1. Vanilla is a universal flavour
If you flick through the pages of any number of recipe books, it’s safe to say that they will call for vanilla. Vanilla is a universal flavour and is used to flavour almost anything from cakes, cookies, slices and desserts to drinks, sauces and even savoury meals. A recipe without vanilla simply isn’t worth the effort – it accentuates the flavour of other ingredients, pairs wonderfully with other spices or is heaven as the hero flavour in an everyday cupcake or creamy custard. It adds a warming, sweet and rounded flavour that compliments anything it’s added to. Cocoa on the other hand, will overpower your recipe and taste like nothing but chocolate!
2. Vanilla makes chocolate taste better
Did you know that vanilla makes chocolate taste better? Way back in the 15th century, the Totonac Indians of the East Coast of Mexico, founders and keepers of vanilla, used ground vanilla beans to flavour “Chocolatl”, a drink made from water, ground roasted cocoa beans and honey. More than two thousand years later, the use of vanilla in chocolate is still strong. Vanilla really enhances the flavour notes of chocolate, without which it would be dull and a little flat. Would this vanilla vs chocolate debate even exist without the use of vanilla in chocolate? Read more about the fascinating history of vanilla.
3. Vanilla means versatility
Vanilla is versatile and dynamic and can be included in every meal of the day. Vanilla for breakfast? Add a splash of Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste to your granola or porridge. Chocolate for breakfast? Not for us! Vanilla cakes, cookies and pastries – of course. Scoping out the pantry for great new flavours to add to your dinner? Vanilla has your back. Cured Honey & Vanilla Salmon is just one of our favourite recipes for adding vanilla to savoury cooking. Visit our Savoury Recipe Collection for more ideas. Lastly, dessert! Velvety ice creams and silky custards are what vanilla dreams are made of. Creamy ingredients are delicious companions for vanilla, allowing the full flavour profile to shine through.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream tops them all
Vanilla ice cream tops all other flavours, consistently ranking as the number one flavour, year after year. I scream, you scream we all scream for vanilla ice cream! Sorry chocolate, second place is where you belong.
5. Vanilla or Chocolate Magic Cake?
If you know our recipes well, chances are you’ve baked our Vanilla Custard Magic Cake. With three teaspoons of Vanilla Bean Paste and a creamy custard middle, it’s a vanilla lover’s dream. In order to give chocolate a chance, we’ve also created a Coconut Rough Magic Cake inspired by coconut rough chocolate. Which one is your favourite?
6. Vanilla as a fragrance
If we dare to move away from desserts and baking for just a moment, we’ll discover that vanilla is also extremely popular as a fragrance, body lotion and scented candle. Vanilla or chocolate scented candle? We know which one we’d rather.
7. Vanilla makes us happy
For many of us, the aroma or taste of vanilla triggers memories and emotions of our childhood. We were baking in the kitchen with Mum or Grandma when we first experienced the smell of vanilla, and are whisked back to that happy place with every whiff of our favourite ingredient. Read some of Australia’s beautiful memories of baking with Queen.
Do you have another reason why vanilla is better than chocolate? We’d love to hear it! Let us know in the comments below or visit our Vanilla Recipe Collection to fall in love with the world’s most beautiful flavour.
FAQs
A scoop or two of vanilla ice cream is the perfect way to chill off in the summer. In the heat, chocolate is just too thick and overbearing to appreciate. Vanilla is also more easily enjoyed at other times of the year, whether hot or cold, unlike chocolate, which is only enjoyed during the cooler months.
What makes vanilla better than chocolate? ›
A scoop or two of vanilla ice cream is the perfect way to chill off in the summer. In the heat, chocolate is just too thick and overbearing to appreciate. Vanilla is also more easily enjoyed at other times of the year, whether hot or cold, unlike chocolate, which is only enjoyed during the cooler months.
What makes vanilla so good? ›
Vanillin is the key characterizing compound found in natural vanilla flavor. In pure vanilla extract, it is supported by hundreds of other natural flavor compounds which add depth and complexity.
Why do we like vanilla so much? ›
Often unfairly described as simple or boring, vanilla is anything but plain. Not only is it considered to be the world's favorite flavor because of its subtle yet intoxicatingly sweet, creamy and floral notes, but the process for producing vanilla is meticulous, unforgiving and exhilarating.
Why do I love vanilla? ›
Vanillin gives off that floral, sweet, creamy scent we go nuts for. Vanilla is one of those flavors that is pretty much universally loved or accepted. Some researchers have claimed that it reminds us of breast milk. But also on the other hand, nearly everything that is a sweet tasting or smelling contains vanilla.
Is vanilla good for health? ›
Using vanilla as a sugar substitute also can reduce high blood glucose levels and help you lead a more heart-healthy lifestyle. The alcohol in vanilla extract can numb some toothache pain, while its antioxidants may provide healing effects.
Does vanilla melt faster than chocolate? ›
The chocolate ice cream melted slower than vanilla due to the cocoa powder and higher fat content. Vanilla melted the quickest because it had a lower fat content and a higher water content which causes ice cream to melt quicker.
What are three facts about vanilla? ›
Vanilla is the only edible fruit of the orchid family, the largest family of flowering plants in the world. There are over 150 varieties of vanilla plants. Just like grapes that make wine, no two vanilla beans are the same in flavor, aroma, or color. Vanilla is still the most favorite ice cream flavor in the US.
Why is vanilla special? ›
As one of the most exotic flavours in the world, the tale of vanilla is rich with history and tradition. Much like fine wine, vanilla beans vary in flavour and aroma according to their growing location, climate and how the pods are cured, making them a very special baking ingredient.
Why is vanilla so addictive? ›
According to the British Medical Journal, “vanilla is highly addictive.” The active ingredient is linked to epinephrine and norepinephrine, also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. That's funny, vanilla is often regarded as the plainest, most boring flavor, but it would seem this is far from the case.
It has active compounds that stimulate the production of serotonin, also known as the happy hormone. It can help improve mood, reduce anxiety and promote a feeling of well-being. Studies have shown that the scent of vanilla can reduce anxiety, calm the nerves and promote relaxation.
Why do girls like the smell of vanilla? ›
The smell of vanilla is believed to increase magnetism or lust, but some data shows vanilla can boost catecholamines, or adrenaline, in the blood that helps prepare the body for fight-to-fight reactions.
Does vanilla make you more attractive? ›
Vanilla is a universally popular scent that both men and women wear. There is something seductive and playful about the sweet smell. The vanilla aroma is comforting and attractive at the same time. In one study in 2017, researchers presented almost 400 participants with 66 odors at two different concentrations.
Why is vanilla better than chocolate? ›
Vanilla is a universal flavour
It adds a warming, sweet and rounded flavour that compliments anything it's added to. Cocoa on the other hand, will overpower your recipe and taste like nothing but chocolate!
Why is vanilla so comforting? ›
Vanilla's powerful aroma stimulates the brain and releases endorphins. As a result, you will feel a soothing relief and calmness.
What does liking vanilla say about you? ›
Vanilla. If vanilla is your go-to scoop, you're anything but plain. You value the elegance in simplicity, finding joy in the pure and unadulterated pleasures of life. Like the classic flavor itself, you're dependable and comforting, providing a steady hand and a warm heart in any situation.
What gives the best vanilla flavor? ›
Bourbon vanilla beans are the most popular type of vanilla, resulting from their clear and creamy flavor and the fact that Madagascar is the world's top producer of vanilla. These vanilla beans are the thinnest of the four types and also have the most flavor.
Which is more tasty vanilla or chocolate? ›
While some people swear by the rich and indulgent taste of chocolate, others find solace in the simplicity and versatility of vanilla. Both flavours have their unique characteristics and fan bases, making it difficult to determine a clear winner. Ice cream lovers are often torn between these two popular choices.
Do most people prefer vanilla or chocolate? ›
When asked to choose between chocolate and vanilla ice cream, Americans prefer vanilla over chocolate by 49% to 43%.
Why is French vanilla so much better? ›
French vanilla is a richer version of vanilla ice cream made with egg yolks. The added egg yolk gives French vanilla ice cream a more complex flavor and creamier texture. You might also hear this variety of ice cream called 'Old Fashioned' vanilla.
