12 Coffee Syrup Brands, Ranked Worst To Best
We get it — there's nothing quite like buying a fancy, flavored beverage from your local coffee shop. As fun and delicious as this habit may be, it's also expensive, and sometimes you need caffeine before you leave the house. If the idea of making coffee at home seems drab, we're here to tell you that the difference between a boring cup of joe and one that feels special comes down to a straightforward addition — flavored coffee syrup.
Having a few syrups on hand will allow you to make iced coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and more that taste like a professional barista made them. Plus, you can use flavored syrups in other contexts such as in cocktails, mocktails, and even desserts. If you're anything like us, one cup a day just isn't going to cut it, so building a collection will help keep your coffee habit fun.
Just like there's a world of difference between a freshly pulled shot of hot espresso and a cup of tepid instant coffee, syrups also range widely in quality and flavor. To help you make the best choice (and the best cup of coffee) we've ranked the most popular brands of coffee syrups.
12. Narvon
Quantity doesn't always equal quality, and that certainly rings true for this brand. Narvon's syrups come in gallon-sized containers, so if you need a lot of coffee syrup, this is the brand for you. However, the flavor and texture of this brand doesn't hold a candle to other smaller-batch options.
Narvon's syrups essentially just add sweetness, and the syrups aren't particularly rich or nuanced. With only Classic Simple Syrup, Light Vanilla, and Dark Vanilla to choose from, Narvon doesn't provide much in terms of variety, either.
This syrups line is geared towards more commercial uses, so you won't find it in your local grocery store, anyway. If you do find yourself in a position where you need a gallon of coffee syrup, we recommend just making your own. All you need is sugar and water (and maybe some vanilla), and there are even no-heat, no-fuss simple syrup recipes out there.
11. Upouria
Texture is what really hurts this one's ranking. Upouria is a lot thinner than most syrups, and the watery syrup isn't what you want to add to a nice cup of coffee. This brand also doesn't have as concentrated of a flavor as other brands, so you'll have to use a lot more to make your cup of joe shine. It's by no means terrible, but it doesn't taste as elevated as its competitors.
The brand's classic and fruity lines don't offer particularly unique flavors, but we do give them points for being made with real sugar. Upouria's most interesting offering is its "Functional" line of syrups which includes flavors called "Energy", "Immune", and "Alert". With ingredients like added caffeine, they'll give your cup of coffee an extra kick. If you have a long day ahead or need to pull a college-style all-nighter, these options might be just what you need.
10. Starbucks
We can't deny it — there's something special about going to Starbucks and picking up a flavored beverage. Whether you're a die-hard pumpkin spice fanatic or you prefer classic vanilla, the flavors at Starbucks are always on point. The downside is, only a very select few of its syrup offerings are available for purchase (outside of when you order them in-house, that is).
The Starbucks line of syrups are flavorful and rich but are only sold commercially in Caramel, Vanilla, Sugar-Free Vanilla, and Hazelnut. The lack of variety coupled with the fact that the flavors it does offer can easily be found elsewhere is why we didn't rank this option higher on our list. That said, the syrups are made with natural flavors and real sugar (except, of course, for Sugar-Free Vanilla), so you can feel good about adding a pump or two to your morning coffee.
The good news is, the brand also sells a line of creamers that can make you feel like you're sipping on one of Starbucks' most popular drinks.
9. Sweetbird
Sweetbird has a few sweet things going for it. This line of syrups comes in a wide variety of flavors (more than 50 options) that range from classic to unexpected. Although plenty of its offerings are hits, there are also a few you probably don't need to add to your coffee syrup collection. Banana, for example, isn't our idea of java's ideal flavor pairing (although if you want to use it in a smoothie or add it to a spiced banana milkshake recipe, it might be perfect).
Since Sweetbird is a British company, it's not readily available in the U.S. You'll need to buy it online or make a trip overseas. We're ranking it ninth because although the brand strikes a great balance between quality and variety, it's not memorable enough to seek out over other more easily accessible options.
The brand does set itself apart from the competition by offering a line of iced tea syrups. With flavors like Cucumber Mint and Jasmine Lime, if this ranking was about iced tea, Sweetbird would certainly be closer to the top.
8. Jordan's Skinny Syrups
If you're watching your sugar or calories, Jordan's Skinny Syrups are the best way to spruce up a cup of coffee without blowing your diet. They don't taste quite as good as the real thing, but they are still a very solid option considering the nutritional profile. The brand has many, many varieties of syrups to offer, so you don't have to worry about getting bored, either.
While most brands stick to simple (even drab) flavors when it comes to providing sugar-free alternatives, Jordan's goes above and beyond with unique options like Glazed Donut, Chocolate Coconut Macaron, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Peanut Butter Cup. Classics like Mocha, Vanilla, Caramel, and Toffee are also on Jordan's sugar-free lineup if you want something a little less adventurous.
We will say, as much as we like what this brand brings to the table, you do have to be able to tolerate a slight aftertaste that comes from the lack of real sugar. If it's a tradeoff that aligns with your goals or health needs, then we encourage you to start brewing your next low-calorie cup.
7. 1883
Water is an important ingredient in most syrups, and 1883 takes the water in its products seriously. What we mean is, the brand uses water from the French Alps to craft its concoctions. We don't know if this step actually makes a difference or not, but what we do know is that the brand's emphasis on using high-quality ingredients makes for a nice line of coffee syrups.
We like that the flavor is intense, but you should keep in mind that 1883's syrups are more concentrated than some options, so there can be a learning curve involved when you're first adding them to a coffee (or cocktail).
Variety is no issue for this brand, as it boasts an impressive 99 flavors of syrup. With organic options as well as sugar-free and reduced-sugar collections, everyone can find a syrup that speaks to their coffee-loving spirit. 1883 has been around since its namesake year, which is a great testament to its overall quality.
6. Sonoma Syrup Co.
Flavored coffee (or any coffee for that matter) is a treat in and of itself. However, sometimes you want to take treating yourself to the next level — which is where Sonoma Syrup Co. comes in handy. This is a great artisan option for when you want something that feels and tastes extra luxurious.
Sonoma's syrups are pricier and harder to find than some options, but it's worth it due to the fact that all of its products boast simple, pure, high-quality ingredients. This brand offers flavors that aren't particularly adventurous, but that are consistent and delicious. We recommend reaching for a favorite you know you'll use day after day, such as caramel or vanilla. Trust us, the vanilla flavor really is a cut above other vanilla syrups on the market.
There's something to be said for simplicity, and Sonoma Syrup Co. is a perfect example of a brand that makes simple flavors shine.
5. Amoretti
Even with its wide range of flavors (including sugar-free options), this brand is best for syrup options that sound like its name. Amaretto is an Italian, almond-flavored liqueur that pairs extraordinarily well with coffee. Amoretti's syrups also fit the bill when it comes to making coffee even better — no booze required.
As we said, our favorite options from this brand are its Amaretto, Crema de Amaretto, and Sugar-Free Amoretto. These flavors will make you feel like you're enjoying your beverage in a chic outfit at a cafe in Italy rather than in your PJs at your work-from-home desk.
As much as we like Amoretti's Italian-inspired options, we're also confident you won't be disappointed by its less traditional flavors. The brand uses quality ingredients, and they also have small sizes available, which are great for gifts or for exploring new flavors without having to commit to an entire bottle. Amoretti has been around since 1989, and it has since become a reliable, go-to option for professional and home baristas alike.
4. DaVinci Gourmet
While not quite as prevalent as some big brands, DaVinci Gourmet is relatively easy to find, tasty, and comes in enough flavors to keep things interesting. They have several product lines that range from "True-to-Fruit" syrups to classic options. DaVinci's syrups are rich enough to add flavor, but not so rich that they're overwhelming. They're exactly what you'd expect from a brand that's so committed to offering a wide range of beverage-enhancing products — delicious, reliable, and varied.
Cocktails can definitely benefit from the addition of DaVinci, so picking up a few bottles of this sweet brand can work double-duty. With its "Flavour Genius Academy" for both baristas and mixologists, you can feel confident this brand is serious about making all kinds of beverages better.
Beyond focusing on flavor and education, DaVinci is serious about sustainability. The brand emphasizes reducing the environmental impact of its products by focusing on using sustainably and responsibly sourced raw materials.
3. Torani
If you think about popular coffee syrups, this brand is probably what first comes to mind — and for good reason. Torani wins the third spot because it checks all the boxes: It's easy to track down in stores, comes in a plethora of flavors, has sugar-free options, and works in almost any coffee-related context. Some flavors are better than others, but since it's such a popular brand, you can check out our ranking of Torani syrups to help you pick the best options.
The ingredients list isn't as simple as other brands, but we think there's something to be said for convenience and variety. If you look behind the counter at your favorite local coffee shop, there's a good chance you'll see a row of Torani bottles. As far as we're concerned, if it's good enough for professional baristas, it's good enough for us, too.
While we love the classic syrups Torani offers, its line of "Puremade Sauces" is even better. The sauces are thicker, more decadent, and downright delicious. With flavors like Pumpkin Pie and Cookies and Cream, you won't be stuck with standards like caramel and mocha (as is often the case when it comes to thicker add-ins).
2. Ghirardelli
As we see it, chocolate and coffee are two of the most delicious things in life. Combining the two isn't a new or noteworthy concept, but when you pair coffee with a sauce made by a legendary chocolatier like Ghirardelli, you might never want to drink coffee any other way again.
This classic chocolate brand's line of sauces is ideal if you want to add a rich, thick syrup to your coffee. Whether you prefer hot or iced, there's no better way to make a mocha. Don't expect any adventurous flavors when it comes to Ghirardelli. It offers a wonderfully succinct selection of Chocolate, White Chocolate, Sweet Ground Chocolate, Caramel, Sea Salt Caramel, and Vanilla. While we're usually big fans of variety (and even a crazy flavor combination from time to time), this brand's quality and taste more than make up for its limited selection of flavors.
The best part is, there are plenty of other ways you can make use of these incredible sauces once you've satisfied your caffeine craving for the day. Try it on ice cream, brownies, fresh fruit, or anything else that would taste better with a little added sweetness.
1. Monin
The top spot on our list goes to Monin. This brand brings home the coffee syrup trophy for several reasons. First and foremost, its syrups taste great. While some brands taste artificial and overly sweet, Monin's flavors are balanced and you really get the essence of each flavor in every cup.
Not only will you find Monin in coffee shops, but plenty of cocktail bars keep various flavors on hand for both specialty and classic cocktails. The brand's versatility is a testament to the fact that its flavors are nuanced enough that it can stand up to the sophisticated flavors of booze just as well as a sugary, whipped cream-topped frozen coffee beverage.
Many of Monin's products boast a "Clean Label" which means it's free of artificial ingredients. No matter what matters to you in a coffee syrup, Monin likely has one that will do the trick. Whether you're looking for clean ingredients, sugar-free options, inventive flavors, or classic sauces, you don't have to look further than this brand.