Monin Syrup vs Da Vinci vs Torani: what do YOU prefer?
So I've been looking for syrups to use with my Soda Stream machine, and have been waffling about what to order. Monin? Da Vinci? Torani? So many choices, so little money.
Do you have recommendations? Reviews? Thoughts? I don't want to be shelling out for bottles of syrup and finding out that it tastes awful. (I'm planning on getting the regular syrups, not the sugar free stuff.)
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25 Comments:
I see those all the time at the discount stores (Marshall's etc.) I've picked them up, but when I read the label, I can't justify the price even at a discount. I mean, it's all pretty much sugar, water and flavoring. With or without corn syrup. I'd think that buying flavor concentrates and making some simple syrup would be cheaper, no?
Or are any of them worth it? Maybe flavors that you can't find elsewhere?
dbcurrie at 2:13PM on 06/02/09
I can't speak for the others, but I know that I love Torani (especially since they came out with a peanut butter syrup). I've never had a Torani flavor (other than sugar-free) that wasn't delicious.
kfarrel3 at 2:41PM on 06/02/09
Monin all day like the weather channel
Mheusler at 2:47PM on 06/02/09
dbcurrie I was looking at Monin's stranger flavours: like Jasmine or Violet. I have no idea how I'd use that in a drink (or on shaved ice), but it looks fascinating. But thanks for the heads up re: Marshalls. I need to check that out and see if they have bottles I can play with. I just don't want to spend upwards of $8.00 plus shipping just to find that it sucks.
lorelei76 at 3:16PM on 06/02/09
@lorelei, Marshalls has them almost every time I go. Sometimes they've got a whole shelf full, and sometimes it's just one or two flavors. And I've seen a bunch of different brands, too.
They also have Sonoma Syrups pretty often. When they have that, they usually also have the Sonoma Syrups vanillas at a good price.
dbcurrie at 3:32PM on 06/02/09
I have never tried Da Vinci syrups, but I can say that I usually prefer Monin over Torani. The lime and passion fruit flavors are among my favorites. As for the aforementioned "stranger flavours," I have tried the violet (and maybe lavender too) syrups in very small amounts as a sweetener in green tea. Those were delightful! I've also been tempted to ask my neighborhood cafe to put a shot of violet syrup in my hot chocolate. I haven't decided yet whether or not that's a terrible idea.
plaurel at 4:16PM on 06/02/09
Funny thing I just talked with Torani on the phone last month. They sell a "simple syrup" called cane syrup that I like to use making coffee and tea drinks and on cakes and pastries. If you call them they will send you 2 free samples. In my case I got whole bottles. I have heard some people got small bottles. Either way its free and its samples. I buy most of my syrups at the Restaurant Store near me. They carry a lot of brands averaging about 4 bucks and change per bottle. I also buy the splenda syrup for the sugar conscious. Huge selection.
Call Torani http://www.torani.com/
I also have Monin and DiVinci of the same flavors and all are about the same to me, however Torani is thicker than the other two.
JerzeeTomato at 4:39PM on 06/02/09
I don't mean to high jack your post, but all this talk about fruity (or not so fruity) soda has me imagining all the syrups you could make in the summer. I am thinking watermelon, strawberry, blueberry, any kind of berry.....peach, cherry, mmmmm. All carbonated to yummy refreshingness! I need a soda steam NOW.
Sweetie at 5:22PM on 06/02/09
I meant Soda Stream (soda steam doesn't sound very refreshing).
Sweetie at 5:24PM on 06/02/09
I like either. Before you order you might want to check out a local restaurant supply store. Mine has a whole aisle of beverage stuff including several shelves of different types of syrups. It might be cheaper than ordering online/shipping.
gingercookiewithlime at 5:33PM on 06/02/09
@Jerzee, is there any difference, besides convenience, between the Torani simple syrup and one you could make at home?
dbcurrie at 6:31PM on 06/02/09
To my tongue, the Monin syrups taste "truer" - I love 'em.
BangieB at 7:48PM on 06/02/09
I've never used any of these, but I see them all the time in Walmart super centers grocery departments. No need to order online and pay shpping fees.
dmcavanagh at 7:50PM on 06/02/09
I used to use the sugar free kind in coffee and oatmeal when dieting but just don't really like any of them. But I tried. It's the sort of thing where you take one bite or sip and then thing "vanilla," and then take another and say "oh, this is awful, plastic."
HeartofGlass at 8:07PM on 06/02/09
@Sweetie, I can't quite picture what a soda steam might do, but I'm pretty sure Vince would be selling it on late night TV.
dbcurrie at 8:59PM on 06/02/09
I really like Torani's Chocolate-Mint, and Orgeat syrups. That said I've never tried them in comparison with another brand's version. I know my favorite higher-end coffe shop uses almost exclusively Monin.
MaresyDotes at 12:10AM on 06/03/09
I prefer syrups by Teisseire who is leader in France (Monin is just behing Teisseire on the French market). Teisseire syrups contain no artificial colors and no preservatives. People love them, especially kids. There are many ways to use Teisseire syrups. You can simply add water (1 bottle makes 5 quarts of cold drinks. Or you can use Teisseire syrup to flavor tea, pastries, and ice cream. My favorite flavor is Mint syrup that I use on top of chocolate ice cream! You can get Teisseire syrups online here:
Teisseire Syrups
charlette at 9:48AM on 06/03/09
DaVinci syrups are crap. They have very little flavor relative to the sweetness. I used to really enjoy Torani's blackberry and orgeat flavors for sodas.
sobriquet at 10:13AM on 06/03/09
@dbcurrie, I believe a true cane syrup is a simple syrup that starts from cane juice instead of crystallized sugar. Ive tried a bunch over the years looking for my favorite to use when I make Ti Punch, and for what its worth I found the Monin brand cane syrup to be one of the least flavorful.
I actually use extracts from my local spice shop to flavor my Soda Steam carbonated water, I tend to stick to the citrus flavors with orange being my go to.
LittletonMike at 12:03PM on 06/03/09
sobriquet : thank you - I wasn't familiar with the brand at all (the coffee shops I frequent use torani or Monin).
Will definitely hit Marshalls this weekend to see if I can find some bottles I can play with. it looks loke Monin is the way to go. Thanks, Serious Eaters, for your input!
lorelei76 at 1:12PM on 06/03/09
@Jerzee . . . I called Torani as per your suggestion and asked about the free sample and their response was something like "Huh???" . I called the number on their website under the Contact Us area. How did you happen to get the samples? Is there someone in particular I should speak with? Thanks Jerzee!
gourmetgal at 2:32PM on 06/03/09
I owned 2 coffee houses. Here is my take on it.
DaVinci is trash. Next?
Monin is good stuff, but the problem with monin is that it has so many natural ingredients that the shelf life isnt all that spectacular and got mold quickly and would create a scum when steaming with milk. Gross. Gross. Gross.
My personal fave was Torani. Yes, I am very well aware that they are filled with preservative, however, the flavors are consistant as well as having a huge selection.
My advice to you is to find your local coffee supplier. They more than likely carry 30 or 40 flavors for about $4.50 a bottle. Do your self a favor and get bar pourers....so much easier than a bottle of sticky syrup to clean up!
ChelleyD01 at 3:28PM on 06/03/09
ChelleyD01 I don't mind Monin's low shelf life - I'll end up keeping them in the fridge anyway.
Thanks for the advice to seek out a local coffee supplier. Genius. Thank you!
lorelei76 at 5:53PM on 06/03/09
I called Torani and asked where there was a vendor I could drive to.
When told it was over 50 miles away the sales rep said let me send you 2 samples and I said oh thank you. I got 2 full size bottles.
Mr Tomato is off refined sugar and uses the pure cane syrup in his coffee which saves me the trouble of cleaning sugar off the counters. Now its just ground coffee LOL. We used to use Sugar Shots but it seems after near 3 years Sugar Shots has gone bust. I cannot find it anywhere.
JerzeeTomato at 3:15AM on 06/04/09
JerzeeTomato, that's awesome. I'll definitely give them a call too.
lorelei76 at 1:28PM on 06/04/09