Difference in Real Maple Syrup vs Fake
Written by: Indiana Sugars
If you had to make a list of some of the most popular sweeteners available, maple syrup would undoubtedly be right at the top.
It's so popular that entire industries have been built around it. But it's also important to acknowledge that it is available in two forms - "real" maple syrup, and a more modern artificial variety.
But what are these two distinct options, and how do they vary? The answers to questions like those require you to keep a few key things in mind.
What is Maple Syrup, and How Is It Used?
Maple sugar is a natural type of sweetener that is made from maple sap - hence the name.
Maple syrup in general is known for its almost unmistakable, rich flavor. Many people associate it with pancakes and waffles, but it's actually a lot more versatile than it is often given credit for. It can be used in coffee and even cocktails, depending on the situation.
How is Real Maple Syrup Made?
During the manufacturing process, holes are first drilled into the trunks of maple trees so that the essential sap can be collected. Unlike maple syrup, maple sap is clear. Likewise, it isn't thick - it tends to have a more watery consistency.
Once that sap is gathered, it is then taken to a sugar house where it gets boiled to remove excess water. This is the part of the process that transforms the sap into syrup.
Once the syrup hits its desired density (and the specifics of that will change depending on the application), it gets filtered to remove any impurities. It is then bottled, sealed, and stored until it can make its way through the supply chain and into the homes of customers around the world.
Grades of Maple Syrup
There are a few different grades of maple syrup that you should be concerned with, varying in terms of color, flavor, and especially sugar content.
Grade A Light maple syrup is known for its golden color and mild flavor. Grade A Medium has a slightly stronger flavor, while Grade A Dark is more robust. Grade A Dark is typically what is used for cooking and baking. Grade B is also known as "Very Dark" maple syrup and has a flavor that most people would likely describe as "intense."
Breakfast Syrup: Understanding Fake Maple Syrup
If you've ever seen a product on store shelves called "breakfast syrup" or "pancake syrup," what you're really looking at is "fake maple syrup." This is made from high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, artificial flavors, and several other ingredients. It's often cheaper than real maple syrup due to the differences involved.
How to Identify Real Maple Syrup vs Fake Maple Syrup
Appearance
The first thing you'll notice is that real maple syrup has a more natural, amber color that can vary depending on the grade. Fake syrup tends to have a more uniform color and appearance, meaning that all bottles largely look identical.
Texture
Real maple syrup isn't overly thick and tends to flow smoothly. Fake maple syrup is usually excessively syrupy, almost to the point of feeling greasy.
Taste
Fake maple syrup has been described as having a "flatter" or "less nuanced" taste and smell.
Shelf Life
Fake maple syrups often have preservatives in them to help them last as long as possible. That's not to say that real maple syrup also doesn't have a long shelf life, because a single bottle can easily last several years.
Real vs Fake Maple Syrup: Which is Better for You?
The answer to this question will vary depending on exactly what it is you're trying to do.
First, you should understand that real maple syrup is typically considered to be the healthier of the two options. If that is a priority for you, know that this is something that really isn't in dispute. It has more nutrients, including antioxidants, than its artificial counterpart.
Fake syrups, on the other hand, tend to be far more cost-effective. If you're a baker or business that is operating with already razor-thin profit margins, fake syrups might be something that you want to add to your products for that reason alone. Yes, your customers are absolutely going to be able to taste it - but it may be enough of a difference to keep you going until you can move on to real maple syrup in the future.
Again, it ultimately depends on exactly what you're trying to accomplish. Artificial syrups tend to have a uniform flavor from one bottle to the next, in large part because that's exactly what they were designed to have. With maple syrup, if you're concerned with cooking and baking, you would want Grade A dark. If you're looking for simple table syrup, you would want Grade A Light. Everything has its own nuance and purpose, giving you a lot more room to experiment moving forward.
Indiana Sugars: Your Source for 100% Pure Maple Syrup and Maple Sweeteners
At Indiana Sugars, we understand how important products like real maple syrup are to your ongoing success as a business. That's why we're proud to be your one-stop shop for 100% pure maple syrup, maple sweeteners, and a wide range of other products for you to choose from depending on your needs.
It doesn't matter if your needs are ordinary or extraordinary - we have what it takes to respond to every single one of them. We're known for our timely shipments - meaning that when you call in your order, we respond quickly and dispatch just as fast. If you operate within a 300-mile radius of our location, you can reasonably expect your order to arrive in as little as 24 hours.
But before you receive your shipment, know that we've already tested it thoroughly in our own laboratory. Freshness matters a great deal to you, which is why it matters to us, too.
If you'd like to find out more information about the difference between real maple syrup versus fake alternatives, or if you have any additional questions that you'd like to go over with someone in a bit more detail, please don't delay -
contact us today.
