Maple Syrup Grades: Types, Colors, and Flavors Explained

Maple Syrup Grades Explained

Anyone who has consumed pancakes or waffles for breakfast will be familiar with the necessary sweet addition of maple syrup, but did you know there are different kinds? At the store you can find different kinds of maple syrup, categorized by "grades." These grades don't determine the quality of the syrup but instead, are used to group together syrups by when they are tapped, which determines things like color and flavor. We will go over the distinctions of each grade below.

Understanding The Color and Flavor of Maple Syrup

All syrup grades have the same maple sugar content, so how do the syrup grades differ? The grades reflect the color of the maple syrup when it's collected, which changes as the tree sap warms up with the weather. If you tap the syrup early, the color and flavor is light. If you wait late after the summer, the syrup will be very dark and strongly flavored. You may only be familiar with one type of syrup, but maple syrup can have different uses depending on its grade.

Types of Maple Syrup Grades

Grade A Golden Maple Syrup

Delicate Taste

Because this syrup is tapped at the very beginning of the season, golden maple syrup is the lightest in color and flavor. The flavor isn't lacking though, as many prefer the delicate taste for their sweeter desserts and baked goods. This grade was previously known as "fancy."

Grade A Amber Maple Syrup

Rich Taste

Amber syrup is tapped in the middle of the season, giving it a rich flavor and color. It's even and smooth texture and taste lends itself to use in beverages, glazes, and even maple sugar! You may have previously seen this category divided up further into medium and dark amber grades.

Grade A Dark Maple Syrup

Robust Taste

You can think of dark maple syrup as the brown sugar equivalent of maple syrup. The robust maple taste is even stronger with this syrup grade to the point where it is often used in savory BBQ dishes as well.

Grade A Very Dark Maple Syrup

Strong Taste

Tapped at the very end of the season, you will receive the boldest flavor from very dark syrup, where it is often compared to molasses at this stage. Because the flavor is so strong, you won't see it used as often and will usually find it in certain candies.