The Complete Guide to LorAnn Flavourings
Everything You Need to Know Before Choosing and Using LorAnn Flavours
At Kiwicakes, one of the questions we're asked most often is:
"Which LorAnn flavouring should I buy?"
With so many choices of flavours available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Are you looking for a flavouring for buttercream? Chocolate? Hard candy? Baking? Fondant? Or something completely different?
This guide is designed to help you understand the LorAnn range, choose the right flavouring for your project, and get consistently delicious results.
If you've ever wondered why some cakes have an incredible burst of flavour while others taste disappointing, the secret often comes down to the flavouring.
Whether you're baking a birthday cake, making homemade chocolates, creating buttercream for cupcakes, or preparing hard candy, the right flavouring can make all the difference.
A quality flavouring doesn't just make food taste stronger. It creates a cleaner, richer and more consistent flavour without unnecessarily changing the texture or consistency of your recipe.
LorAnn has been producing concentrated food flavourings for more than 60 years and has become one of the world's most trusted brands for cake decorators, candy makers, chocolatiers and home bakers.
Their range includes everything from traditional favourites like Vanilla, Lemon and Almond through to exciting flavours such as Bubblegum, Cotton Candy, Cheesecake, Salted Caramel and hundreds more.
Some LorAnn flavourings are ideal for baking, others are perfect for buttercream, fondant or desserts, while certain flavours are specially formulated for chocolate and candy making.
That's exactly why we created this guide.
Whether you are buying your first bottle or adding to your collection, we'll explain everything you need to know to choose the right flavouring and use it with confidence.
By the end of this guide, you will understand:
- The different types of LorAnn flavourings available.
- Which flavourings are best for baking, buttercream, fondant, chocolate and candy making.
- How much flavouring to use in different recipes.
- Which flavourings are suitable for chocolate.
- How to create delicious flavour combinations.
- How to store your flavourings correctly.
- Answers to the questions we are most frequently asked by Kiwicakes customers.
Let's get started.
What Makes LorAnn Different?
Unlike many supermarket extracts, LorAnn flavourings are highly concentrated.
Their famous Super-Strength Flavours are around three to four times stronger than standard alcohol-based extracts, meaning you only need a small amount to achieve a full, rich flavour.
Many are designed to withstand the high temperatures used in candy making, making them ideal for hard candy, fudge and other confectionery where ordinary extracts may lose their flavour.
Because they are so concentrated, a small bottle goes a surprisingly long way, making them excellent value for money.
Consistency Matters
For professional cake decorators and home bakers alike, consistency is important.
When you find a flavour you love, you want to know you can achieve the same delicious results every time. LorAnn's concentrated flavourings provide reliable flavour batch after batch, making them a favourite choice for decorators creating products for customers, celebrations and special occasions.
Understanding the LorAnn Range
LorAnn offers several different types of flavouring products. While they may look similar, they are designed for different applications.
Understanding the differences will help you choose the right product for your recipe.
Super-Strength Flavours
Often known as "Candy Oils" (although most are not actually oils), these are the most popular LorAnn products.
Super-Strength Flavours are highly concentrated and are suitable for a wide range of applications.
They are commonly used in:
- Hard candy
- Chocolate (selected flavours only)
- Fudge
- Buttercream
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Marshmallows
- Fondant
- Royal icing
- Cake pops
- Cheesecakes
- Ice cream
- Desserts
These are the flavourings most cake decorators use regularly.
Bakery Emulsions
Bakery Emulsions are specially formulated for baking.
Unlike alcohol-based extracts, emulsions are designed to hold their flavour during baking, helping cakes, cupcakes and cookies retain their intended flavour after spending time in the oven.
They are especially popular for:
- Red Velvet
- Princess Cake & Cookie
- Butter Vanilla
- Lemon
- Almond
- Orange
If you are baking cakes or cupcakes and want a strong, consistent flavour after baking, Bakery Emulsions are often an excellent choice.
With a name like "Princess" you'd have to wonder what that is all about,. It's one of my favourite flavours, It has a light, nutty taste accented with undertones of citrus and rich vanilla. Princess Cake & Cookie Emulsion will be the "secret ingredient" in your cookies, cakes & frostings! Tastes like a bakery smells." It's the one everyone asks about.
You will also find within the Emulsion range "Red Velvet" emulsion which not only provides the flavour but the colour. It is hugely popular with out customers. More recently "Velvet emulsion" has been released. This new variety delivers the classic cocoa-vanilla flavour of traditional velvet cake without added colour. Meaning you can add colour to create any colour "velvet"" cake such as blue velvet, green velvet, or purple velvet.
Premium Vanillas
LorAnn also produces several vanilla products, each suited to different baking applications.
Whether you are making buttercream, cookies or celebration cakes, choosing the right vanilla can make a noticeable difference to the finished flavour.
Super-Strength Flavours vs Extracts
This is one of the biggest questions we hear.
| LorAnn Super-Strength Flavours | Standard Extracts |
|---|---|
| Around 3–4 times stronger | Less concentrated |
| Excellent for candy making | Generally not suitable for candy making |
| Small amount required | Larger quantities needed |
| Huge range of flavours | More limited range |
| Suitable for many confectionery uses | Mainly used for baking |
As a general guide, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of extract, you will usually only need around ¼ to ½ teaspoon of LorAnn Super-Strength Flavouring.
Remember, you can always add more—but you can't take it back out.
Why Are They Called "Candy Oils" If They Aren't Actually Oils?
This is one of the most common points of confusion.
Despite the name, most LorAnn "Candy Oils" are not oils at all.
The term has been used in the confectionery industry for many years and simply refers to their concentrated nature and popularity in candy making.
The official product name is LorAnn Super-Strength Flavours, but many decorators still use the traditional term "Candy Oils."
Can You Use LorAnn Flavours in Chocolate?
This is one of the questions we're asked most often at Kiwicakes.
The answer is yes—but only certain flavours are suitable.
Chocolate is sensitive to moisture. Adding the wrong flavouring can cause chocolate to seize, becoming thick, grainy and difficult to work with.
Many LorAnn Super-Strength Flavours are suitable for use in chocolate, but not every flavour is.
Always check the individual product information before adding a flavouring to chocolate.
These are the suitable chocolate flavours at Kiwicakes
How Much LorAnn Flavouring Should I Use?
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is using too much flavouring.
LorAnn products are highly concentrated.
Start with a small amount, mix thoroughly, taste, then add more if required.
As a general guide:
- Buttercream: ¼–½ teaspoon per 3 cups
- Chocolate: ¼–½ teaspoon per 450 g
- Cakes: Around 1 teaspoon per standard cake
- Hard Candy: Approximately 1 teaspoon per batch
- Fondant: Start with just a few drops
Different flavours vary in strength, so always start conservatively.
Strong flavours such as peppermint, cinnamon and some fruit flavours may require less.
Choosing LorAnn Flavours for Different Projects
Buttercream
LorAnn Super-Strength Flavours are excellent for buttercream because they add flavour without adding large amounts of liquid.
Chocolate
Choose flavours suitable for chocolate and always check compatibility before use.
Fondant
A small amount can add a delicious flavour without affecting the texture.
Royal Icing
Flavourings can be added without significantly changing consistency.
Hard Candy
Super-Strength Flavours are especially popular because they retain their flavour during high-temperature candy making.
Cake Batter and Cookie doughs
Use Lorann baking emulsions. Lorann says the flavour "won't bake out"
Our Favourite LorAnn Flavours
Whilst for many years Princess emulsion was my favourite. A brand new release "Brown Butter" is challenging it for #1 spot. I recently made some Brown butter, cornflake, chocolate chip cookies and was in heaven
Customer favourites include Bubblegum, Cookies and cream, all the Berry flavours and Citrus. And most importantly Cream Cheese or Cheesecake - they are both equally good, but allow you to have the taste of cream cheese, when the temperature at outside events such as weddings, doesn't allow for real cream cheese to be used. Check out our huge range and find your own favourite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right LorAnn flavouring?
Start by thinking about what you are making. Different products are suited to different applications, so the best choice depends on whether you are baking, making candy, decorating cakes or working with chocolate.
What's the difference between Super-Strength Flavourings and Bakery Emulsions?
Both add flavour, but they are designed differently. Super-Strength Flavours are highly concentrated and popular for confectionery, chocolate and frostings, while Bakery Emulsions are especially popular for baked goods.
Are LorAnn "Candy Oils" actually oils?
No. Despite the name, most are not oils. "Candy Oil" is simply a traditional name used in the confectionery industry.
Are LorAnn flavourings stronger than supermarket extracts?
Yes. LorAnn Super-Strength Flavourings are much more concentrated than most supermarket extracts, meaning you generally use much less.
Can I mix different LorAnn flavours together?
Absolutely. Many decorators create their own flavour combinations by blending different flavours.
Popular combinations include:
- Chocolate and Orange
- Lemon and Raspberry
- Peppermint and Chocolate
- Strawberry and Vanilla
- Coconut and Lime
Are LorAnn flavourings suitable for buttercream, fondant and royal icing?
Yes. They are widely used because they provide strong flavour without significantly changing consistency when used correctly.
Can I use LorAnn flavourings in drinks?
Many flavours are suitable for milkshakes, cocktails, mocktails, coffee, hot chocolate and other beverages.
Because they are concentrated, only a small amount is usually needed.
Are LorAnn flavourings gluten free?
Many LorAnn flavourings are gluten free, but ingredients can change. Always check the individual product information if you have specific dietary requirements.
Are LorAnn flavourings suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Many are suitable, but always check the individual ingredient information.
Do LorAnn flavourings contain sugar?
Most Super-Strength Flavourings contain little or no sugar and are designed to add flavour rather than sweetness.
Can I freeze products made with LorAnn flavourings?
Generally yes. Cakes, buttercream, cookies and many desserts freeze well when stored correctly.
Do LorAnn flavourings expire?
Like most food products, LorAnn flavourings have a best-before date.
Because they are concentrated products, they often remain usable for a long time when stored correctly. For the strongest flavour, use within the recommended timeframe.
How should I store LorAnn flavourings?
Store them tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
Always replace the lid after use to help preserve flavour strength.
Are LorAnn flavourings worth the price?
Because only a small amount is required, one bottle can flavour many recipes. For decorators who want reliable flavour and professional results, they offer excellent value.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are making cupcakes for the family, chocolates for Christmas, homemade fudge or running a cake decorating business, LorAnn flavourings are an easy way to achieve consistent, professional-quality flavour.
With hundreds of flavours available and options suitable for baking, confectionery, frostings, desserts and chocolate, there is a LorAnn flavour to suit almost every project.
Once you have tried them, it is easy to understand why they are a favourite among bakers and cake decorators around the world. Find all LorAnn products here
About the author
Sandra Boston has been helping Kiwi cake decorators since 2006 through Kiwicakes. With 20 years of experience testing cake decorating products, ingredients and tools, Sandra shares practical tips based on real-world use.
