# Why is vanilla the most common flavor for yogurt? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [May 29, 2022, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315 "2022-05-29T18:39:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/61 "2022-05-31T15:58:05Z")
Look, I’m not the only one who made the comparison to ice cream. If you would prefer to drop the comparison, that’s fine with me. I don’t care, and it is irrelevant to the point, which is vanilla in sweetened dairy desserts is a common and accepted flavoring combination in American cuisine. The only reason I brought up ice cream is because **Jasmine** already brought up ice cream and didn’t want her to feel like her comparison was way out there. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/62 "2022-05-31T16:02:09Z")
Again, OK-- I’ve been corrected. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/63 "2022-05-31T16:17:03Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > Regardless of how they are “treated,” they have different flavor profiles. I think we are getting very high brow over something that, in the end, is simply a matter of personal taste. My vanilla yogurt is a dessert substitute for vanilla ice cream and, since vanilla ice cream is my favorite, vanilla yogurt is the thing for me. On the other hand, if it is “disgusting” to a given individual, then it is disgusting. I think Kayaker has a great idea. If you use plain yogurt, you can build your personal creation from scratch and get exactly what you want. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/64 "2022-05-31T16:49:56Z")
> [@Mijin](#): > > vanilla is often functionally the same as “plain”. If one really wants to appreciate the difference between “plain” and “vanilla”, I suggest one do what I did. I went to a Cold Stone creamery parlor and tried both their vanilla ice cream and their sweet cream ice cream. The latter is the Ur form of ice cream; sugar and the dairy ingredients, no other flavors. A world of difference in taste. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/65 "2022-05-31T16:55:34Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > is simply a matter of personal taste This entire thread is founded on the assumption that everything under discussion is a matter of personal taste. So this is just tautological. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/66 "2022-05-31T17:03:14Z")
So what kind of answer are you hoping for? I think the simplest answers have already been given: to most, it’s the default “plain, sweet” flavor that is most flexible and most American consumers find the taste of yogurt and vanilla palatable. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/67 "2022-05-31T17:05:16Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > I think Kayaker has a great idea. If you use plain yogurt, you can build your personal creation from scratch and get exactly what you want. This is in fact how I make my vanilla yogurt. Plus I make the yogurt from scratch. Then I have total control over ingredients and how I like it: Less sugar, more vanilla. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/68 "2022-05-31T17:05:55Z")
The Haagen-Dazs pistachio is like this: sweet cream base, and studded with pistachios. No ghastly green color. The pure flavor of the pistachios stands out in stark relief to the delicate base. Other brands seem to use almond extract and other stuff for their background flavors. Ben and Jerry’s was rated to have a good pistachio, and while it’s a nice ice cream, it tastes overwhelmingly of almonds. To check myself, I looked at the Amazon reviews and a number of the reviewers said the same: “great pistachio ice cream, if you like almonds.” ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/69 "2022-05-31T18:09:55Z")
I actually love a good quality sweet cream ice cream. I like it more than vanilla ice cream. I do love a nice rich vanilla flavor in my creme brulee, though. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/70 "2022-05-31T18:28:17Z")
Is this the vanilla yogurt degenerate confessional ? Aside from using it in smoothies … I periodically make dessert in a ‘parfait glass,’ layering (any/all of the following): - Cut strawberries - Whole blackberries - Whole raspberries - Whole blueberries - Chopped kiwi - Chopped apple - Chopped pear - Vanilla yogurt - Granola - Toasted wheat germ You can have my parfait when you can pry it from my cold, dead, vanilla-scented hands. So I’m a monster ? I’ve made peace with it. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/71 "2022-05-31T18:31:15Z")
Sigh. I’ve had too many parfaits like that. They look delicious on the shelf, but the sweetened vanilla yogurt really detracts from what could have been a fabulous treat. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2022, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/72 "2022-06-01T11:01:06Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > If one really wants to appreciate the difference between “plain” and “vanilla”, I enjoy an occasional Caucasian (aka White Russian). I use soy milk or almond milk. Plain milk with Kahlúa and vodka is great, but using the vanilla flavor version of milk makes an awful tasting atrocity. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2022, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/73 "2022-06-01T14:25:37Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I’ve had too many parfaits like that. They look delicious on the shelf, but the sweetened vanilla yogurt really detracts from what could have been a fabulous treat. Last evening, after dinner, prompted by absolutely nothing whatsoever (\), I asked my wife if she’d like a parfait for dessert. After scouring every inch of the premises to be sure that @Acsenray wasn’t lurking about, I made said parfait. While we were eating them, and watching the boob tube, a commercial for Ozempic, a diabetes medication, came on the TV. To which my Nurse Practitioner wife said, _**[sotto voce](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sotto%20voce)**_: > Just _one more_ of these parfaits … So … yeah. Moderation 🙂 But OMFG was it good. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2022, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/74 "2022-06-01T15:16:17Z")
so… you used vanilla yogurt? sigh. 😢 ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2022, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/75 "2022-06-01T15:56:23Z")
We did. And the truth is that the fruit and granola probably added more sugar than the yogurt. We used this stuff: [https://www.mountainhighyoghurt.com/products/fat-free-yoghurt-vanilla/](https://www.mountainhighyoghurt.com/products/fat-free-yoghurt-vanilla/) We probably each had about 4T of the yogurt layered in with the fruit. That seems to equate to about 6.25g of sugar (from the yogurt) for each of us – really not a lot. In total, though, it’s still a pretty sweet dessert – made worse when I drizzle Grand Marnier on it; maybe a wee bit better if I drizzle balsamic vinegar on it. We don’t eat a lot of added sugar, in general, and neither of us has problems with weight or blood sugar, so we splurge from time to time. And it _really was_ good 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2022, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/76 "2022-06-01T15:56:30Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I enjoy an occasional Caucasian (aka White Russian). I use soy milk or almond milk. > > Plain milk with Kahlúa and vodka is great, but using the vanilla flavor version of milk makes an awful tasting atrocity. I have used rice, hazelnut, coconut, oat and hemp varieties of milk-like beverages, always plain. The one accidental purchase of vanilla favor led to the bulk of the carton going straight down the drain. That stuff is atrocious _without_ spirits in it. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2022, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/77 "2022-06-01T16:09:17Z")
It’s not the total amount of sugar. It’s the balance. I like the sourness of the yogurt as a counterpart to the sweetness of the fruit. In fact, I’m fine if the fruit is sweetened a bit to accentuate that balance. The balsamic vinegar drizzle sounds nice. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2022, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/78 "2022-06-02T02:23:39Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > What’s the difference between yogurt and yoghurt? There’s no general agreement on the spelling. It seems to me that you can keep adding letters to it: yogurt yaourt yoghurt yogourt yoghourt yoghaourt curds ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2022, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/79 "2022-06-02T15:22:47Z")
And there’s also that the English apparently pronounce it like “yawgg’t” whereas in North America, we pronounce two distinct syllables with the first syllable only slightly stressed: yo-gurt. So, there seems to be a reverse economy of orthography. The fewer letters you spell it with, the more likely you’ll pronounce each letter. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2022, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315/80 "2022-06-02T16:21:42Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > So, there seems to be a reverse economy of orthography. The fewer letters you spell it with, the more likely you’ll pronounce each letter. You know the Brits, the proper name of the language they speak ie Elision. How do they pronounce “Leicester”? And then there is the whole matter of words like “ghoti”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vanilla-the-most-common-flavor-for-yogurt/965315.md?page=5)