It seems like maple syrup might become the new pumpkin. I've seen so many new additions this year to this simple condiment. Just last week I tried the Ghosted Maple Syrup. And I hope to get my hands on the other new maple syrup hitting shelves: organic Vermont Bourbon Barrel-aged Maple syrup. If you are looking at the title, and thinking "didn't they have that in the past?" Yes, but it wasn't organic and this has a very different label than the bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup I tried in the past. So, I guess I'll have to report back on that how they compare.
Taste and review
In the meanwhile, here is the sweet and more complex contrast to the Ghosted Maple Syrup. However, I want to check your expectations of this product.
Here you see half of a vanilla bean sitting maple syrup. In big letters is vanilla bean infused.
Upon opening this bottle, I saw those familiar black specks of vanilla bean just waiting for me.
But when I tasted it, it didn't scream vanilla. Nope, this is more subtle but very much present.
This would be a nice substitute for regular maple syrup in both baking and breakfast items if a touch of added complexity is needed. The vanilla adds more of a caramel tone to this maple syrup.
Some might scoff at the price of this. Just under $10. However, there is half a vanilla bean sitting in this jar. Buying vanilla has been incredibly expensive. A vanilla bean at my favorite spice store, Penzeys, will work out to about $6 each. So there is quite a bit of value sitting in this jar.
The maple syrup itself is good maple syrup, so feel free to switch this out with your regular maple syrup. This would absolutely work in baking or for breakfast.
Overall
Would I buy this again? I may or may not see this again before I get to the bottom of the bottle. This is seasonal, so depending on how many uses I can find for this I might pick up another bottle. This is one of those items you wished weren't seasonal.
Product photos
The bottle of Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Infused Vermont Maple Syrup:
The nutritional information and ingredients:
How Trader Joe's describes this:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Infused Vermont Maple Syrup
Product Name: Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Infused Vermont Maple Syrup
Product Description: Maple syrup with a vanilla bean in the bottle
Price: $9.99
Currency: USD
Availability: Discontinued
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Neither maple syrup nor vanilla beans are cheap and this is fairly priced
- A nice break from plain maple syrup
- The maple syrup in this bottle is quality as is the bean although there is no mention as to where the bean comes from
Cons
- Some might be disappointed that this isn't strongly vanilla. This only adds a touch of vanilla.
- At nearly $10 this isn't cheap
Alek says
U could use the bean to infuse desserts. Another bonus. Put in sugar Bowl and let it steep
becomebetty says
I love vanilla sugar! Great suggestion!
KingOfBeacon says
The whole influx of maple items this Fall confuses me. I don't really consider it a Autumn product. Shouldn't maple season be February-April when the sap is running and it's being produced?
becomebetty says
Hey KingOfBeacon! That would make sense, but this is also the time of year when they add different pancake and waffle mixes. Plus I think this is the time of year where people don't mind if the oven is on. I don't know, that is the best explanation I can come up with.
judilyn says
Reading this entry to DH, and he suggested just getting a vanilla bean and just move it from bottle to bottle, as we have several quarts on hand.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
I totally agree that it would be that easy. Just be sure to give it time and to refrigerate any opened bottle of maple syrup and you'll be in for a nice treat. Thanks so much for stopping by!
judilyn says
Maple syrup is a staple around here, and we keep opened bottles in the refrigerator. Thanks for the prompt! ;->