What is the primary flavor component in a vanilla latte?

The primary flavor component in a vanilla latte is vanilla syrup, which provides the signature flavor that characterizes this beverage. Vanilla syrup is specifically designed to enhance the taste of coffee, combining sweetness with the distinct aromatic qualities of vanilla. This syrup is typically made from sugar and natural or artificial vanilla flavoring, making it essential to achieving the classic richness and warmth associated with a vanilla latte.

While other flavorings like cinnamon, hazelnut, and mint can add interest and variation to coffee drinks, they do not define the vanilla latte. Each of those flavors represents a different type of latte, such as a cinnamon latte or a hazelnut latte, thus reinforcing the importance of vanilla syrup as the focal flavor in a vanilla latte.