Why Flavours & Extracts Aren’t Just for Desserts

Surprising ways to use extracts in savoury dishes, drinks, and everyday cooking.

When most people think of flavour extracts, they picture cakes, cookies, buttercream, and all things sweet. But extracts are far more versatile than you might expect, and they can add depth, brightness, and complexity to savoury dishes too.

Whether you’re cooking dinner, mixing a mocktail, or making a quick dressing, extracts can bring big flavour with just a drop. Here’s how to use them beyond baking…

Salad Dressings With a Twist

A couple of drops can completely lift a dressing or vinaigrette.

Try a hint of lemon extract for brightness, raspberry flavour in a summery dressing, or mixed spice flavour in winter salads. They blend beautifully into oils, vinegars and yoghurt-based dressings.

Savoury Marinades & Glazes

Flavours and extracts aren’t just for sweetness. They work brilliantly with savoury dishes too.

Add depth to marinades for chicken, roasted vegetables, tofu or fish with flavours like warm spices, rich buttery tones, subtle fruit notes, or even alcohol-inspired flavours for an extra layer of richness.

Drinks, Mocktails & Sparkling Water

This might be the most underrated use of all. Just a drop or two can transform everyday drinks:

• Coffee or hot chocolate
• Smoothies & milkshakes
• Homemade lemonades
• Sparkling water
• Cocktails & mocktails

From refreshing fruity flavours to richer dessert-style notes, you can customise your drinks exactly the way you like them.

Snack Time Upgrades

Popcorn, trail mix, cereal bars, porridge, yoghurt, all of them become more exciting with a tiny boost of flavour.

Try adding a few drops to:

• Melted butter for popcorn
• Nut butters
• Yoghurt bowls
• Compotes & fruit mixes
• Oatmeal or overnight oats

Instantly elevated, no extra sugar needed.

Sauces, Syrups & Dips

Extracts and natural flavours blend effortlessly into sauces:

• Dessert sauces
• Yoghurt dips
• Homemade syrups
• Icing sugar glazes
• Pancake toppings
• Cream cheese dips

It’s an easy way to customise classics or match flavours to seasonal menus.

They’re not just baking ingredients, they’re everyday kitchen staples.