Well-defined CoS nanorods (NR) were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method, and were tested as an electrode material for electro-oxidation of vanillin. The NR material was characterized with regard to morphology, crystallinity, and electro-activity by use of appropriate analytical techniques. The resulting CoS NR@Nafion modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibited efficient electro-oxidation of vanillin with a considerable linear range of current-vs-concentration (0.5-56 mu M vanillin) and a detection limit of 0.07 mu M. Also, food samples containing vanillin were studied to test suitability for commercial applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.