Don’t let fancy packaging fool you. Look for the words “Pure Vanilla Extract” on the front. If it just says “Vanilla Flavor,” “Imitation Vanilla,” or “Vanilla Essence,” you’re getting the lab-made stuff.
Some brands try to trick you with “Naturally Flavored” labels. Spoiler alert: it usually means they used a tiny bit of real extract and a lot of the artificial stuff. Always check the ingredients list.