Vegetarian Flavouring Syrup Ingredients
Vegetarian Flavouring Syrup ingredients vary widely, from those made with plant-based flavorings to those containing animal-derived substances. They fall into a gray area between vegetarian and vegan products, so many vegans tend to stay away from products containing natural flavors. This article looks at some common brands of vegetarian flavouring syrups. We'll also discuss what to look for when shopping for vegetarian flavourings.
Ingredients in Vegetarian Syrups
Vegetarian flavouring syrups are made with plant-based ingredients such as sugar, vanilla, and other essential vitamins and minerals. They are ideal for adding flavor to plant-based beverages, desserts, and cocktails. Because they are free of animal products, they are an excellent choice for people following a vegan diet. You can even use them to make tropical smoothies and other drinks without the addition of animal products. Listed below are some of the most common ingredients in vegan flavouring syrups and how to spot them.
Maple syrup: The sweetness of this vegan condiment comes from the sap of maple trees harvested during the winter months. The syrup is collected and sent to a sugarhouse to be boiled down. It is thicker than sap and is not suitable for regular consumption. Some companies make vegan maple syrup, however, so vegans can feel confident about choosing a vegetarian flavouring syrup. If you have a sweet tooth, Hershey's syrup is a great choice.
Brands that do not contain dairy
Vegetarian flavouring syrups can be used to flavor plant-based beverages, desserts, and cocktails. The flavourings are packed with the same rich flavor as dairy-based syrups, but are suitable for a vegan diet. They can even be used in tropical smoothies. These vegan-friendly syrups are available in stores year-round and are certified kosher parve.
Torani has both vegan and dairy-free varieties. The dairy-free version of its syrups contains no milk, but it's still possible to find a bottle with milk. Monin also offers zero-calorie natural flavourings and premium organic sweeteners, both of which do not contain dairy. However, the dairy-based versions of its gourmet sauces, Dark Chocolate Sauce, and Natural Frappe Bases do contain milk.
Many famous brands of ice creams and frappuccinos have vegetarian or vegan syrups. For example, Starbucks has several flavours that are not vegan and dairy-free. The brand makes drinks that are perfect for vegans, but you should be aware of how many are actually dairy-free. If you do find a vegan whip at Starbucks, it's probably better to go for a black ice cream.
Vegan maple syrups are also available. The vegan variety does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, but vegans may have trouble finding maple syrup without the added dairy. Maple syrups, for instance, are not truly vegan. Some of them contain honey or other non-vegan ingredients. A good vegan maple syrup is still available at your local grocery store. It may be hard to find dairy-free maple syrup, but it will open your palate to new tastes.
Another brand that is vegan is Nesquik. Nesquik is available in strawberry and chocolate flavours. It contains no dairy products and is made of natural flavourings. While it contains artificial colours, the team didn't mention these as ingredients. Besides being vegan, Nesquik syrups are also fortified with zinc and iron. However, zinc and iron are not vegan.
Brands that do contain dairy flavoring
Although the majority of syrups are labeled as dairy-free, some brands still use dairy-based flavouring. The DaVinci line of syrups are kosher-parve certified but don't explicitly disclaim milk in their ingredients list. It can be difficult to identify exactly what is added to these flavors, but they may contain nuts. If you're trying to stay dairy-free, you should avoid using these brands, too.
Another option is to use sugar-free versions of these flavouring syrups. Many of these syrups contain only water and sugar, making them a great choice for those following a low-carb diet. They contain zero grams of added sugar and zero calories per serving. Depending on how much you use, the sugar content in syrup may be misleading. If you're not sure how much to use, make sure to multiply the amount of syrup with the amount of drinks you'll consume.
Synergy Flavours has taken advantage of this trend by tapping into the European dairy alternatives market. The company is owned by the Irish dairy co-op Carbery Group and has launched new product lines specifically for plant-based milks. The company has seen a substantial increase in demand for plant-based alternatives as well as dairy. As a result, the company plans to increase its production of vegetarian flavouring syrups in the near future.
Another option for vegans is Hershey's. Hershey's syrup is a sweet condiment available in chocolate, strawberry, and caramel flavors. The classic finishing touch for desserts and sweets, Hershey's chocolate syrup is vegan, while the strawberry version contains skim milk. However, both flavors are not necessarily healthy, and Hershey's syrup is not a good option for regular consumption.
While Nesquik does contain no animal-derived ingredients, it does use some ingredients that should be avoided. Standard Nesquik powder is not vegan, but if you choose to buy an All-Natural variety, then you're pretty much assured of a vegan product. Nesquik syrups may have artificial colouring, but this is completely acceptable. These flavouring syrups are available in chocolate and strawberry flavours, but be careful because some have artificial colours.
As for simple syrups, simple syrup is a standard for bartenders. Using it is easy, and you can experiment with different flavouring options. Just make sure to read the label, as it will tell you how much to use per beverage, and how to blend it. Some syrups are stronger than others, so start out modestly and gradually add more. Doing so will help you avoid over-doing it.