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17.05.2019 - Foods

"Real" vanilla in ice cream? A common reason for complaints by food monitoring authorities

In Germany, the understanding of vanilla ice cream or ice cream with vanilla flavor is described in the guidelines for ice cream by the German Food Code Commission.

If only vanilla pods, vanilla extract, and/or natural vanilla flavor are used to achieve the vanilla flavor, ice cream may be labeled as "vanilla ice cream," or a vanilla blossom may be depicted on it (see Guidelines for Ice Cream No. 2.2.2.1).

Vanilla is a popular and expensive ingredient. For this reason, flavors with a vanilla taste are often used. These flavors are not derived from vanilla pods but are chemically synthesized or biotechnologically produced. For these products, the designation "vanilla" is not accurate. The use of artificially produced vanilla flavors must be indicated with the statement "with vanilla flavor."

For consumers, it is very difficult to determine taste differences between real or artificially produced vanilla. With insufficient or incorrect labeling, consumers are misled. This is a common reason for complaints by food surveillance.

Since 2016, CVUA Sigmaringen has been examining vanilla flavors in ice cream. In 2016, 4 out of 12 samples were labeled as "vanilla ice cream," even though vanillin (not derived from vanilla) was used. Similarly, in 2017, 12 out of 22 samples were labeled as vanilla ice cream although no natural vanilla flavors were detectable.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for the use of real vanilla. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are very happy to assist you with any questions.