People use the expression “that is so vanilla” to describe something that is plain, generally as an insult. But it’s not insulting at all.
Rather, saying something is the most classic, fundamental flavor only proves the popularity and universal acceptance of that thing as the best. The flavor vanilla is stable and can be used in an extremely wide range of foods, not to mention that it’s delicious.
America loves vanilla, despite how loud the voice of the chocolate enthusiasts may seem.
The two most popular flavors of ice cream are, and rightly ought to be, vanilla and chocolate. According to a 2017 survey conducted by the International Dairy Foods Association, vanilla is America’s favorite.
The typical critique by chocolate lovers is that vanilla is ordinary and flavorless. The fact that vanilla is white, however, doesn’t mean it’s plain. Although vanilla ice cream can resemble plain ice cream in its appearance, that doesn’t affect its taste at all. Vanilla is, in fact, a flavor. Vanilla yogurt tastes very different from plain yogurt.
When one wants to make his pie a little sweeter, he adds a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or if one wants to make his smoothie a little thicker, he adds vanilla yogurt. The flavor’s timelessness and ability to pair with other foods is unrivaled, particularly by the overbearing flavor of chocolate ice cream.
Vanilla goes well with so many things because its foundational yet tasty makeup helps it stand out as incredibly versatile. No other flavor can be combined quite the same. Root beer floats and banana splits both begin with the same flavor of ice cream: vanilla. Its universal appeal is that of nothing else.
People eat vanilla at all times of the day, too. In the morning, a vanilla latte is an essential part of many people’s morning routines. At lunch, a vanilla yogurt parfait is a healthy dose of calcium and digestive-aiding bacteria. And at dinner time, people can enjoy ice cream, cake, and pretty much any other dessert in the flavor of vanilla.
And it isn’t only taste buds that vanilla dominates. Other senses, including scent, delight in the flavor as well. Hand lotions, perfumes, and other cosmetic products all benefit from the multifaceted smell.
According to international online shopping company Global Blue, vanilla commands the perfume industry as a top scent.
“Soft and sweet, vanilla is one of the most popular notes in perfumes, celebrated for its heady, feminine qualities. Many brands, including Tom Ford and Annick Goutal, have dedicated perfumes to it.”
Nobody likes wearing chocolate perfume.
Allison Schuster is a junior studying politics.
