Vanilla Flavoring in Baking: Type and Brand Use

In anticipation of Liesbet Schietecatte's next Toolbox Talk, which is all about vanilla flavoring (and primarily that which you use in your cookie dough), I'd like to ask you about the types and brands of vanilla flavoring that you prefer to use. So here goes! This is a short survey (only 15 multiple choice questions), so it should go fast!

IMPORTANT:
(1) If you select any "Other" options in any of the questions, please also specify what that "Other" is in the box that appears underneath. Responses are limited to 255 characters. PLEASE NOTE: THIS MEANS SPECIFYING THE BRAND YOU USE IN "OTHER" IF YOU DO NOT SEE IT ALREADY LISTED IN Q5!

(2) If a question does not apply to you or you don't know the answer, DO NOT skip it; instead, select the "N/A (not applicable)" or "Don't know" option. You must answer all questions, or your responses will not be saved by the system.

Thanks for your participation!

Q1: Do you use any form of vanilla flavoring IN YOUR COOKIE DOUGH? (Please indicate your frequency of use on the scale of 1 to 5 indicated below.)

5 = Yes, I use vanilla flavoring in all of my cookie dough

4 = Yes, I often use vanilla flavoring in my cookie dough

3 = Yes, I sometimes use vanilla flavoring in my cookie dough

2 = Not really; I rarely use vanilla flavoring in my cookie dough

1 = No, I never use vanilla flavoring in my cookie dough

Q2: Is vanilla flavoring the sole flavoring you use in your typical cookie dough? (Check the description that best applies.)

Yes, I only use vanilla flavoring in my cookie dough

No, I often mix flavorings in a single dough, but vanilla is usually the dominant flavoring

No, I often mix flavorings in a single dough, and vanilla is usually the background flavoring

No, I routinely make dough with other flavorings and omit vanilla flavoring altogether

Q3: What FORM of vanilla flavoring do you most often use IN YOUR COOKIE DOUGH? (Check top one only.)

Emulsion

Extract

Oil

Paste

Powder

Seeds (or Pod)

N/A - I never use vanilla flavoring in my cookie dough

Don't know

Other

Q4: Why do you prefer this FORM of vanilla flavoring FOR YOUR COOKIE DOUGH? (Check up to two reasons only.)

Tastes most like vanilla

Tastes best

Easiest to dole out of container and measure

Easiest to find online

Easiest to find in my local stores

Least expensive

Flavors most intensely (i.e., a little goes a long way)

Flavor doesn't dissipate during baking

Other

Q6: Is your preferred brand mentioned in Q5 a natural or an artificial flavoring?

Natural, but not organic

Natural and organic

Artificial

Don't know

Q7: What is the origin of the vanilla bean in your preferred flavoring mentioned in Q5?

Madagascar

Mexico

Tahiti

West Indies

Don't know

Other

Q9: Do you also use the same form AND brand of vanilla flavoring (mentioned in Q3 and Q5) IN YOUR COOKIE ICING? (Check the option that best applies.)

Yes, I use the same form AND brand in my icing

No, I use the same form, but not the same brand, in my icing

No, I use the same brand, but not the same form, in my icing

No, I use both a different brand and form in my icing

N/A, I don't use vanilla flavoring in my icing

Q10: If you use a different brand or form of vanilla flavoring in your icing, please tell us what FORM AND BRAND you use in your icing AND WHY. (Select option 4 and then fill in the blank that reveals.)

Ignore this line (choose either option 2 or 3 if N/A or option 4 to fill in your answer)

N/A, I use the same type and brand of vanilla flavoring in my icing

N/A, I don't use vanilla flavoring in my icing

Other

Q11: Do customers ever ask you what type or brand of vanilla flavoring you use, or request that you use a particular type or brand? (Check the option that best applies.)

4 = Yes, regularly

3 = Sometimes

2 = Rarely

1 = Never

N/A = I don't sell cookies and therefore have no customers

Q12: Do you use your brand or type of vanilla flavoring as a marketing tool (i.e., do you share it with customers as a way to convey higher quality or to justify a higher price)? (Check the option that best applies.)

4 = Yes, regularly

3 = Sometimes

2 = Rarely

1 = Never

N/A = I don't sell cookies and therefore have no customers

Q13: How many pounds of cookie dough do you mix each week, on average?

0 to 1 pound

2 to 5 pounds

6 to 10 pounds

11 to 15 pounds

16 to 20 pounds

More than 20 pounds

Q14: Are you a hobbyist or a professional cookie decorator? (Check the option that best applies.)

Hobbyist

Professional who primarily bakes cookies to sell

Professional who primarily teaches

Professional who primarily sells products to cookie decorators

None of the above; I don't really make cookies that often or sell any cookie-related products or services

Other

Posted by Julia M. Usher · 1/19/1711:43 PM