Does Almond Extract Contain Alcohol?
Yes. Pure almond extract is made with alcohol: one major maker lists its ingredients as cane alcohol, water and bitter almond oil. We found no official percentage for almond extract, so check the bottle. FDA sets a 35% minimum alcohol only for vanilla extract.
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What we confirmed
Nielsen-Massey lists the ingredients of its pure almond extract as “Cane Alcohol, Water, Bitter Almond Oil.” The product page gives no alcohol percentage. We could not find a percentage on an official page for other brands.
The 35% figure is for vanilla
Federal rule 21 CFR 169.175 says “In vanilla extract the content of ethyl alcohol is not less than 35 percent by volume.” We checked the list of standards in that part of the regulations and found no standard of identity for almond extract. So do not assume almond extract follows the vanilla number.
Practical tips
- Read the ingredient panel. “Alcohol” in the list means the extract contains it.
- Imitation almond flavor may use a different base. Check that label too.
- If someone drinks a large amount of extract, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US).
If you avoid alcohol for health, religious or safety reasons, ask the maker or choose an extract labeled alcohol-free.
How much alcohol is in almond extract, and does pure almond extract have alcohol?
Yes, the makers we checked state alcohol. The percent depends on the brand, and we found no federal minimum for almond extract. Two makers state it on their own pages: Morton & Bassett lists “extractions of bitter almond oil in 35% alcohol”, and Penzeys lists “38% alcohol”. The Vanderbilt poison center says food flavoring extracts such as vanilla, almond and lemon “contain up to 35% ethanol”. Because those numbers differ, read your bottle for the alcohol percent. We could not open an official page for store brands such as Great Value, so we give no figure for them.
What if someone drinks almond extract, or drinks it with alcohol?
Vanderbilt’s poison center says a small amount of flavoring extract could be dangerous for a child, and to call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Adults who swallowed a lot, or anyone with symptoms, should call the same number or emergency services. We found no official figure for drinking almond extract together with other alcohol, so call the same number if you are worried.
Does almond paste contain alcohol?
We found no official source that lists almond paste ingredients, so we cannot say. Check the package label.
People also ask
What percent alcohol is almond extract?
We found no official percentage. Labels differ by brand. FDA requires at least 35% alcohol only for vanilla extract.
Is there alcohol in pure almond extract?
Yes. Nielsen-Massey lists cane alcohol, water and bitter almond oil.
Is almond extract alcohol-free?
Not usually. Look for a product that says alcohol-free on the label.
How much alcohol is in almond extract?
It varies by brand. Morton & Bassett states 35% alcohol and Penzeys states 38%; we found no federal minimum for almond extract.
Does pure almond extract have alcohol?
The makers we checked state alcohol: Morton & Bassett lists 35% and Penzeys lists 38%. Read your bottle's label for the percent.
Is it dangerous if a child drinks almond extract?
Vanderbilt's poison center warns a small amount of flavoring extract could be dangerous for a child and says to call 1-800-222-1222 (US).
Sources
- Nielsen-Massey: Pure Almond Extract, read 4 Nov 2026
- eCFR (FDA): 21 CFR 169.175 Vanilla extract, read 4 Nov 2026
- eCFR (FDA): Title 21 Part 169 structure, read 4 Nov 2026
- Morton & Bassett: Almond Extract, read 5 Nov 2026
- Penzeys Spices: Almond Extract, read 5 Nov 2026
- Vanderbilt Poison Control: Is there hidden alcohol in your home?, read 5 Nov 2026
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