Is it true? Are vanilla bean prices going down? After several years, I can finally tell you yes!
What happened to the vanilla bean prices?
Back in 2017, there was a major vanilla bean crop failure which caused a shortage of beans and a huge price spike. It was a big bummer for those of us who love to use vanilla extract for cooking and baking, but even more so for those of us who love to make our own vanilla.
Finally, about a year ago, I checked prices again and found that there was a little bit of a rebound. Prices were lower. Not low, mind you. But lower than they had been. So I did the math and began to again recommend that making vanilla would save you money. (Because the price of commercial vanilla had also gone way up! Making it at home saved money even though vanilla bean prices were still on the high side.)
{Bonus! Olive Nation gives us an extra 15% discount when we use the code home, so that helps even more!}
Then, just a few weeks ago, a reader emailed to clarify what kind of vanilla beans I usually buy. See, in this post I had said that you can buy 25 beans for $91 after our special 15% discount. But she saw the regular price for 25 beans listed at $59. Was she looking at the correct beans?
I didn’t read her email correctly at first, so I thought, “Oh no! Did the price go up again?” Haha, Laura. Read the email again. :) :) Not up, but down! The price went down!!!
You guys! This is all so exciting! We’ve waited a long time for this and we can all get vanilla beans at a much lower price and make vanilla extract again for huge money savings! Not to mention – homemade vanilla is amazing!!
Where I get my vanilla beans
I always buy from Olive Nation. I’ve worked with them for years and am always so happy with all they offer. Their prices are the best. Their quality is the best.
Side note: Once, a long time ago, I bought from another source and the beans were dry and shriveled. Never again. Olive Nation always now for me!
Because Olive Nation has worked with us here for so long, they really appreciate Heavenly Homemakers readers. They give us a forever discount because they want us to be extra happy with our purchase. They know we all love to save money as we care for our families well. So they’ve set up the code home and it gives us all a 15% discount on our vanilla bean orders! (Orders over $50 also receive free shipping so there’s that perk too!)
What kind of vanilla beans do I buy?
I currently purchase Olive Nations Papua New Guinean Beans. Why? Because they are the lowest in cost right now.
When the vanilla bean shortage made prices go up, Olive Nation started bringing in a supply of beans from several different countries. The prices from each range from $59-$172 for 25 beans from different areas around the globe. I’ve definitely found that the quality of the less expensive beans is still wonderful! So I go with the $59 bean package and have been very happy with what I get!
Another side note: I rarely only buy 25 beans at once. Usually, I buy two-four times that many. But I’m using that as an example because I’m guessing some of you don’t make homemade vanilla in such bulk quantities!
Is it hard to make Vanilla Extract?
Not even a little bit. It’s incredibly easy. Get all the details and see a full tutorial here. Or follow these simple instructions:
- 1.75 liters of inexpensive vodka
- 25 Vanilla Beans enter code HOME for a 15% discount on Vanilla Beans through Olive Nation!!
- Slice through each bean lengthwise, leaving about one inch at the top of each bean uncut so that it stays together.
- Place all of your cut Vanilla Beans into a half-gallon jar.
- Fill the jar with vodka.
- Secure the lid and put the jar in a dark place (like in the back of a cabinet).
- Allow it to sit and "extract" for 4-6 months.
- Every few weeks during extracting time, shake the jar to mix it up a bit.
Bonus Resources:
- Read this post to learn how to finish and strain your vanilla after 4-6 months.
- You can purchase dark amber bottles here.
- Order personalized vanilla stickers for bottles and gifts here.
- Get your beans here, and use the code HOME to get 15% off!
Time to make vanilla again!
Enjoy this fun price dip and the discount we receive to go with it. Make some vanilla to enjoy in your kitchen – how fun!!
Buy a fun holiday candle and glue cinnamon sticks onto the jar for a fun and festive look! Get the details and directions 
Make Cinnamon Pancake and Waffle Syrup. Get the details and directions 
Purchase a small plant and glue cinnamon sticks around the pot. The example shown below is one I made in the summertime. But for a holiday gift, purchase a small poinsettia or another wintery plant. Tie with a red ribbon and you have a lovely gift! Get the details and directions 
BONUS
Then a few years ago, there was a crop failure and the price of vanilla beans went through the roof. No longer was I able to share that we should all make vanilla. :( I kept waiting and waiting for the prices to finally go down. But year after year, the prices of vanilla beans have remained crazy high.
This week I saw that 
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