If you're buying vanilla beans for the first time or planning to make DIY vanilla extract, you’ve probably seen two options: Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans.
But what's the difference between them — and which one is right for you?
At Vanillapura.com, we carry both grades so you can choose the perfect bean for your needs. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Grade A vs. Grade B vanilla beans, from moisture content to extract quality.
🏆 Quick Comparison
| Feature | Grade A Vanilla Beans | Grade B Vanilla Beans |
|---|---|---|
| Also Called | Gourmet or Prime | Extract Grade |
| Moisture Content | >25% | <25% |
| Appearance | Fat, shiny, pliable | Dry, thinner, less oily |
| Flavor Concentration | Milder (more water) | More intense (less water) |
| Best For | Baking, cooking, visual use | DIY vanilla extract |
| Shelf Life | 6–12 months (stored properly) | Up to 2 years |
🌿 What Are Grade A Vanilla Beans?
Grade A beans are also known as gourmet vanilla beans. They are:
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Visibly plump and shiny
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Moist to the touch (>25% moisture)
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Longer and more visually appealing
Because of their high moisture, they’re ideal for:
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Extract making, baking and cooking where beans are scraped or steeped
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Recipes that require visual appeal (custards, ice creams, syrups)
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Gifts and high-end culinary presentations
✅ Vanillapura’s Grade A Madagascar, Tahitian, and Ugandan beans are vacuum-sealed for maximum freshness.
🫘 What Are Grade B Vanilla Beans?
Grade B beans are known as extract grade. They are:
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Drier and slightly wrinkled
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Less shiny but very aromatic
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Lower in moisture (<25%), meaning more concentrated vanilla flavor
These beans are ideal for:
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DIY vanilla extract making
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Vanilla powders, blending into vanilla sugars
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Budget-friendly bulk buying
🔥 Grade B beans extract nicely and are lower in price, making them the top choice for commercial extract making.
🧪 Grade A vs. Grade B: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Grade A if you:
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Plan to bake or cook with whole beans in addition to extract making.
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Want beans with visual appeal and use of caviar (vanilla seeds)
- Prefer a soft, pliable texture
Choose Grade B if you:
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Are making DIY vanilla extract
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Do not intend to use for caviar (vanilla seeds) or for baking.
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Don’t need visual appeal or flexibility
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Are making large or long-term batches
💰 Cost Comparison
| Grade | Price (per oz, avg) | Usage Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Higher ($) | Great for baking, moderate for extract |
| Grade B | Lower ($) | Best value for extract, concentrated |
At Vanillapura.com, both grades are priced to reflect quality, origin, and freshness. You can save even more with our bundle packs and extract kits.
🛍️ Where to Buy Grade A and B Vanilla Beans
We source our vanilla beans directly from small farms in:
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Madagascar (classic Bourbon vanilla)
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Tonga (earthy and bold)
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Tahitian (floral and exotic)
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Uganda (rich and chocolaty)
✅ All beans are vacuum-sealed and ethically sourced
✅ Custom packaging options available (1 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz+)
✅ Available individually or as part of our DIY extract kits
📦 Final Thoughts: Grade A vs. Grade B
Both grades are high quality — the choice depends on your purpose and preference:
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Grade A is for gourmet presentation and baking
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Grade B is for maximum extract efficiency and budget value
🎯 Tip: Many customers buy both — Grade A for cooking and Grade B for extract making.
Ready to start your vanilla journey?
Visit Vanillapura.com for premium Grade A and B vanilla beans — trusted by thousands of home bakers, extract makers, and vanillapreneurs.
