I Scream, You Scream: Global Vanilla Shortage!

Tahiti grown vanilla bean
Vanilla bean; photo: nlian on Flickr

Have you heard?! I learned from my sister in law last weekend that vanilla prices have suddenly skyrocketed in the last few weeks due to a crop failure in Madagascar. My SIL does a lot of baking as a side business: cakes, cupcakes and cake pops. We consult regularly on vanilla purchases because I live near Costco and she doesn’t. But it’s time to hoard your vanilla, people. Use sparingly! Hopefully you have a stockpile on hand and don’t have to buy any. These days a 473ml bottle of pure extract at Costco will run you nearly $24!! Ouch.

Source: I Scream, You Scream: A Vanilla Ice Cream Shortage Is Looming | Smart News | Smithsonian