When making homemade vanilla extract, you may have come across the terms single-fold and double-fold. But what do they mean—and does it really matter? Understanding these terms is key to tailoring your extract’s strength, flavor, and culinary use.
🍦 What is “Fold” in Vanilla Extract?
The word “fold” refers to the concentration of vanilla bean in the alcohol solution.
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Single-fold vanilla extract uses the standard ratio of 1 oz of vanilla beans per 8 oz of alcohol. (This is rounded up from the FDA definition of single-fold extract that is 13.35oz of vanilla beans for every gallon of 35%abv spirit - which is .83oz of vanilla beans for every 8oz of alcohol.)
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Double-fold extract doubles that quantity, using 2 oz of beans per 8 oz of alcohol.
These ratios are approved and regulated by the FDA for labeling purposes. Anything stronger than double-fold (like triple-fold or beyond) is considered highly concentrated and generally used in commercial food production.
⚖️ Why Choose Single-Fold?
Single-fold is the industry standard for most vanilla extract—it's what you typically buy at the grocery store.
✅ Ideal for:
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Everyday baking and cooking
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Recipes that use vanilla as a background note
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Cost-effective large-batch extract making
✅ Ratio: 1 oz beans per 8 oz alcohol (by volume)
🔥 Why Choose Double-Fold?
Double-fold extract is twice as strong, making it the preferred choice for gourmet applications or recipes where vanilla takes center stage.
✅ Ideal for:
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Ice cream, custards, or buttercreams
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Gifting stronger, more aromatic extract
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Smaller batches with bold flavor
✅ Ratio: 2 oz beans per 8 oz alcohol
✅ Tip: You can also use less extract in a recipe due to its strength.
💰 Is Double-Fold More Expensive?
Yes. Since you’re using twice the beans per ounce of alcohol, your cost per ounce will increase. However, you're getting twice the flavor, so some customers find it's worth the investment.
If you're curious about your extract's cost per ounce, try our VanillaPura Extract Cost Calculator to see how single vs. double-fold affects your pricing.
🧑🍳 Which Should You Use?
Here’s a quick guide:
| Use Case | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Daily baking (cookies, cakes) | Single-Fold |
| Gourmet gifts | Double-Fold |
| Ice cream and custards | Double-Fold |
| Budget-conscious extractors | Single-Fold |
| High-flavor extract goals | Double-Fold |
🌿 Final Tip: Choose the Right Beans
No matter the fold, your vanilla bean quality matters most. Stronger extract begins with flavorful, fresh beans. Use our Vanilla Bean Selection Quiz to find the right beans for your extract goals.
