Everyone takes their coffee differently, so when trying to impress a friend or meet the demands of a customer, what’s the difference between French vanilla and vanilla syrup?
The difference between French vanilla and vanilla syrup isn’t defined. United States’ current food guidance says a product labeled as a type of vanilla syrup must have a vanilla taste and a kind of sweetener. While there’s no direct rule about French vanilla usage, it’s understood that French vanilla syrup should be sweet, taste like vanilla, and have a custard-like or creamy flavor.
Because the U.S. first marketed French vanilla flavoring, you don’t need to travel to the cafes of Paris to figure out what it means. Below we’ll explain what to consider when choosing between French vanilla and vanilla syrups, and how the FDA regulates their differences.
What is French Vanilla and Vanilla Syrup?
Producers reserve the French vanilla name for syrups and products that have a creamy, custard-like flavor, but is that truly the case?
Flavorings like French vanilla and vanilla syrup fall under the U.S. FDA oversight, but the organization doesn’t have a specific rule on what French vanilla means. Broadly, the FDA says producers cannot outright lie or misrepresent their foods in marketing. So when reading a French vanilla syrup ingredient list, expect some inconsistency as usage of the word isn’t legally enforced and is largely based on the producer.
French vanilla flavors have been around for a while and can be found in products beyond simple syrups. In coffee products, you can find French vanilla instant coffees or ready-to-brew cups of coffee. You’ll probably notice the French vanilla label on common sweet milk products like whipped creams, coffee creamers, and ice creams (notice a trend?)
Defining vanilla syrup is simpler than french vanilla, because the FDA has definitions for imitation vanilla versus real vanilla extract in addition to sugars or artificial sweeteners. But how does that impact you at the grocery store or our coffee shop consumers?
Featured Products
Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup
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Monin Vanilla Syrup
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Torani Vanilla Syrup
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Mexican Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup
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Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup made with natural ingredients, vegan, and gluten-free.
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SAVA Madagascar Vanilla Bean Syrup
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Pink House Alchemy Vanilla Simple Syrup
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Benefits of French Vanilla or Vanilla Syrup
As a way to flavor drinks and foods, French vanilla and vanilla syrups are easy ways to give your coffee a splash of flowery sweetness.
So depending on what sort of drink you’re making, both flavors can be useful. A vanilla syrup in a latte will prevent the drink from becoming too milky. But French vanilla syrup in a cup of drip dark roast coffee will add both the rich flavor of a creamy custard and the sweetness of vanilla syrup. Mix and match to your tastes!
When crafting your coffee, keep in mind that both French vanilla and vanilla syrups will have sugar or sweeteners. Too much sweeteners can be a bad thing, so limit your daily intake. Simple syrups are used in coffee, baking, desserts, and cocktails to balance bland, bitter, or burning tastes.
How to make the best vanilla latte
DIY Vanilla Syrups
For people conscious of what they eat, store-bought vanilla syrup can sometimes rely on imitation vanilla rather than vanilla extract.
Rather than letting imitation flavors taint their drinks, look for ones with natural flavors or try making DIY vanilla syrup with homemade vanilla extract. The FDA defines vanilla extract as a mixture of vanilla beans soaked in ethyl alcohol. If the alcohol is 35% by volume and 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter, your vanilla extract should meet the definition.
After creating your vanilla extract, you can add the extract to a mix of water and sugar to create your own vanilla simple syrup. Drink up, because it will be both natural and delicious.
To make the best vanilla latte: brew strong coffee/espresso, heat milk, add vanilla syrup/extract, froth milk (optional), combine with coffee, sweeten (optional), and enjoy! In this video, Hanbit Cho will show you his exquisite recipe!
The new trend - Vanilla Raspado Syrup
Vanilla raspado syrup is a delightful syrup that combines the rich, sweet flavors of vanilla with the tangy and vibrant taste of raspberries. It is specifically crafted to mimic the flavors of a raspado, a traditional Mexican shaved ice dessert. This syrup adds a burst of fruity goodness and a hint of creamy vanilla to your favorite beverages, desserts, or even as a topping for shaved ice. It offers a unique and delightful twist to your culinary creations, making them reminiscent of summertime treats and exotic flavors. Whether you’re creating a refreshing beverage or adding a drizzle of sweetness to your desserts, vanilla raspado syrup is a versatile and delicious addition to your pantry.
Conclusion
As staples of the American coffee industry, coffee drinkers will be able to find French vanilla and vanilla syrups around the U.S. Both real and imitation vanilla can be sourced from many different resources and locations, so it’s best to read the bottle to ensure you’re picking the right syrup for your coffee. If you’re looking for a quick and custard-like flavor, go for the French vanilla syrup. If you’re looking for a flowery vanilla flavor, a simple vanilla syrup will do the job. Either way, make sure you love each sip from your coffee. Life’s too short to drink bad coffee.
