Yorkshire-based vanilla specialist Vanilla Etc. has expanded its ingredient range with the launch of a Madagascan Alcohol-Free Vanilla Bean Paste, developed for manufacturers seeking authentic vanilla flavour without the use of alcohol.

The new paste is produced using the company’s Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract, made through a glycerine and water extraction of Madagascan Bourbon vanilla beans. It is blended with xanthan gum and real vanilla bean seeds to create a thick, consistent paste with the distinctive speckled appearance associated with whole vanilla pods.

Suitable for industrial food and beverage applications, the ingredient has been designed to offer manufacturers an alcohol-free alternative without compromising on flavour, texture or appearance. Potential applications range from desserts, ice cream and bakery products to milkshakes, custards, confectionery and buttercream.

The product is also Halal and Kosher certified and GMO-free, opening up opportunities for manufacturers developing products for a broader range of dietary, cultural and religious requirements.

In-house Production

Vanilla Etc. developed the paste following growing demand for its Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract. All extracts and paste are produced in-house, giving the company total control over quality, consistency and performance at each stage of the process. It also allows the company to respond more closely to the needs of food and drink manufacturers working across different product categories.

The paste is available in formats ranging from 50g jars to 1kg bottles, with a suggested dosage of 10ml per litre of finished product or according to the flavour profile required.

Its thicker consistency offers the convenience and visual appeal of vanilla seeds without manufacturers or chefs having to split and scrape whole pods. The product has an ambient shelf life of up to 27 months when stored correctly.

From chef-led idea to growing manufacturer

Vanilla Etc. was established in 2011 by former chef Graham Bruce, who launched the business after struggling to source consistently high-quality vanilla for his own culinary work.

His daughters, Alexandra and Natalie, joined the company in 2018 and 2019, helping to develop the family business and expand its production capabilities. Vanilla Etc. moved into a new purpose built facility in Keighley in 2019 before completing a further expansion in 2023, adding production capacity, automation and the ability to mill vanilla beans in-house.

The business now produces a range of Award Winning Madagascan Vanilla Extracts and Paste and also supplies Pods, Powders & Seeds. It achieved BRCGS Food Safety AA Grade certification in January 2025, having previously operated under SALSA accreditation for many years.

Recognition for the wider range

The launch comes as three products from Vanilla Etc received recognition in the 2026 Great Taste Awards.

The company’s Alcohol-Free Madagascan Vanilla Extract received two stars, while its Half Fold Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Bean Paste secured a one-star award. The accolades are judged entirely on taste and reflect the company’s focus on developing premium vanilla ingredients for professional, manufacturing and retail applications.

Vanilla Etc has also appointed Mahalo Supplies to distribute its retail range, increasing the availability of its Madagascan vanilla extracts and pastes through a growing UK network.

For more information, visit vanillaetc.com.