If you are a fan of Starbucks, you may have noticed that some of their drinks contain an ingredient called vanilla bean powder. This is a powder that comes from processed and dried whole vanilla beans. It adds a sweet and rich vanilla flavor to your favorite beverages, such as lattes, frappuccinos, and creme drinks. In this blog post, we will explore what Starbucks vanilla bean powder is, how it is made, what drinks contain it, and how you can make your own at home.
Contents
What Is Starbucks Vanilla Bean Powder Made Of?
Starbucks vanilla bean powder is made of three ingredients: natural flavor, sugar, and vanilla bean pieces. The natural flavor is derived from vanilla extract, which is a liquid that contains the essence of vanilla beans. The sugar is a type of carbohydrate called maltodextrin, which is commonly used as a sweetener and a thickener in food products. The vanilla bean pieces are small black flakes that come from dried and crushed vanilla beans. They give the powder its distinctive appearance and texture.
A scoop of Starbucks vanilla bean powder contains 20 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and no fat or protein. It also does not contain any caffeine or dairy products, making it suitable for vegans and people who are sensitive to these ingredients.
What Drinks Contain Starbucks Vanilla Bean Powder?
Starbucks offers a variety of drinks that contain vanilla bean powder. Some of them are:
- Vanilla Creme: This is a hot drink that consists of steamed milk, vanilla bean powder, and whipped cream. It is a simple and comforting drink that has a creamy and smooth texture.
- Ice Blonde Vanilla Latte: This is a cold drink that consists of ice, blonde espresso, vanilla bean powder, and milk of your choice. It is a refreshing and energizing drink that has a light and sweet flavor.
- Cafe Vanilla Frappuccino: This is a blended drink that consists of ice, coffee, milk, vanilla bean powder, coffee frappuccino syrup, and whipped cream. It is a decadent and indulgent drink that has a rich and frosty flavor.
- Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso: This is a cold drink that consists of ice, blonde espresso, oatmilk, vanilla bean powder, brown sugar syrup, and cinnamon dolce topping. It is a delicious and satisfying drink that has a nutty and spicy flavor.
- Vanilla Bean Coconut Latte: This is a hot drink that consists of steamed coconut milk, vanilla bean powder, and espresso. It is a flavorful and exotic drink that has a tropical and aromatic flavor.
These are just some examples of the drinks that you can order with vanilla bean powder at Starbucks. You can also customize your own drink by adding this powder to any beverage that you like. For instance, you can add it to hot chocolate, chai tea latte, or caramel macchiato for an extra boost of vanilla flavor.
How to Make Your Own Starbucks Vanilla Bean Powder at Home
If you love Starbucks vanilla bean powder but want to save some money or make it more natural, you can try making your own at home. All you need are some powdered sugar and some whole vanilla beans. Here are the steps to follow:
- Measure out one cup of powdered sugar and place it in a blender or food processor.
- Cut two whole vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a knife or spoon. These are also known as the caviar of the vanilla beans.
- Add the seeds to the blender or food processor along with the powdered sugar.
- Blend or process the mixture on low speed for about 30 seconds or until it is well combined and smooth.
- Transfer the homemade vanilla bean powder to an airtight container and store it in a cool and dry place.
You can use this homemade vanilla bean powder in the same way as the Starbucks one. You can add it to your coffee, tea, smoothies, baked goods, or any other recipe that calls for vanilla flavor. You can also adjust the amount of sugar or vanilla beans according to your taste preference.
Conclusion
Starbucks vanilla bean powder is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can enhance your drinks with a sweet and rich vanilla flavor. It is made of natural flavor, sugar, and vanilla bean pieces. It does not contain any caffeine or dairy products. You can find it in many Starbucks drinks or make your own at home with powdered sugar and whole vanilla beans. If you are looking for a way to spice up your beverages with some extra vanilla goodness, give Starbucks vanilla bean powder a try.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Starbucks vanilla bean powder:
- Is Starbucks vanilla bean powder gluten-free?
- Yes, Starbucks vanilla bean powder does not contain any gluten ingredients.
- Is Starbucks vanilla bean powder keto-friendly?
- No, Starbucks vanilla bean powder is not keto-friendly. It contains 5 grams of carbohydrates per scoop, which can add up quickly if you use more than one scoop.
- How much Starbucks vanilla bean powder should I use in my drink?
- The amount of Starbucks vanilla bean powder that you should use in your drink depends on your personal taste and the size of your drink. A general guideline is to use one scoop for a tall drink, two scoops for a grande drink, and three scoops for a venti drink. You can also ask the barista to adjust the amount according to your preference.