Is Pancake Syrup the Same as Maple Syrup?

The Short Answer

They are completely different products. Real maple syrup is a single ingredient: sap from a maple tree that has been boiled down to concentrate its natural sugars. It contains minerals, antioxidants, and complex flavors.

"Pancake syrup" (or "table syrup") is flavored corn syrup. It is an ultra-processed industrial product made of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), preservatives, and "caramel color"—a brown dye that often contains 4-MEI, a compound listed as a possible carcinogen. If the bottle doesn't say "100% Pure Maple Syrup," it is an imitation product designed to trick your palate.

Why This Matters

Marketing has convinced us that Mrs. Butterworth's is just the "budget version" of maple syrup. It isn't. It's a different food entirely.

Real maple syrup is a whole food. It has a lower glycemic index (54) than table sugar (65) or corn syrup (high 70s), meaning it spikes your blood sugar slightly less aggressively. It also delivers a massive dose of Manganese, a mineral essential for brain health and metabolism.

Pancake syrup is empty calories with a side of toxicity. The primary concern beyond the blood-sugar-spiking HFCS is Caramel Color. Consumer Reports testing found that many pancake syrups contain 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a chemical byproduct of the coloring process that has been shown to cause lung tumors in mice. Because you likely consume more than the "serving size" of syrup, your exposure levels can add up quickly.

What's Actually In Mrs. Butterworth's

Here is the ingredient breakdown for the most popular pancake syrup in America. Notice the bold ingredients—not a single drop of maple sap involved.

• High Fructose Corn Syrup — The base ingredient. Cheap, hyper-sweet, and linked to fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. Why Is Granola High Sugar
• Corn Syrup — A second form of liquid sugar to adjust the texture.
• Water — Dilutes the sugars.
• Caramel Color — The brown dye used to fake the look of maple. Contains 4-MEI.
• Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate — Preservatives required because the product is water-based and prone to spoiling (unlike real maple syrup, which is naturally self-preserving due to sugar density).
• Sodium Hexametaphosphate — A thickener and texturizer also found in toothpaste and bath salts.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• "100% Pure Maple Syrup" — The only phrase that matters.
• "Grade A" — Indicates quality and flavor profile (Golden, Amber, or Dark). Maple Syrup Grades
• Ingredient List: "Maple Syrup" — That should be the only thing listed.

Red Flags:

• "Table Syrup" or "Pancake Syrup" — Euphemisms for corn syrup.
• "Maple Flavor" — Means chemicals, not trees.
• Caramel Color — Used to dye clear corn syrup brown.
• Sodium Benzoate — Preservatives are not needed in real maple syrup.

The Best Options

If you want the taste of maple, buy the real thing. It costs more, but you use less because the flavor is more intense.

The Bottom Line

1. Throw out the "Table Syrup". It is ultra-processed corn sugar with potential carcinogens (4-MEI).

2. Buy 100% Pure Maple Syrup. Look for the Grade A seal. Costco and Trader Joe's have affordable organic options. Best Maple Syrup

3. Check the ingredient list. If you see "High Fructose Corn Syrup" or "Caramel Color," put it back.

FAQ

Is Log Cabin healthy because it has no High Fructose Corn Syrup?

No. Log Cabin replaced High Fructose Corn Syrup with regular Corn Syrup and liquid sugar. While technically "no HFCS," it still contains the same preservatives (Sodium Benzoate), artificial flavors, and caramel color as the other junk brands. It is a marketing trick, not a health upgrade.

Is darker maple syrup healthier?

Slightly. Darker grades (formerly Grade B) contain higher concentrations of antioxidants and minerals than the lighter "Golden" grades. They also have a stronger maple flavor, which is great for baking. Is Dark Maple Syrup Healthier

Do I need to refrigerate maple syrup?

Yes. Once opened, real maple syrup must be refrigerated because it contains no artificial preservatives. If left out, it can grow mold (which can sometimes be skimmed off, but it's safer to just keep it cold). Fake pancake syrup sits in the pantry because it is loaded with preservatives like sodium benzoate.

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2. 2. thedailymeal.com
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6. 6. sterlingvalleymaple.com
7. 7. foodstruct.com
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9. 9. youtube.com
10. 10. maplesyrupfromcanada.com
11. 11. youtube.com
12. 12. heb.com