How Rising Vanilla Costs Can Affect Ice Cream’s Most Common Flavor
on Friday, May 18, 2018
The cost of vanilla has been on the rise for years but recently, natural ingredients have increased in demand. As such, vanilla pods have gone from luxury ingredient to precious commodity. Increased demand and shrinking supplies — 80% of the world’s supply of vanilla pods come from Madagascar, which suffered great agricultural damage when Cyclone Enawo destroyed nearly 1/3 of their vanilla plantations last year— result in higher wholesale prices, especially considering how labor intensive vanilla is to harvest.
Today, vanilla pods are a more expensive commodity than silver. Six gallons of vanilla ice cream typically requires from 10 to 12 vanilla beans.
Today, vanilla pods are a more expensive commodity than silver. Six gallons of vanilla ice cream typically requires from 10 to 12 vanilla beans.
How will this affect you? Well, Cook’s Illustrated concluded in a 2009 test kitchen study that — in baking, at least — there’s no difference between real and artificial vanilla extract, and considering that vanilla is a three-year harvest, the shortage should likely correct itself over a relatively short amount of time.
It’s possible that many of your favorite artisan, small batch ice creams will be limiting vanilla flavors this season, and your favorite gourmet ingredient will see a dramatic retail price increase, at least for the extent of the shortage.
Next time you visit historic Downtown Gresham, stop by Frenzi Frozen Yogurt and treat yourself! Visit our menu to see our seasonal offerings and plan your next visit. Don’t forget to stop by every Wednesday for Waffle Cone Wednesdays – buy one desert and receive one waffle cone or waffle cup free!
