Vanilla & Extracts $/oz
Extract Production Cost Calculator
What does homemade vanilla extract really cost? Enter your batch size, strength, bean and spirit prices and bottles, and see the cost per batch, bottle, ounce and teaspoon, compared with buying it.
How to use it
- Enter how much extract you're making and its strength.
- Enter your bean price, spirit price and bottle cost (the prices shown are examples).
- Compare the cost per ounce with store-bought extract.
How it works
Beans are worked out from the US single-fold standard (100 g per liter, weighed up for wetter Grade A beans), and spirit includes what the beans soak up. Packaging is bottles times the cost of each bottle, cap and label.
Assumptions and limits
- Prices are examples: enter what you pay.
- Homemade extract is for your kitchen and for gifts; selling it usually needs licenses because it contains alcohol.
Tips
- Beans are most of the cost; Grade B extract beans cost less and work beautifully.
- Buying beans by the half pound or pound lowers the cost per ounce.
- Plain mid-shelf vodka is all you need.
Recipes to try it with
Questions
Is homemade vanilla extract cheaper?
Usually, especially with Grade B beans bought by weight: often half the price of store-bought pure extract or less.
How much does it cost to make a quart of vanilla extract?
It depends on bean prices; with the example prices, about $60 including bottles.
What's the most expensive part?
The vanilla beans, typically 40 to 60% of the total.
Can I sell homemade vanilla extract?
Usually not without licenses, because it contains alcohol; check your local rules.