Forget Vanilla Extract: This Trader Joe's Syrup Makes Anything Sweeter (From Drinks To Desserts) - Tasting Table

"Despite its name, Trader Joe's website ensures that the bourbon vanilla used in the syrup doesn't actually contain bourbon. Instead, "bourbon" refers to the island from which the vanilla beans are sourced. In fact, Trader Joe's offers a bourbon vanilla bean paste that's an elevated swap for vanilla extract. But where vanilla extract or even vanilla bean paste brings a strong aromatic element to desserts, vanilla syrup is an aromatic sweetener with many different applications."

"We think it deserves a spot on the list of best new Trader Joe's items of 2025. And Trader Joe's customers couldn't agree more. One Redditor wrote, "I currently use their bourbon vanilla bean paste to make a sugar syrup. Nice that they've made it more convenient." Indeed, a vanilla syrup takes the effort out of making a flavored simple syrup from scratch, but Redditors also loved it for being a great value for the price."

"As one Redditor put it, "a little bit goes a long way," speaking to the intensity of the vanilla flavor. While the syrup is both a flavoring agent and sweetener, Reddit customers complimented how it wasn't overly sweet, with one Redditor commenting that it's "nowhere near as sweet as my usual agave." Indeed, a vanilla syrup takes the effort out of making a flavored simple syrup from scratch, but Redditors also loved it for being a great value for the price."

Trader Joe's bourbon vanilla bean syrup uses vanilla beans from the island historically called Bourbon and contains no actual bourbon. The syrup provides concentrated vanilla flavor in a ready-to-use liquid sweetener form. Reviewers praised the product's convenience, intensity of flavor, affordability, and restrained sweetness compared with agave. Suggested uses include matcha lattes, homemade cream soda, overnight oats, and as a simpler alternative to making flavored simple syrups from vanilla bean paste. A small amount delivers strong flavor, making the syrup economical for beverages and desserts.

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