What Is YO Syrup?
In my previous article, I introduced Mautner Markhof, one of Austria’s most popular syrup brands. This time, I’m reviewing YO, arguably its biggest rival.
YO is one of those classic brands that you can find in almost every supermarket in Austria. Along with Mautner Markhof, it occupies a large share of the syrup shelves. There is an impressive variety of flavors, ranging from fruity favorites to traditional Austrian flavors, so it can be surprisingly difficult to decide which one to buy.
One of the biggest differences is the recommended dilution ratio.
- Mautner Markhof: 1:6
- YO: 1:8
YO is therefore intended to be diluted with slightly more water.
Of course, you can adjust the strength according to your taste. However, if you follow the manufacturers’ recommended ratios, both brands generally come in 700 ml bottles and are sold at roughly similar prices. Because YO can be diluted more, it may feel like slightly better value for money.
The regular price is usually around €3.90, but supermarkets in Austria frequently run 1+2 promotions, where buying three bottles comes with a discount.
During these promotions, the price can drop to around €2.60 per bottle, so if you are planning to buy YO, it is worth looking out for these deals and stocking up on three bottles at once.
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Orange Ohne Zucker (Sugar-Free Orange)
The first flavor I tried was Orange Ohne Zucker, from YO’s sugar-free range.
It has a surprisingly authentic orange flavor and tastes much richer than I expected from a sugar-free syrup.
However, even when prepared at the recommended dilution ratio, I found it quite strong. Personally, I preferred adding a little more water to make it lighter.
It is a refreshing, classic flavor that is especially popular with children and perfect for hot summer days.
Pfirsich-Maracuja Ohne Zucker (Peach & Passion Fruit, Sugar-Free)
This was my favorite flavor from Mautner Markhof in my previous review, so I was particularly curious to try the YO version.
It combines peach and passion fruit (Maracuja) for a refreshing, fruity flavor, and the YO version did not disappoint.
Because it is sugar-free, it is not overly sweet and has a clean, refreshing finish.
It is especially good with plenty of ice on a hot day.
This peach and passion fruit combination really is hard to beat.
Holunderblüte (Elderflower)
When it comes to traditional Austrian flavors, Holunderblüte (elderflower) is one of the first that comes to mind.
This was my first time trying it.
When I opened the bottle, the first thing I noticed was a fresh aroma that reminded me slightly of mint.
I actually don’t particularly like mint, so I thought, “Maybe this was a mistake…”
But once I tasted it, it was completely different from mint.
It has an elegant sweetness reminiscent of flower nectar, followed by a fresh, herbal aroma that lingers in the background.
To be honest, I found the herbal note a little difficult to get used to.
On the other hand, my family loved it and said, “This is delicious!” So I think this is definitely a flavor that divides opinion depending on personal taste.
If you want to experience a truly Austrian flavor, however, it is definitely worth trying at least once.
Rosenblüte-Trauben (Rose & Grape)
This is a grape-flavored syrup with a hint of rose.
The sweetness of the grapes is complemented by a subtle rose aroma, giving it a slightly more sophisticated flavor.
However, the flavor is a little more subtle than some of the other varieties, so I found it tasted better when prepared slightly stronger than the manufacturer’s recommendation.
I recommend using a little less water than usual.
Himbeer-Zitrone (Raspberry & Lemon)
This classic flavor combines raspberry and lemon.
The balance between sweetness and acidity is excellent, making it a flavor that I think will appeal to almost everyone.
It is particularly refreshing on a hot day, with a clean taste and very little aftertaste.
If you are not sure which flavor to choose, this is probably the safest option.
Multivitamin
This multivitamin flavor is a blend of several fruits, including orange and pear.
Multivitamin juice is also a familiar concept in Japan, and this syrup reminded me of that kind of drink.
However, when I think of “multivitamin,” I tend to imagine something dominated by orange and other citrus fruits. This one was different from what I expected, with peach and pear playing a bigger role.
Rather than being strongly citrusy, the sweetness is nicely balanced, making it very easy to drink.
That said, because the citrus notes are relatively mild, it did not quite give me that feeling of drinking something packed with vitamins.
YO vs. Mautner Markhof: Which Is Better?
Both brands are very well made, so it is difficult to say that one is simply better than the other.
Based on my experience, YO stands out for:
- A higher dilution ratio and good value for money
- A wide selection of sugar-free flavors
- Refreshing flavors overall
That was my overall impression after trying several varieties.
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Conclusion
YO is one of Austria’s best-known syrup brands, and you can find it in almost every supermarket.
The flavors I tried were all enjoyable, making YO a brand I would recommend even if you are buying Austrian syrup for the first time.
On the other hand, if you want to experience a flavor that is particularly Austrian, I recommend giving Holunderblüte (elderflower) a try. It may not be for everyone, but it is a great way to experience a flavor that feels distinctly Austrian.
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