Best Imitation Extracts of 2026

“I recently tried the McCormick Culinary Imitation Almond Extract and it has been a wonderful addition to my baking supplies. The clear almond extract is perfect for various uses, and its fragrance fills the room! It enhances the flavors of my cakes beautifully. I use it for berry chantilly cakes, and it adds a delightful almond flavor without being overpowering. The large 32 fluid ounce bottle came leak-free, ideal for frequent bakers like me. I highly recommend it for enhancing desserts!”

“I use this in my daily cold coffee drink, and I’ve never found a better price for it. Being a culinary brand, I expected it to be stronger, and it truly is. I’ve learned to use less than a teaspoon, which is quite different from my usual pouring. This almond extract is not only affordable, but the size is also fantastic. I’m definitely sold on this product!”

“I typically prefer natural ingredients, but for almond extract, I really favor the imitation because it's more cost-effective and packs a stronger flavor. Just a few drops deliver an intense taste, and the bottle lasts for years. After trying natural almond extract, I returned to this brand due to its value for money.”

"I bought this clear vanilla extract for my daughter's birthday cake, which needed specific ingredients to achieve the right flavor. It reminds me of the classic vanilla taste my mom used in her cake decorating bakery. This extract helped maintain the whiteness of the cake and icing, which was essential."

"As a teacher on a budget, I appreciate that I can get a good-quality vanilla extract without breaking the bank. The clear appearance is a plus, as it doesn't alter the color of my baked goods. It's exactly what I need!"

"I love using clear vanilla for white buttercreams and light batters. I usually go for Wilton, but I found this to be a better value. Although the scent was slightly different, it didn’t affect the final product. I did have a small issue with the broken lid, but I managed to replace it."

"I bake a lot and needed bulk vanilla to keep costs down. This product has a wonderful aroma and makes my baked goods taste fantastic. However, I tried it in a milkshake once and it was terrible, so I wouldn't recommend using it raw."

"As a long-time baker, I've always used real vanilla, but with prices rising, I was excited to find this large bottle of McCormick's vanilla. It has a great taste and is perfect for my chocolate chip cookies. It's so potent that I don't need to add more than the recipe calls for!"

"Growing up, my mom preferred imitation vanilla, claiming it had a better flavor. I recently tried McCormick's for the first time and was impressed. It has a delicious flavor and aroma, making it my go-to for all my baking needs!"

"The taste is on point and the quality is undeniable. The smell is delicious and the taste is strong—a little goes a long way. I find it to be great value!"

"I've swapped vanilla for the almond extract and it turned out delicious!"

"This extract is just like what I usually get at the grocery store but at a much lower price. I'm definitely adding it to my future shopping list!"

"I initially wanted natural banana extract, but it sold out. I chose imitation instead, and it was a blessing in disguise. The flavor is perfect for pancakes and smoothies, although it evaporates a bit with heat. It really enhances the banana flavor in my recipes!"

"As someone who can't eat bananas, I absolutely love this extract! I add a few drops to my morning protein shake, and it elevates the taste significantly. It's a bit more artificial than McCormick's banana extract, but the value is much better. If you like banana Laffy Taffy, you'll enjoy this!"

"I was searching for a banana flavor that reminds me of the old McDonald's Banana McFlurry. This extract is the closest I've found! I mix it with milk and vanilla ice cream for shakes, and it brings back fond memories. The bottle is huge, and a little goes a long way!"

"I've been using this vanilla extract for a while now, and I'm really impressed with its quality. The flavor is rich and robust, making it a great substitute for real vanilla in baking and cooking. For the price, it offers excellent value and performs well in recipes. While it's not a perfect replacement for pure vanilla extract, it's a solid choice for those on a budget or for everyday use. I'll definitely keep this on hand for all my vanilla needs."

"This product smelled and tasted like pure vanilla but cost so much less. It worked just fine in all my baked goods—a great value."

"I bake A LOT and can't always afford the real vanilla. This one steps up in most baked goods; it's my go-to for imitation vanilla."

"I ordered this butter nut flavoring after struggling to find it. It's good quality and smells yummy. It’s a great addition to my pound cake recipe."

"This is a very strong flavoring. I suggest using less than what the recipe requires and taste-testing it before adding the full amount. We made Black Walnut ice cream, and starting with half the amount was plenty flavorful."

"I bought this for a non-alcoholic rum cake, but it turned out to be a waste of time and money! I spent over $20 on ingredients, and my cake tasted terrible. This was my worst buying experience ever on Amazon!"

“I really enjoy the strong almond flavor. If you're a fan of maraschino cherries, you'll find this extract delightful. McCormick consistently delivers high-quality products at a reasonable price.”

“I love almond flavor, and this extract definitely does not disappoint. I highly recommend it, especially at this great price!”

“Since my son has tree nut allergies, I can't use regular almond extract anymore. This one tastes fantastic and is safe for him! It’s a win-win situation!”

"I find this flavor fragrant and tasty, which worked perfectly for my maple glaze icing."

"Using maple flavoring in my cold oats has been fantastic. It's reasonably priced and tastes great. I also enjoy the vanilla flavor!"

"After struggling with other brands, I finally tried this 16 oz. bottle of McCormick's. It's such a relief to have a quality product! I'm now exploring more ways to use it beyond just syrup."

"I've been using this product for a few years now, and I absolutely love how it adds Pumpkin Spice flavor to my coffee without the hassle of dealing with spice sediment in my cup."

"After watching Meredith Hayden from Wishbone kitchens on Instagram, I tried making a sugar-free pumpkin spice latte. It’s amazing! As someone with type 2 diabetes, I really enjoy using this extract in oatmeal, muffins, and waffles."

"I was a bit disappointed; I expected more of a spicy flavor. It’s okay, but I find it easier to make my own pumpkin spice syrup. I think it could work in icings, but I probably won’t buy it again."