site detoxification. Once you’ve completed detox, or if you don’t need that level of care, you can begin to build essential recovery-support skills in our residential program.
Throughout your time at Live Oaks Wellness, you can expect to receive evidence-based clinical care and close personal support from a team of highly skilled and compassionate professionals. We understand the many ways that addiction can undermine a person’s life, and we’re committed to providing a customized alcohol program that will meet the full scope of your unique needs.
Substance misuse—whether from household items or more traditional drugs—is a serious concern. Live Oaks Wellness offers comprehensive drug rehab in Marin County, providing support for individuals facing addiction in all forms.
When you’re ready to get started, the Live Oaks Wellness team is here for you. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
