When making coffee drinks at home, recipes will often call for “pumps” of flavored syrups to add sweetness and flavor. But how much syrup is actually in one pump? The amount can vary depending on the brand and type of syrup pump being used.
In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to provide quick answers to key questions readers may have:
How much is one pump of syrup?
On average, one pump of syrup contains about 1/3 ounce or 10 milliliters of liquid. However, pump sizes can range from dispensing 1/6 oz (5 mL) per pump to 1/2 oz (15 mL) per pump.
Does the pump size vary by brand?
Yes, different syrup brands use different sized pumps, so the amount dispensed per pump can vary. Torani syrup pumps dispense 1/3 oz per pump, while DaVinci Gourmet pumps dispense 1/4 oz per pump, for example.
What factors affect pump size?
The main factors affecting pump size are the internal diameter and length of the pump mechanism itself. Wider and longer pumps will dispense more syrup per pump stroke. Brand, type of syrup, and container size can impact the pump design.
Standard Syrup Pump Sizes
While syrup pump sizes vary, some common standard pump sizes include:
- 1/6 oz (5 mL) pump
- 1/4 oz (7.5 mL) pump
- 1/3 oz (10 mL) pump
- 1/2 oz (15 mL) pump
1/6 Ounce Syrup Pumps
A 1/6 oz or 5 mL syrup pump dispenses just over 1 teaspoon of syrup per pump. This smaller pump size is sometimes used for smaller bottles of flavored syrups. A few pumps of 1/6 oz can add sweetness without overpowering the drink.
1/4 Ounce Syrup Pumps
A very common syrup pump size is 1/4 oz or 7.5 mL per pump stroke. This adds just under 1 1⁄2 teaspoons of syrup at a time. The DaVinci Gourmet brand uses 1⁄4 oz syrup pumps in many of their 25 oz and larger bottles.
1/3 Ounce Syrup Pumps
Torani brand syrup bottles are known for using slightly larger 1/3 oz (10 mL) pumps. This dispenses around 2 teaspoons of syrup per pump. The wider pump mechanism and longer pump tube allows more syrup to flow out with each stroke.
1/2 Ounce Syrup Pumps
Some extra large syrup containers use bigger 1⁄2 oz or 15 mL pumps. These will dispense around 1 tablespoon of syrup with each pump stroke. This larger size is more efficient for making batches of drinks at a time.
How Pump Size Impacts Syrup Use
The pump size greatly impacts how much syrup gets dispensed over time. For example, if a drink recipe calls for “4 pumps” of syrup:
- 4 pumps from a 1/6 oz pump gives 2/3 oz of syrup
- 4 pumps from a 1/4 oz pump gives 1 oz of syrup
- 4 pumps from a 1/3 oz pump gives 1 1/3 oz of syrup
So you can see the recipe syrup amounts can double between smaller and larger pump sizes. It’s important to pay attention to pump size when following syrup recipes.
Less Syrup per Pump
Smaller 1/6 oz or 1/4 oz syrup pumps allow more precision and control over sweetness. Just a couple pumps adds subtle flavor without overpowering other ingredients. These smaller pumps are ideal for recipes where syrup is not the main ingredient.
More Syrup per Pump
Larger 1/3 oz or 1/2 oz pumps are convenient when making batches of drinks or recipes where syrup is a prominent ingredient. More syrup flows out with each pump, removing the need to pump as many times. These larger pumps work well for consistently sweetening drinks.
Factors Influencing Syrup Pump Size
Why do some syrup brands use different sized pumps? There are a few key factors that determine what size syrup pump a brand uses:
Syrup Viscosity
Thicker, more viscous syrups require a wider pump mechanism to flow smoothly. Thin watery syrups can use narrower pumps. DaVinci Gourmet uses thicker syrup textures, contributing to their slightly wider 1/4 oz pumps.
Syrup Bottle Size
Larger syrup containers holding 25 oz or more will accommodate larger, longer pump tubes. Smaller bottles need shorter pumps that fit the bottle height. Torani offers 25 oz bottles that support their taller 1/3 oz pumps.
Intended Usage
The expected usage will determine the ideal pump size. Syrups marketed for coffee shops may use larger 1/2 oz pumps for batch drinks. Home kitchen syrups may opt for smaller 1/4 oz pumps for precision.
Pump Cost
Wider and longer pumps cost more to produce. Brands must balance performance with keeps costs reasonable. A pump size that balances functionality, cost, and consistency is ideal.
How to Measure 1 Pump of Syrup
To measure how much syrup your particular pump dispenses, follow these simple steps:
You’ll need:
- Syrup bottle with pump
- Liquid measuring spoon or bullet
- Small cup or bowl
Steps:
- Place cup under syrup pump spout
- Pump syrup from bottle 1 time
- Use measuring spoon to scoop syrup from cup
- Check measurement markings to see ounces or milliliters dispensed
- Repeat test several times to verify consistency
This will reveal how much syrup is dispensed with each pump. Make sure to test several pumps for an accurate average.
Typical Syrup Pump Sizes by Brand
Here is an overview of some common syrup brands and their standard pump sizes:
| Syrup Brand | Standard Pump Size |
|---|---|
| Torani | 1/3 oz (10mL) |
| DaVinci Gourmet | 1/4 oz (7.5mL) |
| Monin | 1/3 oz (10mL) |
| Skinny Syrups | 1/4 oz (7.5mL) |
| Jordan’s Skinny Mixes | 1/6 oz (5mL) |
| Starbucks | 1/2 oz (15mL) |
As you can see, Torani and Monin use slightly larger 1/3 oz pumps, while DaVinci and Skinny Syrups use 1/4 oz pumps. Starbucks pumps dispense a full 1/2 oz for their batch drinks.
Tips for Pumping Syrup
To get the right sweetness and flavor when using syrup pumps, follow these tips:
- Start with less syrup at first, you can always add more
- Aim syrup pumps directly into drink, not on sides of cup
- Store syrups upside down to prevent clogging pump
- Prime pump by pumping a few times before using in drink
- Clean syrup residues from pumps regularly
- Replace syrup pumps once they become difficult to pump
- Consider pump size when following recipes
Properly using and maintaining syrup pumps ensures you get consistent flavor with every pump.
Conclusion
While most syrup pumps dispense around 1 tablespoon of syrup per pump stroke, the exact amount can vary based on pump and syrup brand. Typical pump sizes include 1/6 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/3 oz, and 1/2 oz. Smaller pumps allow more precision, while larger pumps are efficient for batches. Measuring your own pumps and following usage tips helps get the sweetness you expect from every syrup recipe.