A method for extracting a hydrophobic group-containing water-soluble organic compound, comprising the step of bringing an aqueous solution containing the hydrophobic group-containing water-soluble organic compound and a saccharide into contact with a polar organic solvent to obtain an aqueous phase and an organic phase, whereby the hydrophobic group-containing water-soluble organic compound is transferred to the organic phase. The saccharide concentration of the aqueous solution may be at least 12 g per 100 ml of the aqueous solution. The aqueous solution may further contain a phase separation assisting agent. The phase separation assisting agent may be selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, magnesium sulfate, and ammonium sulfate.