12 Coffee Syrup Brands, Ranked Worst To Best
Making your own coffee at home is not only a great way to save money, but it's also a wonderful way to ensure your morning caffeine kick is exactly how you like it. You get to control the type of beans that you use, how you brew them, what type of creamer or milk you put in, and if you want to go the extra mile — add in some coffee syrup.
Now, coffee syrup has been around since at least the 1930s, if not a bit earlier, stemming from the culinary traditions Italian immigrants introduced after settling in Rhode Island. However, it wasn't until more recently — around 2020, amid the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic — that it became commonplace to stock the stuff at home, as delicious homemade coffee drinks took the internet by storm. You could certainly make coffee syrup from scratch. But with so many brands out on the market, it's hard to tell which type of store-bought coffee syrup is actually barista-level good, and which will end up ruining your coffee experience. From low-calorie or low-sugar options, interesting flavors, and bottles that have ornate and beautiful designs — we're here to tell you which of those are actually worth spending your money on.
To rank the coffee syrups, we searched the internet high and low for true and honest reviews of different brands. We want to be clear that the "worst" on our list are not actually bad syrups; however, they are ranked based off the balance between good and bad reviews, as well as the severity of the more negative ones.
12. Sonoma Syrup Co.
Sonoma Syrup Co. was founded in 2002 and was inspired by the care and craftsmanship of the wine in California's wine country. The syrups are made in small batches, derived from pure cane sugar, and contain all-natural ingredients. The bottles could almost be mistaken for a bottle of wine, as well, which gives them a bit of an elegant flair.
Many Amazon users seem to love Sonoma Syrup Co.'s products and share a good amount of positive reviews for the coffee syrups. Tons of folks express appreciation for the use of high-quality ingredients and zero fillers, a delicious taste in certain flavors, and the perfect amount of sweetness. Some even compare the vanilla bean flavor to popular brands like Torani, saying that Sonoma's version of this syrup has a more natural and genuine taste. However, others note their disappointment in the apparent inconsistency of the syrups. Customers who tend to order the same flavors over and over claim the color of the syrup varies from order to order. When comparing bottle to bottle, they've also found that the strength of the flavor may not always be the same.
Overall, when a Sonoma coffee syrup is at its best, customers are pleased with the product. However, consistency is important, and if it's not guaranteed that you'll get the same quality bottle you've had before, you should be aware that it's a possibility.
11. Daysie
Daysie is a fairly new coffee syrup company, founded in 2022. The branding is representative of the times, with modern and trendy advertising that definitely draws in a younger crowd. With just four flavors offered, as of this writing — coconut almond, salted caramel, Madagascar vanilla, and pumpkin spice — each syrup is made organically with natural ingredients and zero preservatives.
The ratings for Daysie on Amazon are fairly high; however, there aren't thousands of reviews like some of the other coffee syrup brands on this list have, perhaps due to its shorter tenure. Overall, customers share their enjoyment of the simple, organic ingredients, the tastiness of each flavor, and the versatility that the flavors offer. While some people report that they felt like the four flavors were enough to have in their kitchen, we do think that the brand would arguably have many more customers if it boasted a wider variety of flavors. Luckily, since the company is still fairly new, there's always a chance that it'll expand.
That said, the more negative reviews discuss issues some folks have with the higher prices and small bottle sizes. A trio of 6.75-ounce bottles, for example, goes for $45. Meanwhile, others express that the syrups are too sweet, in their opinion, which have made them not enjoy the flavors as much.
10. 1883
1883 is a French brand that boasts over 120 flavors of coffee syrups — and this company takes its flavor design very seriously. The process of creating new flavors at 1883's Drink Design Center includes a team of experts, including a master syrup maker. But this effort has earned a mixture of Amazon ratings, typically above three or four stars.
Positively, most reviewers enjoy how flavorful and accurate they've found the coffee syrups to be. One customer describes the toffee crunch syrup in particular as a unique flavor experience, adding a delicious smell and rich taste to their espresso drink. For the handful of sugar-free flavors offered, some fans say there's an absence of any sort of bad aftertaste, which can commonly be found in sugar-free alternatives.
Negatively, however, one person shares that the sugar-free caramel, hazelnut, and vanilla syrups were flavorless on Reddit. Others think that 1883's coffee syrups line generally leaves behind an odd taste, alters their coffee in a negative way, or just plainly tastes bad. One reviewer, who gives that same toffee crunch syrup one star, even wittily shares, "Tastes like it was manufactured in 1883." Still, even though there are some negative options about this coffee syrup brand, the good still outweighs the bad.
9. Pink House Alchemy
Founded in 2013 in Arkansas, Pink House Alchemy offers 19 syrup flavors, as of this writing, ranging from simple syrup and ginger to Mexican chile and sarsaparilla. The packaging is incredibly unique, especially in the world of coffee syrups, with cylindrical glass bottles that are covered with a label that's reminiscent of an old apothecary. The design is simple and features a sketch of said house with the logo and flavor name.
Made from all-natural, locally sourced ingredients, the Amazon ratings for Pink House Alchemy's syrups are in the four-star range, with the vanilla bean bottle among the most popular. One expert user shares their praise, writing, "I used to be a barista and we ONLY used pink house alchemy because of the quality and flavor variations. If you buy high quality coffee you may as well buy high quality syrup." Many other people agree, commenting that the syrups are delicious. In particular, there are many mentions of the cardamom-flavored syrup, which overall seems to impress with its high-quality flavor.
On the negative side, quite a few reviewers think the vanilla bean flavor isn't strong enough. Instead, it apparently has too much of a sugary palate versus a more classic vanilla flavor.
8. Amoretti
Amoretti sells both premium and gourmet syrups, with the latter being more concentrated and a bit sweeter than the premium syrups. The premium line also contains several sugar-free syrups that are sweetened with sucralose. Amongst the two types, there are currently over 180 different syrup flavors to choose from.
There are many different listings of Amoretti flavors on Amazon, and one of the most popular is a pack that sells three classic flavors of the premium syrups: French vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut. With an overwhelming number of positive reviews, one common thing that people mention is the fact that these syrups tend to have a rich and complex flavor profile that isn't too sweet, but just sweet enough. This syrup is also thicker than other brands, allowing for a range of versatility that goes beyond just coffee. Customers can use the syrups as a sort of drizzle, as well while baking or making cocktails. Many reviewers share this aspect in a positive light; however, on the opposite side of the spectrum, some consider this thickness to be a negative.
All in all, if you prefer a thinner syrup, the Amoretti coffee syrup brand probably isn't for you. But if you want something that feels more substantial and could be used for many different things, it could be a great option.
7. Holy Kakow
Holy Kakow is a small business that makes premium coffee syrups along with chocolate sauces. There are around 30 flavors available — such as vanilla, hazelnut, and cardamom — and are all made with organic sugar, which is derived from molasses and provides a rich and complex flavor in the syrups.
Customers on Amazon generally express their satisfaction with the amount of delicious flavor that the syrup can hold while not using any artificial sweeteners or harmful ingredients. One longtime customer, Brendan Price, shares his experience of using Holy Kakow with Tasting Table. "This syrup is incredibly rich in flavor and doesn't have an overly sweet aspect that overtakes the flavor," he says. "Everything tastes pretty natural and authentic, bringing forward the real flavor that tastes great in a cup of coffee."
There aren't many negative reviews about the syrup quality itself; however, many customers aren't pleased with the brand's packaging, with some receiving shipments with broken caps, leading to the syrup to pour out all over. Others report a shorter shelf life for the product, with some folks even claiming to see mold growing inside the bottle after six months, before the expiration date.
6. Starbucks
Many people have arguably discovered their love of flavored coffee through Starbucks — one of the pioneers for creating interestingly flavored caffeinated concoctions at its thousands of locations globally. Luckily, you're able to buy Starbucks coffee syrups in stores, as well, including some of our favorites: caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, macadamia, and Irish cream. Understandably, lots of Starbucks lovers like to take advantage of this money-saving alternative.
Most of these coffee syrups receive high marks on Amazon, almost close to five stars across the board — and folks tend to enjoy this brand because it allows at-home baristas to recreate some of their beloved Starbucks drinks at home. In a review for the vanilla syrup, for example, with which they could make vanilla sweet cream cold brews in their home kitchen, one customer shares, "I, like everyone else, got sick of paying $5 everyday for coffee when I could easily be doing it at home. This syrup is the most authentic tasting Starbucks product I've ever had."
That said, there are some coffee enjoyers out there who don't particularly like the taste of these Starbucks syrups, claiming that they either don't taste authentically like the in-store beverages, are watery, or have less flavor than expected. Overall, however, the positive reviews outweigh the negative.
5. DaVinci Gourmet
DaVinci Gourmet coffee syrups are made with natural flavors and extracts, and the company prides itself on making a product with the highest-quality ingredients. Looking at the ingredients, we can see that these claims are fairly true. The vanilla syrup, for example, is made with sucrose syrup from pure cane sugar, water, preservatives, and flavoring from premium grade vanilla pods.
This brand's coffee syrups are sold in varieties of either glass or plastic bottles, and all are aesthetically pleasing. The brand logo is embossed onto the top of the bottle, creating an elegant and upscale look. The ratings on Amazon tend to be high, with each flavor — such as the French vanilla, cherry, lavender, and chai tea concentrate — holding strong at above four stars. Customers comment time and time again on the high-quality taste that these syrups offer, describing these products as slightly sweet, but more so used for a flavoring versus a sweetener.
Many coffee lovers on Reddit have discussed where DaVinci Gourmet ranks in relation to other popular syrups, and it actually fell short amongst a group vote that included other brands on this list, like Monin, Torani, and 1883. One Redditor shares that, in their experience, the caramel syrup doesn't mix nicely into their espresso, causing a strange bubbly consistency. However, the few negative reviews that the brand has received on Amazon share disappointment in mainly one flavor — the pumpkin pie — with customers saying that it simply doesn't taste how that autumnal flavor should.
4. Jordan's Skinny Mixes
Jordan's Skinny Mixes sells sugar-free coffee syrups that also have zero calories and zero carbohydrates. Today, there are over 50 different flavors offered, ranging from vanilla and salted caramel to peanut butter cup and glazed donut. This brand also releases new lines every now and then, such as its desserts collection, which we felt was a deliciously sweet option for folks who prefer sugar-free additions to their coffee.
As you might imagine, then, this is an incredibly popular coffee syrup brand on Amazon, with well over 150,000 reviews that are overwhelmingly four stars and above. Some best-selling favorites include that classic sugar-free vanilla, as well as seasonal items like pumpkin caramel and white chocolate mocha. Many customers comment that this brand's coffee syrups generally aren't thick like other brands, so you barely notice it in your coffee. Others say that the syrup flavors the coffee perfectly, without having the added sugar. As for the more negative reviews, some people claim that the sweetness doesn't have a sugary taste, but more so an artificial taste (now, to be fair, most of these syrups are indeed sweetened with sucralose, which is an artificial sweetener).
Most of Jordan's Skinny Mixes coffee syrups cost less than $10. But with so many different flavor options available, we definitely recommend that you check the reviews if you are trying a more interesting, less classic bottle.
3. Upouria
Upouria aims for its customers to feel empowered to make their coffee just the way they like it, right at home. The company has about 17 classic flavors — such as French vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, mocha, and Irish creme — along with a dozen other variations, like sugar-free and functional health options (the immune syrup, for example, is boosted with vitamins and minerals). The bottles are normally sold with a pump, which many at-home baristas love, since it helps to measure out the amount of syrup in a simple and accurate way.
There isn't too much chatter about Upouria around the internet. However, we did find that the Amazon reviews are positive, with thousands of ratings. There are many reviewers who note that these coffee syrups aren't incredibly sweet. Some people see that as a positive, while others view it as a negative. It looks like this is a great brand for someone who wants more actual flavoring and less of a sweet addition.
Still, many of the negative reviews share issues with the bottle itself, not the flavoring of the syrup they purchased. Some customers have received broken pumps or no pump at all, which would definitely be a disappointment. While that may be something to keep in mind, the general consensus on the actual taste of this coffee syrup brand's products is positive.
2. Torani
Torani is one of the most common coffee syrup brands available in grocery stores, and its products are also often used by baristas to make specialty coffees. The story of Torani dates back all the way to 1925 in San Francisco, when the founders created flavored syrups with recipes from Italy. In 1982, the classic vanilla flavor was born, and today, Torani sells both sugar-free and regular coffee syrups. While there are well over a hundred flavors available, vanilla remains among the most popular and commonly used.
Overall, Torani has received some of the highest ratings we've seen for coffee syrups on Amazon. Among thousands of reviews on multiple flavor listings, and with this incredibly positive feedback, customers say that not a lot of this syrup is needed to add great flavor to coffee, and that the bottles offer a consistently great taste. Others also note that the consistency is great, as it's not too thick, allowing the syrup to seamlessly blend into hot or cold coffees alike.
Redditors have similarly gushed about their favorite flavors, ranging from the classics to the likes of lavender, tiramisu, and toasted black sesame. Reviews over at Target hold the same merit. For example, customers comment that the sugar-free hazelnut barely tastes sugar-free, lacking that unenjoyable artificial taste you might expect.
1. Monin
Since its founding in France back in 1912 by Georges Monin, who wanted to create rich flavors for drinks, Monin has mostly specialized in syrups since 1945. It's also opened headquarters in many major cities throughout the world. The bottles that its coffee syrups are sold in give off a very classic style, almost resembling a vintage liquor bottle. The fonts and design used also create the illusion that the product is upscale and fancy.
Many Amazon customers express their appreciation for the syrups' clean taste. Any sense of artificial sweetness or flavoring isn't present — even in the sugar-free products — with reviewers noting that they're all delicious and have a strong, concentrated taste. An overwhelming number of people have even shared that Monin is their favorite coffee syrup brand out of all the companies on the market. Users on Reddit tend to agree. While some customers gush about the caramel, cinnamon bun, hazelnut, maple spice, salted caramel, and toasted marshmallow flavors, one person expresses that the vanilla has a floral flavor that can't be compared to other top brands, like Torani. Furthermore, one European customer reports that Monin is used by most cafes — which makes sense, considering its origins.
Monin can admittedly be a bit more expensive than some other coffee syrup brands. But most customers seem to be okay with the price difference due to the quality.
Methodology
For this ranking, we used the power of the internet to find out what customers truly think of each coffee syrup brand. We took a look at Amazon reviews, as well as those from other stores like Target and Walmart, TikTok, and Reddit. After reading through the reviews thoroughly and finding both the positive and negative aspects of each brand, we were able to bring together this comprehensive list.