Great vanilla syrup substitutes that you’ll fall in love with

Vanilla syrup goes so well with your coffee, it’s a great thing to add as the final touch to your coffee to elevate your brew.

I’m a big fan of it and I’ve even made my own vanilla syrup that (IMHO) tastes amazing. But vanilla syrup is loaded with calories so I have to keep an eye on my consumption.

Are there any coffee syrup that measure up to the original? Let’s go through some of them. 

Maple syrup

Maple syrup and especially the pure form of it tastes fantastic and goes well in cakes, ice cream toppings and… of course pancakes. So, it comes as no surprise that it really turns your coffee into a winning drink with its subtle yet noticeable sweetness.

It comes from the sap of the maple (Acer) tree, originally from Canada.

You might be surprised to learn that pure maple syrup is so rich in minerals, carbohydrates and proteins so there’s not to add it to your coffee in the morning to kick-start your day. 

If you’re on a diet, you should give maple syrup a shot (or try magic slimming coffee); it’s lower in calories than vanilla, it doesn’t contain any processed sugar or preservatives, and it can last up to two and a half years without losing its flavour, add a full tablespoon to your mug and pour hot coffee over it. 

Almond extract

Next on the list is almond extract that adds a nutty spin to your coffee and makes it taste heavenly. Similar to vanilla extract, the main ingredients in almond extract are alcohol and water, but almond extract contains natural almond oil that has a slightly bitter edge.

It’s also fabulous to add to your baking making melt-in-the mouth cookies and cakes.

The first time I had a sip of almond extract, Marzipan was the first thing that came to mind. If you like Marzipan, the odds are you’ll become an almond extract fan too.

To add it to your brew you just add a splash to your cup..

FYI if you have a nut allergy, steer clear of any nut syrups.

What happens if you have an almond extract sip?

Have you ever had a vanilla syrup substitute? They’re pretty darn tasty. But what if I told you that there’s an even better vanilla syrup substitute out there? Introducing almond extract! Just a few drops of this stuff will take your vanilla syrup substitute to the next level.

Trust me, I’ve tried it myself. Not only does it add a delicious almond flavour, but it also gives the vanilla syrup substitute a bit of a kick.

So if you’re looking for an even tastier vanilla syrup substitute, be sure to give almond extract a try.

You won’t be disappointed!

Chocolate

Nothing can beat a chocolaty cup of coffee. Many coffee shops have chocolate sauce as an option to add it to your coffee, but if you fancy putting some in your drink when at home here are two ways to go about it:

• For best results, use a chocolate powder high in cocoa solids; sprinkle it on your brew for that luxurious chocolaty taste.

• Just smash a couple of chunks of either dark or milk chocolate in an empty mug, then pour your hot coffee over to melt it and you’re good to go. 

Fun fact: chocolate contains caffeine in addition to coffee caffeine so use sparingly. On the other hand, chocolate as we all know contains feel-good pheromones so whilst you might suffer from insomnia at least you’ll be happy. 

Vanilla bean paste 

Vanilla bean paste tastes fantastic and it’s also great for your brew. It contains vanilla extract and vanilla powder that makes it a healthier option than vanilla extract alone containing less preservatives and processed sugar. It’s mainly derived from the vanilla orchid plants that are found mainly in Madagascar and Mexico. 

It’s a black-specked thick liquid that confectioners commonly use to create cakes and pastries. 

What does vanilla bean paste taste like? 

It tastes similar to vanilla syrup but has a distinctive sweet note. To add it to your drink, mix it with your ground coffee before brewing.

Honey

I can’t recommend honey in your coffee highly enough – it’s amazing, just add a spoonful to your cup. It’s obviously a much healthier option than many flavoured syrups, and there’s a huge list of health benefits including better digestion, relief from sore throats, helps fight acne, triggers fat burning hormones and promotes restful sleep. Plus, good quality honey never goes off.

Vanilla powder 

Vanilla powder is another healthier substitute for vanilla extract; it’s alcohol free and made of crushed vanilla beans.

It’s often used for baking and works well with other warm spices including cinnamon and cloves. Its dried form makes it really add a potent vanilla flavour that can’t be unnoticable.

You can even use it to make French vanilla coffee.

To add it to your coffee, sprinkle half vanilla powder on your ground coffee and add it to the coffee basket.  

Cane syrup

Ideal for refreshing cocktails including martinis and  margaritas, pure cane syrup quickly dissolves in both hot and cold beverages.

And as you might have guessed it’s a great vanilla syrup also use it on their cereal, biscuits and pancakes while some coffee shops use it to make Falternative for your frappes, espressos, or lattes, many rench Vanilla. 

What is it made from? 

Sugar cane juice is simmered in open kettles to produce cane syrup, which is a thick, molasses-like syrup. It really tastes good but it’s high in calories.

A tablespoon of sugar has 48 calories whereas the cane syrup has 60. 

Fiori Di Sicilia

Italians use it in cookies, meringues, pound cake and panettone. This vanilla and orange blossom-scented syrup is the perfect vanilla syrup alternative. Trust me, I’ve tried them all, Fiori di Sicilia has the perfect balance of sweetness and vanilla flavour with a floral aroma.

Plus, the addition of orange blossom gives it a unique spin that really elevates your bevy – if you’re a citrus fan you’ll love it. 

You can get a decent bottle of Fiori Di Sicilia for $9.95

What does vanilla syrup taste like?

All of you will know that vanilla syrup is essential for a truly delicious vanilla iced latte. But what does vanilla syrup actually taste like? Its sweetness is balanced by delicate floral notes making vanilla syrup the perfect addition to any coffee drink. 

The best vanilla syrups are made with high-quality ingredients like madagascar vanilla beans that impart a deep complex flavour.

What is vanilla syrup made from?

Fortunately, it’s easy to make vanilla syrup at home. All you need is vanilla extract and sugar.

Simply combine equal parts vanilla extract and sugar, and voila! You’ve got vanilla syrup. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add a bit of water to thin it out. But that’s completely optional. Now, if you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, you can use a vanilla syrup substitute.

Just combine equal parts sugar and water, and add a few drops of vanilla extract.  (Do you know how to distil water with a coffee maker?)

Wrapping up

So there you have it! Six different substitutes for vanilla syrup. I’m sure there are many more out there, so if you have a favourite that isn’t on this list but with a few substitutes for vanilla syrup you should find yourself in a bind.

FAQ about vanilla syrup substitutes

Do you feel there are a few things we haven’t touched on and have a few burning questions. Let’s go through some common questions.

What is really Vanilla Powder? 

Vanilla powder is a vanilla extract substitute that tastes as delicious as vanilla extract but it’s much healthier.