Last Updated: Jun 12, 2023 @ 10:29 am.

What is the best vanilla syrup? To find out, we mixed up vanilla syrup from 8 brands in lattes. To keep it fair, we do blind tests, so not to be influenced by brands or packaging. Which had the best vanilla flavor? Best sugar-free version? Here are the ones we think are best.

FYI: We've been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. We don't take money or freebies from the brands we review. Our work is 100% reader-supported!


Vanilla Syrup 101—and A Recipe!

Let’s talk vanilla syrup.

Most commonly used in lattes and other flavored coffee drinks, vanilla syrup is also great for hot chocolate, milkshakes and even tea. For baking, vanilla syrup can substitute for vanilla extract in some recipes.

Before we get into the winners of our blind taste tests,  a quick primer on the difference between vanilla and French vanilla.

Most vanilla is categorized by where it is grown, such as Madagascar vanilla. French vanilla, on the other hand, refers to the process by which vanilla ice cream is made.

French vanilla ice cream uses egg yolks for a custard base. Regular vanilla ice cream uses a cream base. As a result, some folks think French vanilla has a creamer taste.

As for vanilla syrups, we found it hard to tell the difference between regular and French vanilla syrups, flavor wise. The latter tend to be a bit darker in color.

Recipe: Iced Vanilla Latte

Iced Vanilla Latte

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup (8oz) milk
  • 2 ½ tbsp (1 ¼ oz) Torani Vanilla Syrup
  • 2 shots espresso*, chilled
  • ice

*Can substitute 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine chilled espresso*, milk and Torani syrup in a tall glass filled with ice and stir well. Enjoy!

(Recipe and photo credit: Torani)

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Best Vanilla Flavor

Made in the USA
We loved this syrup, which is great for making vanilla soda and even in buttercream recipes.
$25.92 ($0.26 / Fl Oz)

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Best Tried & True Brand

Transforms coffee into a treat
This was our favorite for iced coffee and yes it tases amazing. Also great: can be stored at room temperature.

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Best Sugar Free

Great for green tea lattes
Sweetened with sucralose, this syrup has rich flavor. Zero calories and GMO-free. Bonus: doesn't need to be refrigerated after opening.
$11.68 ($0.46 / Fl Oz)

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Best Thicker Syrup

No preservatives
As for vanilla syrups, we found it hard to tell the difference between regular and French vanilla syrups, flavor wise. The latter tend to be a bit darker in color.

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About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York TimesWall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!

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