Vanilla

Vanilla is a spice made from orchids in the genus Vanilla, primarily from the pods of the Mexican flat-leaved vanilla species. To make the plants produce the fruit from which the vanilla spice is made, pollination is essential. Surprisingly, the vanilla pod is one of the world's most expensive foods. But it's not just any vanilla; Madagascar vanilla is the best of the best, with a vanillin level of 1–2%.

Vanilla is the most labor-intensive crop on the planet, costing up to $600 a pound. On the one day that the vanilla flowers each year, pollination must be done by hand.

Storms in Madagascar have restricted the number of vanilla beans available on the market, driving up costs.

Price: $600 per pound