Dear Gluten-Free Friends,
Most of the Great Value items are labeled when they are gluten-free. However, the vanilla is not. Does anyone know if it is safe? I have some, but do not want to use it if it is not safe for sure. I appreciate any help. Thank you!
Sincerely,
NoGluGirl
From what I have read, GV brand labels products gluten-free only IF: they are made w/ ingredients that are gluten-free, or they are made in a plant that is gluten-free. So, if the ingredients seem to be gluten-free, it could be CC during production. McCormicks and Adams are both gluten-free. I don't know if you can get Adams where you are at, but they will label all their products gluten-free as well.
Dear ptkds,
I am glad I did not chance using it then! My father wanted me to use the extract. I told him if it was not labeled, then I should not chance it. The reaction I get is too violent! I normally only use Durkee Pure Vanilla. He complains it is too expensive. Thank you so much for your reply!
Sincerely,
NoGluGirl
I am glad I did not chance using it then! My father wanted me to use the extract. I told him if it was not labeled, then I should not chance it. The reaction I get is too violent! I normally only use Durkee Pure Vanilla. He complains it is too expensive. Thank you so much for your reply!
Sincerely,
NoGluGirl
glad you didn't. i'm pretty sure it has gluten in it. i thought i called on it once, but don't remember...
Dear Sweetfudge,
I am glad I did not use it, either! It is so annoying when people want you to play Russian Roulette with your intestines.
My father is saying we need to use common sense. 
He is the first to complain when he has to go downstairs and expects me to get off of the toilet when I am violently ill from being glutened! Durkee Pure Vanilla is what I always use, and from now on, that is all I will use.
Sincerely,
NoGluGirl
I am glad I did not use it, either! It is so annoying when people want you to play Russian Roulette with your intestines.
My father is saying we need to use common sense. He is the first to complain when he has to go downstairs and expects me to get off of the toilet when I am violently ill from being glutened! Durkee Pure Vanilla is what I always use, and from now on, that is all I will use.Sincerely,
NoGluGirl
We use McCormicks. 
"pure" vanilla extra is made from vanilla beans (dried orchid pods), water & alcohol
(the alcohol is usually a vodka-like substance, but it can be bourbon... which may be fortified post-distilling, so watch out there)
imitation vanilla or "vanillin" is made from chemically processed woodchips
You can make your own vanilla extract at home.
Put a few vanilla pods into a bottle of vodka, store in a cool, dark place
6+ months later... vanilla extract.
Real and waaaay cheaper than the store bought.
(the alcohol is usually a vodka-like substance, but it can be bourbon... which may be fortified post-distilling, so watch out there)
imitation vanilla or "vanillin" is made from chemically processed woodchips
You can make your own vanilla extract at home.
Put a few vanilla pods into a bottle of vodka, store in a cool, dark place
6+ months later... vanilla extract.
Real and waaaay cheaper than the store bought.
I use the Trader Joe's brand of vanilla (pure vanilla) & have not had any problems at all.
And, it's not expensive!!
And, it's not expensive!!
Dear Amanda,
We always used Durkee. As far as I know, all of their extracts are safe. My father does not pay attention to the things I do. Then, he gets angry if I do not want to get sick! I told him to get Durkee Pure Vanilla Extract. I am glad McCormick is safe, too. In case I cannot get Durkee, I can probably find it somewhere!
Dear Kristina,
I definitely prefer pure. There is a huge difference in taste between pure and immitation. Thank you for the info! Vanilla beans are very expensive here. This is probably due to the fact they must be imported.
For me, it is actually less expensive to buy the pure extract.
Dear horsegirl,
Our town does not have a Trader Joe's.
We live in a small town. Luckily, the local stores do carry McCormick's and Durkee spices and extracts. Within five miles, we have a three supermarkets, as well as a CVS. Despite living out in the county, we are not so far out that we do not have anything at all.
Dear Everyone,
Thank you so much for your help! Some of these things are so difficult to find an updated list on. Does anyone know of a new one for this year? I am wondering about some cosmetics and beauty products, too. I cannot find anything on them!
Sincerely,
Jin aka NoGluGirl
We always used Durkee. As far as I know, all of their extracts are safe.
My father does not pay attention to the things I do. Then, he gets angry if I do not want to get sick! I told him to get Durkee Pure Vanilla Extract. I am glad McCormick is safe, too. In case I cannot get Durkee, I can probably find it somewhere!Dear Kristina,
I definitely prefer pure. There is a huge difference in taste between pure and immitation. Thank you for the info! Vanilla beans are very expensive here. This is probably due to the fact they must be imported.
For me, it is actually less expensive to buy the pure extract.
Dear horsegirl,
Our town does not have a Trader Joe's.
We live in a small town. Luckily, the local stores do carry McCormick's and Durkee spices and extracts. Within five miles, we have a three supermarkets, as well as a CVS. Despite living out in the county, we are not so far out that we do not have anything at all.Dear Everyone,
Thank you so much for your help! Some of these things are so difficult to find an updated list on. Does anyone know of a new one for this year? I am wondering about some cosmetics and beauty products, too. I cannot find anything on them!
Sincerely,
Jin aka NoGluGirl