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French Vanilla Vs Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: What's The Difference? By Alexa Valme Nov. 16, 2025 1:39 pm EST

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Even people who don't know much about vanilla might assume French vanilla ice cream just sounds fancier, but the truth is more layered than that. The term "French" doesn't refer to the bean's origin but the method: a custard base made with egg yolks. That step gives it its signature golden color and creamy, almost pudding-like texture. It's a world apart from the paler, speckled vanilla bean ice cream you'll find beside it in the freezer aisle.

Meanwhile, vanilla bean ice cream plays a different game entirely. It's not about richness so much as purity, with its flavor drawn straight from real beans rather than a custard base.

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