"french vanilla" news and stories

With the recent announcement of Baskin-Robbins retiring 5 of its iconic flavors, including French vanilla, some of our readers asked us: "What's the difference between vanilla and French vanilla besides the yellow color?"

While both ice creams use vanilla bean to flavor the cream, the base of the ice cream is where the two differ. French vanilla ice cream has a custard base, which means egg yolks (where the yellow color comes in) are used to produce a thicker, creamier texture. Heating is also involved in a custard base. The classic vanilla ice cream has a base of cream or milk that does not need to be heated.

Related: The Perfect Ice Cream Maker, Vanilla Ice Cream Recipes

For our sweet-toothed readers, we have some bad news to report: Baskin-Robbins announced that it's shelving five of its 31 signature flavors including the classic staple French Vanilla, which was with the company since it started in 1945, Caramel Praline Cheesecake (1970), Campfire S'mores (1975), Apple Pie a La Mode (1976) and Superfudge Truffle (2007). This has happened before, but never to such magnitude.

The tragic exits, though, will make room for five brand-new flavors in honor of Baskin-Robbin's 65th anniversary and the National Ice Cream Month (July), says a Baskin-Robbin's media representative. More details to come on the new additions, which will be introduced this fall.

As for the old flavors? The final tubs have already been sent out to your local outposts, and are only available while supplies last. (Why am I picturing Seinfeld's Newman running for a big pot to fill up on the Soup Nazi's last batch? Pace yourselves.)

Then they're headed into what the company calls their "Deep Freeze," an online archive for retired flavors and those that have had a limited run.

Join our effort on Facebook -- our mission is to gather enough support to convince Baskin-Robbins that they must keep French Vanilla around! Wondering what's the difference between vanilla and French Vanilla? We've got your answer.

Need a little non-dairy addition to your coffee?