My go-to substitute for vanilla extract is maple syrup. Vanilla extract can be combined with other important anxiety remedies such as kava-kava or used all on its own. Vanilla powder is nothing other than dried and powdered vanilla beans. Use the same amount of maple syrup as you would vanilla, and you’ll barely notice the difference. While the flavor of vanilla is one of a kind, there are some other ingredients you can use as a vanilla extract substitute in a pinch. Vanilla extract can be replaced with an equal amount of vanilla … You can use it as an alternative to vanilla extract. Don't worry! It's made from vanilla beans or pods, which grow off of a certain type of orchid plant. Vanilla beans are also available in paste form. Vanilla extract is kind of an amazing product. It has the same sweet aroma, and it does a pretty good job of mimicking vanilla’s slightly smoky flavor. It is certainly a tasty way to alleviate those horrible attacks of stress and anxiety, and may also go a long way toward supporting those who are in the grips of a dreaded winter depression. If the recipe calls for a teaspoon of extract, use half a teaspoon of vanilla powder instead.