Vanilla bean coffee is a delicious and aromatic coffee blend made with real vanilla beans. The vanilla beans infuse the coffee with their characteristic vanilla flavor and aroma, creating a uniquely sweet, smooth, and creamy coffee profile. Keep reading to learn more about vanilla bean coffee and what makes it so special.
What Are Vanilla Beans?
Vanilla beans are the fruit pods of the vanilla orchid plant. Grown in tropical climates, vanilla beans develop their signature flavor and fragrance as they are cured through a months-long process after being picked. There are a few main varieties of vanilla beans used globally:
- Bourbon vanilla – Originating from the island of Réunion, these vanilla beans have a sweet, creamy, and buttery flavor. Bourbon vanilla accounts for about 80% of vanilla production.
- Tahitian vanilla – From the tropical Tahiti islands, Tahitian vanilla has fruity, floral notes and is less sweet than Bourbon vanilla.
- Indonesian vanilla – With smoky, woody notes, Indonesian vanilla beans have the strongest aroma and flavor profile.
The vanilla beans used in vanilla bean coffee can come from any of these origins, each imparting their own unique qualities. No matter the type, vanilla beans contain over 200 compounds that synergize to create vanilla’s beloved aroma and taste.
How is Vanilla Bean Coffee Made?
There are a few main methods used to make vanilla bean coffee:
Infusing the Beans
One way is to directly infuse green (unroasted) coffee beans with vanilla. The vanilla beans are blended with the green beans, allowing the beans to absorb vanilla flavors and oils overnight. The vanilla-infused green beans are then roasted.
Infusing During Roasting
Another method is to add vanilla beans and/or vanilla bean powder directly to the coffee beans while they are being roasted. The vanilla infuses into the beans during the roasting process.
Adding Vanilla Extract
Some vanilla bean coffee blends mix vanilla extract into brewed coffee or steamed milk. While this does add vanilla flavoring, extract contains less of the aromatic compounds compared to infusing whole vanilla beans.
Blending with Vanilla Beans
Finally, some coffee roasters finely grind vanilla beans and add the vanilla powder directly to the ground coffee. This allows the vanilla to infuse when brewing.
What Does Vanilla Bean Coffee Taste Like?
The flavor and aroma profile of vanilla bean coffee includes:
- Sweet – Vanilla naturally lends a subtly sweet, almost caramel-like taste.
- Creamy – The smooth, creamy vanilla perfectly complements the coffee.
- Aromatic – You’ll immediately notice the irresistible vanilla fragrance.
- Smooth – The vanilla mellows out the coffee’s acidity for a silky smooth finish.
Overall, vanilla bean coffee is well-balanced, rich, and very enjoyable to drink. It offers something extra special compared to regular black coffee.
Different Types of Vanilla Bean Coffees
Vanilla bean coffee is available in many delicious offerings, including:
Vanilla Bean Espresso
Espresso beans infused with vanilla create a strong, sweet shot of coffee. Vanilla notes blend beautifully with espresso’s inherent richness.
Vanilla Bean Cappuccino
Cappuccinos made with vanilla bean espresso or steamed milk are an indulgent, comforting treat. The vanilla pairs wonderfully with the foamed milk.
Vanilla Bean Lattes
Vanilla lattes highlight vanilla bean flavors with espresso and steamed milk. This is one of the most popular ways to enjoy vanilla bean coffee at cafes.
Vanilla Bean Frappuccinos
Blended vanilla bean coffee drinks are perfect for warm weather. Sweetened vanilla coffee is blended with milk and ice for a cooling frappuccino-style beverage.
Vanilla Bean Iced Coffee
During summer, try refreshing iced coffee infused with vanilla over ice. The chilled vanilla coffee makes a perfect pick-me-up.
Vanilla Bean Coffee Creamer
Another easy way to enjoy vanilla coffee at home is by adding vanilla coffee creamer. The flavored creamer provides rich vanilla notes to balance black coffee’s bitterness.
Health Benefits of Vanilla Bean Coffee
In addition to its delicious taste, vanilla bean coffee offers some health benefits:
- Antioxidants – Vanilla contains antioxidants that can help neutralize damaging free radicals in your body.
- Anti-inflammatory – Compounds in vanilla have anti-inflammatory properties that may improve overall health.
- Mood booster – The aroma of vanilla can have mood-enhancing effects by triggering the release of certain neurotransmitters.
- Lower cholesterol – Early studies show vanilla may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
By adding antioxidant-rich vanilla, vanilla bean coffee provides more overall health benefits versus regular black coffee.
How to Brew Vanilla Bean Coffee
Brewing vanilla bean coffee at home is simple. Here are some tips for making great vanilla bean coffee:
- Use 25-30g of vanilla bean coffee grounds per 8 oz. of water for proper strength.
- Opt for filtered water if possible for the cleanest taste.
- Use a coffee maker, French press, or pour over method. Follow your preferred brewing method instructions.
- Bring water to 195-205°F – the ideal temperature range for extraction.
- Brew for 4-6 minutes if using a automatic drip coffee maker.
- Store any unused vanilla bean coffee grounds in an airtight container away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.
Proper water temperature and brewing time is key to achieve a smooth, well-balanced cup of vanilla bean coffee. Adjust the amounts and method to your taste preferences.
Where to Buy Vanilla Bean Coffee
You can find high-quality vanilla bean coffee at:
- Specialty coffee shops and cafes
- Online coffee retailers
- Some grocery stores and gourmet markets
- Coffee subscription delivery services
Look for vanilla bean coffee that lists whole vanilla beans or vanilla bean powder as an ingredient, not just vanilla extract. This ensures you get real vanilla flavor in your coffee.
Popular Vanilla Bean Coffee Brands
Some top coffee brands offering vanilla bean coffee products include:
| Brand | Highlighted Vanilla Bean Coffee |
|---|---|
| Peet’s Coffee | Vanilla Cinnamon Dolce Coffee |
| Starbucks | Signature Vanilla Bean Blonde Espresso |
| Blue Bottle | Vanilla Frappe Blend |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Vanilla Bean Coconutmilk Latte |
| illy | Vanilla Coffee Capsules |
| Stone Street Coffee | Vanilla Espresso Blend |
Trying vanilla bean coffee from different craft roasters lets you experience the range of flavors possible from vanilla-infused beans.
FAQs
Is vanilla bean coffee dairy free?
Yes, plain vanilla bean coffee without any added creamers or milk is completely dairy-free. Those with milk allergies or sensitivities can enjoy vanilla coffee.
Does vanilla bean coffee have sugar?
Vanilla bean coffee by itself does not contain added sugars. But popular coffee drinks like vanilla lattes are often sweetened with sugar syrups. Be sure to check whether added sweeteners are included.
Is vanilla bean coffee caffeine free?
No, vanilla bean coffee still contains caffeine like regular coffee since it is brewed from coffee beans. Only decaf vanilla bean coffee would be caffeine-free.
What is vanilla bean coffee good for?
Vanilla bean coffee provides antioxidants, essential nutrients, and other health benefits from both coffee and vanilla. It can help increase energy levels, focus, metabolism, and well-being. The vanilla also provides anti-inflammatory effects and compounds that are beneficial for heart health.
Conclusion
Vanilla bean coffee offers a deliciously indulgent and aromatic take on regular black coffee. By infusing high-quality vanilla beans or extract during the coffee making process, vanilla bean coffee delivers a well-balanced, sweet creaminess and signature vanilla fragrance in every sip. With its antioxidant power and potential health benefits, vanilla bean coffee makes for a great everyday coffee indulgence.