Vanilla
Spices$5.99 / 2 ozApproximate price based on US supermarkets.
Mexican vanilla is considered the world's finest, originating from Papantla in Veracruz. It is used in vanilla custards, arroz con leche, café de olla with cinnamon, and artisan ice cream. Pure vanilla extract has a rich, complex floral aroma far superior to synthetic vanilla, and is a prized export.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Can't find it? Look in Mexican and Latino grocery stores in California, Texas, Florida, Illinois or Arizona, or order online via Amazon US.
Buy online
Can't find Vanilla near you? You can also buy it online:
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How it's used in Mexican cooking
Vanilla, part of the spices section of the Mexican pantry, appears in 12 recipes in our collection, including Sweet Tamales, Canary Tamales and Neapolitan Flan. Each recipe shows step by step how it is added, in what quantity and which other ingredients it is paired with — the most reliable guide to how it is actually used in Mexican cooking.
Recipes using vanilla
Storage and substitutes
How to store it
Store spices in airtight jars away from light, heat and moisture. Ground spices lose their aroma within months, while whole ones (cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns) keep it far longer — grind them just before use. Seasoning pastes such as achiote should be refrigerated once opened.
Frequently asked questions
How many recipes use Vanilla?
Vanilla is used in 12 recipes in our collection, such as Sweet Tamales and Canary Tamales. The full list, with a photo and link for each recipe, is on this page.
Where can I buy Vanilla in the US?
You can buy Vanilla online via the Amazon link on this page, or look for it at Mexican and Latino grocery stores in the US.
How should Vanilla be stored?
Store spices in airtight jars away from light, heat and moisture. Ground spices lose their aroma within months, while whole ones (cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns) keep it far longer — grind them just before use. Seasoning pastes such as achiote should be refrigerated once opened.
Do you sell Vanilla?
If you run a store that stocks this product, register and showcase it to thousands of people across the US.
Register my store