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Understanding Vanilla Bean Grading: Grade A vs Grade B

January 10, 2026
MI

Muhammad Irfan

Founder & Director, La Vanilla Supplier

10+ years in the Indonesian vanilla industry

Grade A Indonesian vanilla beans measure 15–20 cm with 25–35% moisture and 1.3–2.7% vanillin, designed for retail and culinary use. Grade B beans measure 10–16 cm with under 25% moisture and 1.3–2.2% vanillin, optimized for extract manufacturing. La Vanilla Supplier provides both grades with Certificate of Analysis documentation for every shipment.

Grade A: Gourmet Vanilla Beans

Grade A beans are premium quality, designed for direct culinary use. Key characteristics include:

  • Length: 15-20 cm
  • Moisture Content: 25-35%
  • Vanillin Content: 1.3-2.7%
  • Appearance: Plump, oily, with visible vanillin crystals
  • Applications: Retail, pastry, ice cream, culinary

Grade B: Extraction Vanilla Beans

Grade B beans are designed for extract manufacturing and industrial applications. Key characteristics include:

  • Length: 10-16 cm
  • Moisture Content: Less than 25%
  • Vanillin Content: 1.3-2.2%
  • Appearance: Thinner, drier, more economical
  • Applications: Extract manufacturing, flavoring, industrial

Which Grade Should You Choose?

The choice between Grade A and Grade B depends on your application:

  • Choose Grade A if you're selling retail vanilla beans or using them in premium culinary applications.
  • Choose Grade B if you're manufacturing vanilla extract or need cost-effective vanilla flavoring for industrial use.

Quality Testing Methods

Reputable suppliers provide Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documents showing vanillin content, moisture levels, and other quality metrics. Request independent testing if needed for your quality assurance program.

Grading · Printed to Scale

The three grades, at actual size

0
5
10
15
20
CM

22 cm

18 cm

17 cm

15 cm

14 cm

12 cm

10 cm

Gourmet Vanilla Beans

Premium long beans with maximum vanillin content. Perfect for retail display, pastry, and culinary applications where presentation matters.

length

18-22 cm

moisture

30-35%

vanillin

1.8-2.7%

appearance

Plump, oily, visible vanillin crystals, glossy surface

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