If you’ve ever added a flavored syrup to your coffee, cocktails, or desserts, you’ve probably used Monin or Torani at some point. These two brands dominate the syrup market, widely used in cafés, bars, and homes around the world.
But does that mean they’re the best choice for you?
Let’s break down what Monin and Torani aren’t telling you—so you can make the best decision for your kitchen, café, or coffee shop.
What is Monin?
Monin was founded in 1912 and is considered one of the leading premium syrup brands. It offers a huge variety of flavors designed for coffee, cocktails, and culinary uses.
What Monin Offers:
✔️ Classic coffee syrups (Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut)
✔️ Fruit syrups (Mango, Raspberry, Passion Fruit)
✔️ Cocktail mixers (Grenadine, Blue Curaçao, Mojito Mix)
✔️ Gourmet sauces (Chocolate, White Chocolate, Caramel)
Monin markets itself as natural and high quality, but how does it really compare?
What is Torani?
Torani was founded in 1925 and is best known for its affordable, widely available syrups used in lattes, Italian sodas, and desserts.
What Torani Offers:
✔️ Classic coffee syrups (Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut)
✔️ Fruit syrups (Raspberry, Mango, Passion Fruit)
✔️ Seasonal flavors (Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint, Gingerbread)
Torani is commonly found in grocery stores and coffee shops, making it a go-to for home baristas and cafés alike. But is it the best option?
Monin vs. Torani – Pros & Cons
✅ Where Monin Excels
✔️ Large variety of flavors (great for cafés & mixologists)
✔️ Available worldwide in cafés and online
✔️ Organic & sugar-free options available
✔️ Consistent flavoring for businesses
❌ Monin’s Drawbacks
🚫 Contains preservatives like potassium sorbate & citric acid
🚫 Higher price point than Torani
🚫 Some flavors taste artificial or overly sweet
🚫 Mainly designed for beverages, not always ideal for food applications
✅ Where Torani Excels
✔️ More affordable than Monin (budget-friendly)
✔️ Easier to find in grocery stores
✔️ 100+ flavors for coffee, cocktails & sodas
✔️ Sugar-free & Puremade options available
❌ Torani’s Drawbacks
🚫 Many flavors contain high fructose corn syrup
🚫 Uses preservatives to extend shelf life
🚫 Flavors can taste overly sweet or candy-like
🚫 Primarily designed for drinks—not ideal for all food applications
Key Differences Between Monin & Torani
💰 Monin is more expensive but positioned as a premium brand.
🏪 Torani is more affordable and widely available in grocery stores.
⚠️ Torani’s Classic line contains high fructose corn syrup, while Monin primarily uses cane sugar.
⚖️ Monin’s flavors tend to be more subtle and natural, while Torani leans sweeter and bolder.
What Monin & Torani Aren’t Telling You
❌ Both brands use preservatives and additives—even in their "natural" syrups.
❌ Torani’s Classic line contains high fructose corn syrup, which isn’t always advertised.
❌ Their syrups are primarily designed for drinks, meaning they may not be ideal for baking, cooking, or all-purpose use.
❌ They prioritize large-scale production and consistency, not small-batch craftsmanship.
Which Syrup Should You Choose?
✔️ If you need a budget-friendly, grocery-store option, Torani is a solid pick (just check the ingredients!).
✔️ If you want a slightly more premium brand with organic options, Monin might be the better choice (but it costs more!).
✔️ If you care about all-natural ingredients, no preservatives, and small-batch craftsmanship, you may want to explore alternative syrups.
Looking for a Better Alternative?
If you want an all-natural syrup with no artificial ingredients, no corn syrup, and bold, handcrafted flavors, check out our collection of small-batch syrups made with pure cane sugar.
