Hi,

I'm in Canada and I bought a 100ml (just under 6 tbsp) bottle of vanilla bean paste at a local market and it cost me $25.  Yes, it's high-quality and tastes amazing, but one bottle will only last me two batches of my SMBC and my hobby caking will send me into bankruptcy at this rate. 

Is it sold for less elsewhere?  Where should I look?  The local restaurant supply store doesn't carry it.

Do you have any TJ Maxx or Ross stores in your area?  Every time I go there I scan the Home Decor section and buy them out of Neilsen Massey paste if they have any.  Last time they were $5.99 each.  The flavor is second to none in my opinion.

http://www.vanillaproductsusa.com/servlet/the-7/1-LB-One-Pound/Detail  This is the real deal, not thickened with gums and sweeteners like everything else. Very potent!

AAZCouture, that product only ships within the USA. How much do you use in a typical 5qrt bowl of icing?

No clue, been a long time sine I used it. I get quart bottles from a friend who has it specially brewed for her bakeries. :D Goooooooooooood stuff! So I just squeeze out a big blob, not measured at all. When I can't get the quart bottles, I get that stuff, but I think I just scoop out a bit on a spoon. 

AThanks for the replies! I don't have a TJ Maxx or Ross near me, but I am 45 mins from Plattsburgh, NY, so perhaps I'll take a trip down if there is one located there.

My inlaws are going to visit my SIL in San Francisco, but I'd feel guilty asking them to add a pound's worth of weight to their luggage.

You might try Home Goods as well.

Home Goods!  I love when I score some at HG!  Also Sur La Table isn't bad either.  I've bought from there and it runs about 12 bucks.  

This where I get it.  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000W0GQQ/?tag=cakecentral-20+bean+paste+nielsen+massey

Amazon has almost everything.

I pay $8 for 4 oz (and the company is based about a mile from here, figures), so $33 foe 32 oz is a good deal.