Vanilla vs French Vanilla: Understanding the Key Differences

Vanilla is a popular flavorings commonly used in desserts, beverages, and other food products. It can be used in preparation that distinguish the flavors “vanilla” and “French vanilla” from each other. So what is it that makes them different?

Many people assume that French vanilla is just a fancier version of regular vanilla that comes from France, but that’s not at all the case.

In this post, we’ll explain vanilla vs French vanilla and give the difference between these two ingredients so you fully understand when and why to use one over the other.

Vanilla vs French Vanilla: What is the Difference?

What is Vanilla or Vanilla Extract?

Vanilla is a flavor that, in it’s purest form, comes from the extract of a vanilla bean. It is often sold in the form of vanilla extract, which is a liquid made from alcohol-treated vanilla beans. It might be artificial or real vanilla that’s used to make the extract.

If it’s real vanilla, you should see it written on the label, and there might be small black flakes in the liquid which is an indication that it came from real vanilla beans.

Vanilla is one of the most popular flavors in the world. It is widely used in desserts, beverages, and even some savory dishes. In this section, we will explore the origin of vanilla and the different types of vanilla.

What is French Vanilla?

French vanilla, on the other hand, is not just a “French” version of vanilla extract, as you might assume. However, some companies do make a French vanilla extract that contains additional ingredients. We’ll talk about that in a moment.

The term French vanilla usually refers to a style rather than a “flavor”. For instance, if you’re making vanilla ice cream, you would flavor it with either real or artificial vanilla extract, no matter if it is French vanilla ice cream or regular vanilla ice cream.

The difference actually lies in the way it is made. French vanilla ice cream is made with egg yolks and has a custard-like consistency. This gives French vanilla a richer and creamier taste and mouth-feel compared to regular vanilla. Additionally, French vanilla tends to have a yellowish tint due to the added egg yolks.

The term “French” vanilla can apply to any product that is made in this way, using eggs for additional creaminess.

What is French Vanilla Extract?

There is another flavored vanilla extract that is called “French Vanilla Extract”. According to ApexFlavors.com, French vanilla extract contains the typical vanilla, along with hazelnut, caramel or butterscotch flavors and spice notes such as anise and cassia.

Not all French vanilla extracts will be made with the same ingredients, so if you’re looking for a specific taste, you might need to consult the ingredients or ask the manufacturer for more details.

Types of Vanilla

There are different types of vanilla, and the flavor and aroma of vanilla can vary depending on the type of vanilla used. The most common types of vanilla are:

• Madagascar Vanilla: Madagascar vanilla is known for its rich, creamy flavor and sweet, floral aroma. It is the most popular type of vanilla used in the food industry.
• Tahitian Vanilla: Tahitian vanilla has a fruity, floral flavor and a delicate aroma. It is often used in desserts and beverages.
• Mexican Vanilla: Mexican vanilla has a bold, spicy flavor and a strong aroma. It is often used in Mexican cuisine.

Real vanilla beans are the most sought-after type of vanilla. They are expensive but have a richer flavor than vanilla flavoring, which is made from vanillin, a chemical compound found in vanilla beans. Vanilla flavoring is often used as a substitute for real vanilla beans because it is cheaper and easier to produce.

Comparison: Vanilla vs French Vanilla

Comparison in Taste

When vanilla flavoring is added to a recipe, like ice cream or creme brulee, the vanilla has a classic flavor that’s sweet, creamy, and slightly floral, with a warm and inviting scent.

If you’re making a French vanilla dessert, it will have those same qualities, only with a richer, more custard-like taste, thanks to the addition of egg yolks in the recipe.

Comparison in Appearance

The appearance of vanilla and French vanilla will differ when it is used in a recipe. Vanilla extract is a clear liquid with a pale-yellow color, but when you add it to ice cream or another dessert, it might have a slightly darker or more yellow hue due to the addition of egg yolks.

In terms of ice cream, vanilla is typically white or light beige, while French vanilla has a pale-yellow color and may contain black specks from the vanilla bean.

Differences in Vanilla Ice Creams

When it comes to the difference between vanilla and French vanilla, the ingredients used in the recipes play a significant role. Here, we will discuss the role of ingredients in both vanilla and French vanilla.

Egg Yolks in French Vanilla

One of the most significant differences between vanilla and French vanilla is that French vanilla ice cream contains egg yolks. Egg yolks give French vanilla ice cream a creamier and richer texture. The egg yolks also help to emulsify the ice cream mixture, which results in a smoother and more consistent texture.

Sugar and Other Ingredients

Another difference between vanilla and French vanilla is the amount of sugar used in the recipe. French vanilla ice cream usually contains more sugar than regular vanilla ice cream. The additional sugar gives French vanilla ice cream a slightly caramelized taste, which is why it is often described as having a custard-like flavor.

Apart from the sugar and egg yolks, the other ingredients used in vanilla and French vanilla ice cream are generally the same. These ingredients include milk, cream, vanilla extract, and sometimes cocoa powder. However, some manufacturers may add other flavorings such as hazelnut, butterscotch, or spice to their ice cream.

French Vanilla Beyond Ice Cream

French vanilla is not limited to ice cream. It is a flavor that has become popular in a variety of products, including coffee creamers, fragrances, and other food items.

French Vanilla in Coffee Creamers

Coffee creamers are a popular way to add flavor to coffee, and French vanilla is a common option. French vanilla coffee creamers typically contain vanilla flavoring, sugar, and other ingredients to create a creamy and sweet taste that complements coffee. Some manufacturers also offer French vanilla latte mixes that can be used to create a latte at home.

French Vanilla in Fragrances

French vanilla is a popular fragrance in perfumes, candles, and other products. The sweet and creamy scent of French vanilla is often used in combination with other scents to create a warm and inviting aroma. Some fragrances may also contain notes of caramel or other sweet flavors to enhance the vanilla scent.

French Vanilla in Other Products

French vanilla is also used in a variety of other food items, including desserts. Chefs may use French vanilla flavoring in custards, cakes, and other baked goods to add a rich and creamy taste. Manufacturers may also use French vanilla flavoring in products such as yogurts, puddings, and ice cream bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

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