Is Vanilla Syrup The Same As Vanilla Extract?

One of the most popular flavors in the world is Vanilla (p203. H. Korthou, R. V. (2007). Flavours and Fragrances ). Almost every food we consume contains it, including ice cream, coffee, cakes, bread, and a wide variety of other drinks and foods. It has a special sweetness to it that makes people of all age brackets and genders enjoy it all around the world. 

Vanilla syrup seems to be the most in-demand addition to beverages. However, sometimes, you may hear the customers ordering their drinks with vanilla extract instead of vanilla syrup at the coffee store. This got you thinking about the question “Is vanilla syrup the same as vanilla extract?”.

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Vanilla sticks and flower on wooden background

This article will help you to point out the difference between vanilla syrup and vanilla extract. Therefore, you will also know exactly whether you can replace vanilla extract with vanilla syrup.

Vanilla extract and vanilla syrup 

Before finding the answer to the big question, let’s first know about these two types of vanilla. 

Vanilla extract is on the top of forms of vanilla used nowadays as it is a solution. The flavor ingredients from the pulverized vanilla beans diffuse into the alcohol after being soaked and heated with water and alcohol to make pure vanilla extract. You can read more about the process through the description of a study by the American Pharmaceutical Association.

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Bottle with aromatic extract and dry vanilla beans on table

In many Western desserts, particularly baked goods like cakes, cookies, brownies, and cupcakes, as well as custards, ice creams, and puddings, it is seen as a vital ingredient. Vanilla extract can be produced both in natural and artificial ways.

Vanilla syrup is a combination of granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract. It is a sweet flavor used in drinks and cakes. The process of making vanilla syrup is also very simple. The syrup is made by boiling the sugar in the water until dissolved at an appropriate level. Then add the vanilla extract and leave it cool for a while.

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Aromatic homemade vanilla extract on wooden table, closeup

Is vanilla syrup the same as vanilla extract?

So you’ve known what vanilla syrup and vanilla extract are which is already explained above. In this part, let’s find out the difference between vanilla syrup and extract.

Can we merge vanilla syrup and vanilla extract into one?  The answer is no. Here is the reason why they are not similar:

According to the process of making these two ingredients mentioned above, you can easily see the big difference between them. It takes just about a day or even hours to produce vanilla syrup but several months to produce the vanilla extract. Furthermore, vanilla extract is one of the components creating a vanilla syrup. Hence, they cannot be the same. 

On the other hand, the flavors of these two vanilla forms are distinguished as well. Some people think vanilla has good taste but the truth is not really. While the vanilla syrup is sweet because it is liquid sugar, vanilla extract is bitter. Since the vanilla extract is made from vanilla beans and alcohol for several days, it has the bitter taste of alcohol.

Besides, the consistency of the vanilla syrup is much thicker and the vanilla extract’s texture is thinner and more liquid.

When vanilla syrup is added, it affects the flavor of the food or drinks by the sweetness it brings. Have a look at vanilla extract, although it tastes bitter, once used it will only enhance flavor instead of making your dish bitter or changing the taste as syrup does. 

Vanilla syrup is used as a topping for beverages and pastries while vanilla extract is frequently utilized in baking and the creation of ice cream.

Can you use vanilla extract in place of vanilla syrup?

Yes, you can replace vanilla extract with vanilla syrup and vice versa depending on each case

However, you should consider thoroughly the taste and flavor of your dish. If you plan to use vanilla extract on its own, it will not give you the pleasant taste of vanilla syrup. 

In case you want to use vanilla extract in coffee, it is less sweet and strongly scented than syrup when adding syrup. In addition, it is completely healthier since it does not contain any amount of sugar. 

The vanilla extract might be very ideal for those who are in love with vanilla aroma but are strongly conscious of the health problems sugar causes them. In contrast, vanilla extract cannot replace totally if you love vanilla as well but be a sweet tooth. The extract will not satisfy you by its taste. 

How much vanilla syrup is equal to vanilla extract?

Since vanilla extract and vanilla syrup can be the substitute for each other, you may wonder about the ratio of these two forms when compared. 

It is said that 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup is considered to be equal to 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, about nearly 5 ml

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Spoon with vanilla extract and sticks on wooden background

However, if the recipe requires a sweet flavor for the drink, you should regard the amount of sugar too. Adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup makes the dish sweeter than adding vanilla extract. Hence, you should put more sugar or sweetener if using vanilla extract is not enough. Conversely, you should decrease the amount of syrup if it is said not to be sweet.

Wrap up

Vanilla syrup is not the same kind as vanilla extract due to its different producing methods, flavor, and usage. Depending on the situation, you can replace the vanilla syrup with vanilla extract and vice versa. However, you should be concerned about the taste and flavor that each kind brings about to have the best result.