Starbucks released its toffee nut syrup in the fall of 2006 as a seasonal item, and it has been a hit thanks to its warm, nutty flavor.
So what is it, and what can you add it to? We have all the facts behind Starbucks' toffee nut syrup down below.
What Is Toffee Nut? (Starbucks Syrup Overview)
1. Appearance
Starbucks’ iconic toffee nut flavor syrup has a lovely clear golden hue. It is thicker and more viscous than most standard syrups but is not as thick as the caramel drizzle.
Some brands may have slightly different coloring or consistency depending on the ingredients and cooking process, but most keep this golden clear hue.
2. Ingredients
A basic syrup consists of sugar and water heated together for a short time. At its most basic, the toffee nut flavoring can be made with butter, milk, sugar, and roasted nuts.
The most common nut flavors found in toffee nut syrup include almonds, hazelnut, and macadamia nuts.
For Starbucks’ syrup, there are various artificial or processed elements to help improve the syrup's shelf life.
This is a positive for nut allergy sufferers as there are no real nuts, making it a good option for those allergic to peanuts or tree nuts.
3. Taste
What flavor is toffee nut? In terms of syrups, the toffee nut tastes like a comforting combination of roasted nuts and toffee.
A toffee nut drink has a buttery rich nutty flavor similar to caramel but less sweet.
Toffee is a more intense flavor than plain butterscotch but is similar - toffee is what happens when you continue to cook butterscotch, so that makes sense.
It is possible to enjoy toffee nut comfort drinks year-round, but some special drinks are advertised around the holidays.
It is important to note that not all toffee nut flavors are the same brand to brand. This comes down to whether the brand is aiming for a toffee nut vs hazelnut vs macadamia nutty flavor.
4. Pairings
Toffee nut-flavored syrup has a distinct flavor profile that is incredibly versatile. It can work with hot and cold drinks as well as with desserts for a sweet flavor anytime.
At Starbucks, you will often see people use it in combination with various milk-based drinks, including hot chocolate, mocha, latte, and frappuccinos.
As for desserts, toffee nut syrup can add a unique flavor to apple pie, cinnamon-based desserts, ice cream, pecan pie, and nut puddings, among other treats.
Most people tend to avoid adding a toffee nut taste to tea or matcha drinks, but that combination may appeal to some.
Popular Toffee Nut Beverages From Starbucks
Toffee Nut Latte
The iconic toffee nut latte with a toasty caramel flavor is created by combining two shots of espresso, steamed milk, one ounce of toffee nut syrup, whipped cream, and toffee nut sprinkles.[1]
It is often available during the holidays, but you can request those ingredients together with other toppings year-round.
Toffee Nut White Mocha
A toffee nut white mocha is typically made using half an ounce of white mocha syrup, half an ounce of toffee nut syrup, two espresso shots, steamed milk, and whipped cream.[2]
It can be topped with nuts or other toppings like caramel sauce or dark chocolate powder if you prefer.
Salted Caramel Frappuccino
The salted caramel mocha frappuccino is our first iced drink on this list. It is created using two shots of toffee nut syrup, two pumps of mocha sauce, milk, and ice.[3]
The barista then tops it with whipped cream, caramel syrup, and sea salt flakes for a delicious iced coffee.
This is perfect for when you want a salted caramel mocha but it is too hot outside.
Nutter Butter Frappuccino
Alongside what is available at Starbucks, you can try to make different beverages, or secret menu items, by combining unique flavors. Our go-to secret menu drink is the nutter butter frappuccino.
You can make this by requesting a mocha frappuccino made with soy milk.[4]
Make sure to ask the barista to mix in two pumps of toffee nut syrup before adding the whipped cream and mocha sauce.
Toffee Nut Syrup At Home
Where To Buy
If you get a craving for a toffee nut drink, the easiest way is to head into Starbucks or another coffee shop and order one.
Depending on the time of year, you may be able to find a delicious exclusive seasonal drink to enjoy.
If you want to take the toffee nut flavoring home with you, try checking out your local grocery stores - toffee nut syrups are often located in the hot drinks or baking aisles for your convenience.
Many grocery stores tend to sell Monin or Starbucks-branded toffee nut syrups, which will taste different.[5]
These nut syrups may also be called different things, like toffee hazelnut or toffee almond, as they use different ingredients.
If you want a specific brand, try searching online or on the brand online shop to order one straight to your home. This way, you can make seasonal drinks year-round without leaving home.
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How To Use
It is all too easy to add a toffee nut flavor to any drink - adding a pump or two before adding the whipped cream is usually enough for most standard-sized cups.
Most people tend to add a toffee nut syrup shot to vanilla lattes, hot chocolate, coffees, and other milk-based drinks.
You can also add it to desserts by either drizzling the syrup on top or adding it as a sweetener during the assembly process.
DIY Toffee Nut Syrup
If you are having a hard time getting a hold of toffee nut syrup in-store and online, you can try to mix hazelnut or pecan syrups with toffee syrup for a DIY alternative.
This may take a little experimentation to get the balance right, but it does open the door to other experimental combinations at home.
Frequently Asked Toffee Nut Syrup Questions
Does Starbucks toffee nut have nuts?
The big question for allergy sufferers is, does toffee nut syrup have nuts? Starbucks' toffee syrup does not currently have nuts, but other brands may contain nuts.
If you are unsure, check with your barista or read the product label for specific details.
Is Toffee Nut only a seasonal flavor?
The toffee nut syrup itself is often available throughout the year but certain seasonal drinks are only available during the holidays, such as the toffee nut latte.
Check with your local cafe if you are unsure of the syrup’s availability.
Are English toffee and toffee nut the same thing?
English toffee is a sweet, brittle candy made with slow-cooked sugar and butter. Toffee nut is a toffee syrup with roasted nut flavoring.
What can I use instead of Toffee Nut syrup?
You can use any syrup you want as an alternative if the toffee nut flavor is not for you.
If you want to DIY a toffee nut alternative, try mixing hazelnut, almond, or macadamia syrup with caramel or toffee syrup into your drink.
Conclusion
In the world of syrups, toffee nut-flavored syrup tastes like a delicious mix of comforting toffee and roasted nuts.
People around the world love to enjoy toffee nut by adding a few pumps to their drinks for a seasonal kick.
If you are curious about this delicious syrup, have fun and experiment on your next grocery or coffee run.
References:
1. https://www.starbucks.co.uk/menu/product/11027817
2. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/420/hot
3. https://www.starbucks.co.uk/menu/product/2826
4. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/426/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Ffrappuccino-blended-beverages%2Fcoffee-frappuccino
5. https://www.monin.com/us/toffee-nut-syrup
