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What Is Vanilla Syrup?

Valerie Goldberg
Valerie Goldberg

Vanilla syrup is a sweet-tasting liquid that is created using sugar and boiling water. All syrups are made using the same basic process. The flavor of a syrup is what gives each type of syrup a distinct taste. The vanilla flavor used in syrup comes from orchid plants, which produce pods containing vanilla beans. Food scientists extract the vanilla flavor from the plant so that vanilla-flavored syrup can be created and enjoyed.

Dessert and sweet aficionados might take a liking to vanilla syrup. Vanilla syrup is sold in grocery stores in bottles, usually next to the chocolate and strawberry syrup. People who are not big fans of chocolate might choose to pour vanilla syrup on top of ice cream or use the substance to add flavor to a glass of milk.

Vanilla beans can be boiled with water and sugar to make syrup.
Vanilla beans can be boiled with water and sugar to make syrup.

Coffee shops use vanilla sugar syrup to provide customers with flavored hot and cold beverages. Many of these specialty drinks are not made with vanilla-flavored coffee beans but rather by adding squirts of syrup into already brewed cups of coffee. Vanilla lovers can purchase their own pump of vanilla sugar syrup to enjoy flavored cappuccinos at home.

Vanilla syrup may be added to coffee to enhance the flavor.
Vanilla syrup may be added to coffee to enhance the flavor.

In the 1950s, many soda shops offered patrons vanilla cola. Soda shop employees would pour a shot glass full of vanilla syrup directly into the glass of cola to create this drink. In the early 21st century, some novelty restaurants still offered this type of beverage. It is more common, however, to find modern vanilla-flavored cola in a bottle or can.

Vanilla syrup was often added to soda in the 1950s.
Vanilla syrup was often added to soda in the 1950s.

Vanilla extract is used by bakers to make cakes and other sweets. The extract is less powerful than vanilla syrup, allowing bakers to give their desserts a hint of flavor. One popular treat to make with vanilla extract is vanilla cheesecake. The right amount of extract gives this dessert a mild vanilla flavor without taking away from the classic cheesecake taste. Vanilla extract should be kept in a cabinet and should never be refrigerated.

Those with bad instances of acid reflux may benefit from vanilla syrup.
Those with bad instances of acid reflux may benefit from vanilla syrup.

Although chocolate is considered tasty by many people, it is very acidic. People who have bad acid reflux or individuals who have bladder conditions such as interstitial cystitis might be advised by a doctor to eliminate chocolate from their diet. Vanilla, on the other hand, is good for the digestive system, is a natural inflammation reducer and is not harmful to the bladder. People who have any of a variety of medical conditions can turn to vanilla when they want to indulge their sweet tooth without breaking the doctor's orders.

A majority of plants containing vanilla grow in tropical climates. Mexico, Tahiti and Fiji are all known for growing vanilla. As of 2011, the island nation of Madagascar led the world in vanilla production.

Discussion Comments

Hazali

Is vanilla flavored cola still around in this day and age? I know the article mentions that it's still around in the 21st century, but I actually haven't seen it since 2003. However, while it's probably still at supermarkets and/or restaurants, maybe it fell out of popularity.

Euroxati

Just a personal preference, but I have always preferred real vanilla flavoring as opposed to the artificial type. You will notice this in a lot of candies. Also, compared to real vanilla, the quality might seem a bit weaker, with less of a strong taste. One reason for this is because cheaper ingredients are used to make the candy, so that it can cost less. If you want a taste of real vanilla, my best recommendation would be to go to the coffee shop. Generally speaking, vanilla flavorings tend to work quite well in mornings drinks, such as coffees and cappuccinos.

RoyalSpyder

Now that you mention it, though I've certainly tried chocolate syrup, I don't think I've ever tried vanilla syrup. My guess is because chocolate flavored items are much more popular than other types. Regardless, this is an interesting read. Not only do we learn about the uses of vanilla syrup, but we also learn a bit about the origins. It has a long history, and while it may not be as popular as chocolate, it's still a flavor that anyone can enjoy.

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    • Vanilla beans can be boiled with water and sugar to make syrup.
      By: Picture Partners
      Vanilla beans can be boiled with water and sugar to make syrup.
    • Vanilla syrup may be added to coffee to enhance the flavor.
      By: amenic181
      Vanilla syrup may be added to coffee to enhance the flavor.
    • Vanilla syrup was often added to soda in the 1950s.
      By: tiverylucky
      Vanilla syrup was often added to soda in the 1950s.
    • Those with bad instances of acid reflux may benefit from vanilla syrup.
      By: bilderzwerg
      Those with bad instances of acid reflux may benefit from vanilla syrup.
    • Vanilla is used as a flavoring in items including bottled sodas.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Vanilla is used as a flavoring in items including bottled sodas.
    • In 2011 Madagascar led the world in vanilla production.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      In 2011 Madagascar led the world in vanilla production.