Have you ever wondered what kind of coffee flavoring syrup Starbucks uses? Does Starbucks use Torani Syrup?
While Torani Syrup is one of the most popular options in the gourmet beverage world, Starbucks uses their own brand of syrups but they are made by Fontana. So in fact, Starbucks syrups are the same as Fontana syrups, they are just under a different brand name.
Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about coffee syrups and the branded Fontana bottles at Starbucks.
What Exactly Are Coffee Syrups?
Most coffee syrups come in a liquid form, are very sweet, and have flavoring additives that enhance their taste.
Coffee syrups are also sometimes called simple syrups. They are usually made by mixing one part of water with one part of sugar but Starbucks syrups have more sugar than this.
These syrups are commonly used in coffee shops and cafes. However, liquid flavoring syrups can also be implemented in cocktails or other alcoholic beverages.
Coffee syrups can be fruity, citrusy, sweet, savory, and everything in between. They dramatically enhance the flavors of hot or cold coffee, frappucinos, sparkling water, espresso beverages, baked goods, and more. These syrups most often come in bottles that can be poured or fitted with pump spouts.
Most coffee syrups are made using a simple combination of sugar, corn syrup, water, and flavoring extracts.
Some of the most popular simple syrup flavors are vanilla, strawberry, caramel, mint, and hazelnut. However, there are also flavors like toasted marshmallow, pistachio, cinnamon dulce, Irish cream, pecan, pumpkin spice, rum, amaretto, and more.
Coffee syrups can be added to coffee at any time, but are usually pumped in first before other ingredients are added. This is to ensure that the measurements are precise.
Since these syrups are so sweet and strong, they must be used with discretion. Otherwise, they could overpower a drink. With iced beverages, these syrups can be measured and poured into the blender.
What Syrup Does Starbucks Use?
Starbucks uses a house brand of syrup made by Fontana with its (Starbucks) logo printed on every bottle.
Though the bottles are specially branded for use in Starbucks franchises, they contain the same ingredients as other Fontana syrups. Fontana syrups come in a range of flavors as well.
In addition to syrups, there are also a few flavored sauce options from Fontana like caramel, dark caramel, and mocha sauces.
The main difference between Starbucks sauces and syrups is that the syrups are thinner and can be easily mixed into both hot and cold drinks while the sauces have a thicker consistency. There are also much more syrup flavors available compared to the sauces.
If you are a chocolate lover (who’s not?), check out this guide with the best Starbucks chocolate drinks.
Starbucks Syrup Flavors
Starbucks has a huge selection of syrups — there are a total of 11 syrup flavors to choose from.
In addition, there are 6 seasonal syrup flavors that are only available as seasonal offerings.
Here are the coffee syrup flavors available at Starbucks:
- Classic: Classic Starbucks/Fontana syrup is sweetened but does not contain any additional flavoring. It is used to sweeten up all kinds of liquid beverages. Basically, it’s liquid sugar.
- Vanilla: The vanilla syrup is sweet and smooth with rich vanilla nuances. Fans of sweet aromatic vanilla will enjoy the subtly sweet vanilla bean taste. Starbucks also has Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup available.
- Hazelnut: This hazelnut syrup has the nutty essence of toasted hazelnuts. It’s a great flavor for those who appreciate sweet undertones.
- Caramel: If you love Starbucks macchiato coffee drinks, then caramel flavor is for you. This is the same delicious, sugary, toasted caramel flavor that you have come to know and love from Starbucks.
- Peppermint: A refreshing syrup flavor used in popular mint drinks at Starbucks like Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino and Iced Peppermint Mocha.
- Toffee Nut: Has a warm, buttery, and nutty flavor that combines well with almost any hot or iced coffee drink.
- Raspberry: Some might find this fresh, sweet, and fruity syrup overpowering. Raspberry syrup mixes well with teas and some coffee-based drinks like the Iced Raspberry Latte.
- Cane Sugar: Made with minimally processed cane sugar it has notes of brown sugar and caramel.
- Honey Blend: Basically a combination of honey and water. Adding water makes it easier to measure than regular honey.
- Brown Sugar: Has a taste of molasses that goes well with espresso-based and tea-based drinks.
The seasonal syrups include Funnel Cake, Cinnamon Dolce, Apple Brown Sugar, Pumpkin Spice, Sugar Cookie, and Chestnut Praline. These flavors are only available during limited time periods.
In addition, some drinks combine several syrups for a unique flavor.
If you are looking for a sugar-free option, then choose the vanilla or cinnamon dolce flavor — both have a version available that is made with sucralose.
Where Can I Buy Starbucks Branded Coffee Syrups?
You can order Starbucks-branded coffee syrups on Amazon. The flavors you can find are Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Caramel. Some other flavors might also be available.
Another option is to buy the syrup when you visit a Starbucks coffee shop next time. However, they will only sell the syrups if they have enough in stock.
Final Thoughts on Starbucks Coffee Syrups
So now you know! Starbucks beverages are made using Fontana syrups.
The syrups are in a liquid form that dissolves easily so they are perfect for mixing in your order of Starbucks iced coffee drinks or any other cold beverages.
Although these syrup bottles have the Starbucks logo printed on the front, they come from the Fontana company.
You can order the same caramel, vanilla, and hazelnut Fontana syrups online to duplicate your favorite Starbucks drinks at home.
One option is to buy the bottles with the Starbucks brand from Amazon or a Starbucks coffee shop. Or, you can also use Torani Syrup for a similar effect.