Vanillin is used in almost all foods on the sweet side, but it is also an important component in other applications such as perfumes as well as personal care and household items.
When hearing the word vanillin, most of us think about delicious pies and desserts. However, due to its unique properties vanillin is used in many different industries, including food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different applications of vanillin.
Vanillin in the Food and Beverage Industry
Vanillin is one of the most commonly used flavouring agents in the food and beverage industry. It is used in a variety of products such as baked goods, candies and beverages to give them a rich and creamy vanilla flavour. Vanillin is also used as a food additive to enhance the taste of many processed foods.
In addition to its flavouring properties, vanillin has also been shown to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is a valuable ingredient in food preservation as it prevents the growth of yeast and mold in the end product, making the products more stable and resistant through their shelf life.
Masking Properties of Vanillin
When added at a suitable dosage, vanillin is highly effective in covering unwanted tastes and smells. For example, by adding vanillin to dark chocolate the bitterness of the cocoa bean is neutralised. In bread and cakes, the flavour note from yeast is no longer an issue and in protein bars and drinks, vanillin can mask the unwanted notes from the protein source like soy or whey.
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Vanillin in the Cosmetics Industry
Vanillin is also widely used in the cosmetics industry. It is used as a fragrance in perfumes, body lotions and other personal care products due to its sweet and pleasant aroma. It is, for instance, commonly used in lip balms and lipsticks.
Given vanillin's inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, it can reduce the need for, and even replace, fossil-based preservatives used in cosmetics and personal care products. In other words, it can help reduce the possible effect parabens can have on hormone production.
Vanillin in Agriculture
While vanillin is not typically used directly in agriculture, it can be used as a raw material in for example fungicides through its ability to stimulate plant growth and protect crops from pests and diseases.
One way vanillin can be used in agriculture is as a plant growth regulator. Research has shown that vanillin can promote the growth and development of certain plants, such as tomato plants, by increasing root and shoot growth, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate. This can lead to improved crop yields and quality.
Vanillin can also be used as a natural pesticide. Studies have shown that vanillin exhibits insecticidal and fungicidal properties, making it effective against a range of pests and diseases that can damage crops. As an example, vanillin has been found to be effective against tomato leaf miner, a common pest that can cause significant damage to tomato plants.
Vanillin in Pharmaceuticals
Did you know that vanillin is also used in the pharmaceutical industry? In the pharmaceutical industry, vanillin is perhaps most commonly used as a flavouring agent. This is to improve the taste of medications that may be unpleasant or bitter.
However, vanillin is also used as an ingredient in the manufacture of medication for Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder and allergies, amongst others.
Vanillin as Building Block in Plastics and Resins
In addition to all the applications mentioned above, vanillin can also be used as a building block in plastics and resins, replacing harmful and environmentally damaging chemicals. Because of its three functional groups (aldehyde, hydroxyl and ether) vanillin offers many possibilities in the production of polymers.
Research has shown that the mechanical properties of a synthesised vanillin-based epoxy are improved compared to DEGBA-based alternatives (Nikafshar et. al.).
A cross-linking agent: Vanillin can act as a cross-linking agent in thermosetting plastics and resins. Cross-linking agents are added to these materials to increase their strength and durability.
A plasticiser: Vanillin has been studied as a potential plasticiser for biodegradable polymers. Plasticisers are added to polymers to improve their flexibility and make them easier to process.
Conclusion
Vanillin is a highly versatile organic compound that is used in various industries. Its sweet and creamy aroma makes it a popular flavouring agent in the food and cosmetics industries, while its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties make it a valuable ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry. With its wide range of applications, vanillin is a crucial ingredient in many products that we use in our daily lives.