If you are looking to do some baking or you are simply wanting to add some flavour to a dessert or porridge, vanilla extract is likely your go-to, but how many syns does it have on slimming world?
Vanilla extract is not syn free on the slimming world if in syrup, with most being synned at 0.5 syns a teaspoon, but vanilla essence is syn free, extracts often contain oil, which is why they need to be synned.
In our guide below we will take you through why vanilla extract does have syns if all essences are syn free on the slimming world plan and the difference between vanilla extract and essence.
You might be shocked to learn that vanilla extract has syns since vanilla essence does not. Vanilla extract can often come in syrups and oils, which contributes to their syn values.
Still, at 0.5 syns a teaspoon, it is a very low syn flavouring but can vary according to brands, you can use vanilla extract to flavour plain yoghurts such as quark or in your morning porridge.
We've listed some basic syn values of different vanilla extracts below.
All essences are typically syn free on slimming world, this is because they contain no oil, making them an excellent low syn way for flavouring food.
We've listed some syn free essences to check out below.
Vanilla essence is made with artificial flavourings and colours while the vanilla extract is made naturally through soaking vanilla beans to get syrup.
Essence is typically cheaper than extract since it's not the as high quality of a product but extract will often contain more syrups and sugars.
To conclude, the vanilla extract does have syns on slimming world at 0.5 syns a teaspoon if the extract contains oils. Vanilla essence is always syn free on slimming world as are other essences, if you are not sure where a flavouring is syn free or not make sure to check for oils and add-ins.
Syn values are calculated using a formula based on calories, saturated fat and sugar content per serving. They’re not the same as calories — a product can be low in calories but higher in syns if it’s high in sugar or fat. Always check the official Slimming World app for the most accurate and up-to-date syn values.
Yes. When manufacturers reformulate their products, the syn value can go up or down. This is why we recommend double-checking with the Slimming World app or your consultant, especially if a product’s packaging has changed recently.
Most Slimming World members work with 5 to 15 syns per day. Your consultant will advise on the right amount for you. The key is to use your syns on the things you enjoy most — whether that’s a chocolate bar, a glass of wine, or a packet of crisps.
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