What Is French Vanilla?

Are you embarrassed when your fancy friends come over for ice cream, and you only have vanilla to offer them? Are you ashamed that you spend 10 minutes in the coffee creamer aisle only to once again opt for your go-to flavor for years, vanilla? Are you wondering where the heck we’re going with this? There’s nothing wrong with vanilla as a flavor, but what if we told you that there’s vanilla+? French vanilla is a take on vanilla that you have spent your life feeling inclined to get excited about even though you’re not really sure what it means. 

Here’s where that all changes, because we’ve got answers to questions that have plagued the masses for years about French vanilla. The most important thing? No, it is not just vanilla you consume in a beret, so no, you don’t have to worry if you’re the 0.00000001% that can pull off a beret without seeming pretentious. Read on for the facts.

What is vanilla?

It’s worth getting briefed on original vanilla before diving into French vanilla. Vanilla is a spice from the vanilla orchid, which produces long, slender bean pods that turn from green to black. The majority of vanilla plants are found in Mexico, Madagascar, Tahiti, Uganda, and Indonesia. What? Not France? I thought this was about French vanilla! 

What is French vanilla?

French vanilla does not mean vanilla from France. Why would it? Just because that would make sense? Grow up. The term refers instead to the French style of making vanilla ice cream, which is with an egg yolk-enriched custard base. This is different from the Philadelphia style of ice cream, which is cream-based. Even though French vanilla ice cream originated in France, French vanilla can be found internationally, and is contingent on the distinct flavor profile from the French method. 

What’s the difference between French vanilla and vanilla?

The main distinguishing features when it comes to French vanilla vs vanilla are appearance, texture, and flavor. Plain vanilla ice cream is white or light beige, while French vanilla is a pale yellow from the characteristic yolks. French vanilla also tends to have a smoother consistency and richer flavor.

Is French vanilla better than vanilla?

It depends! Descriptors like “richer,” “creamier,” “more luxurious,” might entice someone to always opt for French vanilla, but its more complex flavor might be its downfall. For anyone who wants a cleaner tasting bowl of ice cream, or a dollop on top of apple pie, the more neutral classic vanilla absolutely has a place. 

What does French vanilla smell like?

Mauricio Poulsen says of French vanilla, “it is when the vanilla flavor is caramelized, custard-like, cooked, egg yolk-like, slightly floral.” Seeing as Poulsen is the director of creation and application of flavors for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc, he’s kind of a big deal. Plus his answer was much nicer than what we were going to say: “Dunno. It’s nice though.”

French vanilla is ice cream? But I’ve seen French vanilla coffee!

The origin of French vanilla is, in fact, ice cream, but the velvety product’s allure extends beyond the realm of ice cream. It’s become something of a marketing buzzword, evoking a feeling of sophistication and decadence. Whether you’re looking at a coffee, candle, or perfume, people have come to expect that French vanilla has a little…je ne sais quoi, if you will.