What's the Best Maple Syrup?

The Short Answer

The best maple syrup is Certified Organic Grade A Dark Color (Robust Taste).

Formerly known as "Grade B," this darker variety is less refined and contains higher levels of minerals and antioxidants. Buying organic is crucial not just for the trees, but because it legally prohibits producers from using synthetic chemicals (like defoamers derived from petroleum) during the boiling process.

Runamok Maple and Coombs Family Farms are top-tier choices that use organic vegetable oils for defoaming and package in glass, eliminating plastic leaching concerns.

Why This Matters

It's Not "Pancake Syrup"

Most bottles labeled "pancake syrup" (like Pearl Milling Co. or Mrs. Butterworth's) contain 0% maple syrup. They are cocktails of high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, and artificial flavors. Real maple syrup is a single ingredient: boiled sap. Pancake Syrup Vs Maple

The "Defoamer" Secret

When maple sap boils, it foams excessively. To stop this, conventional producers can use synthetic defoamers, including polyethylene glycol or monoglycerides. Organic regulations require producers to use organic vegetable oils (like safflower or canola) or organic butter instead. If it's not organic, you don't know what stopped the foam.

Forest Herbicides

While trees aren't usually sprayed directly, conventional "sugarbush" management often involves using glyphosate to kill competing undergrowth (like beech trees). Organic certification ensures the forest floor—and the groundwater feeding your trees—is managed without synthetic herbicides.

What's Actually In Maple Syrup

Real maple syrup is a mineral-rich sweetener, but it is still sugar. Here is the breakdown for a standard 2-tablespoon serving:

• Sucrose (26g) — It’s sugar. It spikes insulin, though slightly less than refined white sugar (Glycemic Index ~54 vs 65).
• Manganese (~35% DV) — A massive dose of this essential mineral, which supports bone health and metabolism.
• Zinc (~3% DV) — A small but helpful boost for your immune system.
• Antioxidants (Polyphenols) — Contains over 20 antioxidant compounds. Darker grades have up to 300% more antioxidants than lighter grades. Maple Syrup Grades

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• "Organic" Seal — Guarantees no synthetic defoamers or forest herbicides.
• "Grade A Dark Color / Robust Taste" — Indicates higher mineral and antioxidant content.
• Glass Bottle — Prevents plastic leaching (hot syrup is often filled directly into jugs).
• "Single Origin" — Ensures the syrup comes from one forest, not a blend of thousands of farms.

Red Flags:

• "Pancake Syrup" — Code for corn syrup.
• "High Fructose Corn Syrup" — The first ingredient in most fake syrups.
• "Caramel Color" — A potential carcinogen used to dye corn syrup brown.
• Plastic Jugs — Acceptable for value, but less ideal for long-term storage of acidic/hot liquids.

The Best Options

We prioritized organic certification (to avoid synthetic defoamers) and glass packaging.

The Bottom Line

1. Buy Organic. It's the only way to ensure your syrup wasn't defoamed with synthetic chemicals.

2. Go Dark. Look for "Grade A Dark / Robust Taste" (formerly Grade B) for the best flavor and nutrition.

3. Ditch the Plastic. Choose glass bottles when possible to avoid microplastic leaching.

FAQ

What happened to Grade B syrup?

The USDA changed the grading system in 2015. Old "Grade B" is now called "Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste." It's the same syrup, just a confusing new name. Maple Syrup Grades

Is maple syrup better than honey?

It depends. Maple syrup is lower in calories and higher in Manganese, but raw honey has more antimicrobial properties and enzymes. Both are better than refined sugar. Maple Syrup Vs Honey

Does maple syrup expire?

Unopened, it lasts indefinitely. Once opened, it must be refrigerated or it will grow mold. If mold appears on top, some say you can skim and boil it, but we recommend tossing it to be safe.

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12. 12. bensmaplesyrup.com