From tree to teaspoon, maple syrup is more than a sweet treat – it’s a legacy of age-old trees that is packed with powerful antioxidants and other health properties. As nature’s golden elixir, the best maple syrups tantalize taste buds, nourish our bodies, and keep us returning for more. Widely considered an essential for all kitchen pantries, no breakfast is complete while the amber ambrosia awaits.
And while we traditionally drizzle this golden goodness over our first meal, imagine the delight of relishing it twice before the day truly begins. The allure of a second maple-kissed meal is palpable, and not just among syrup enthusiasts. For example, a recent study highlights this sentiment, diving into America’s evolving breakfast inclinations and how 62 percent of Americans feel “second breakfast” should be an official meal. With pancakes ranked the fourth favorite breakfast for Americans at 44 percent, there’s little wonder why this liquid gold odyssey is so popular amongst breakfast connoisseurs.
However, as inseparable as a duo that maple syrup and pancakes may be, the skill of crafting the perfect pancake to relish this sweet syrup is not for all. For some, even the simplest culinary endeavors can present challenges that turn breakfast dreams into kitchen quandaries. For instance, a subsequent study reveals that half of Americans struggle with cooking seemingly easy-to-make dishes, including beloved pancakes and basic pasta. Perhaps more surprising would be how seven out of ten respondents confidently consider themselves “natural-born cooks,” yet 38 percent of people have messed up pancakes.
Remember, it’s more than just a drizzle – it’s an experience. And with pancakes as a favored canvas for many, it seems only right we treat ourselves to the best maple syrups. Helping to spotlight the crème de la crème of the maple syrup realm, we are covering the best maple syrups that have stood the test of time and taste. Disagree with our list? No worries, tell us why in a comment below and share why your favorite should be among the best syrups.
The List: Best Maple Syrups, According to Culinary Experts
1. Maple Grove Farms Organic Pure Maple Syrup
Using age-old techniques, Maple Grove Farms blends innovation and tradition for a syrup that retains its natural goodness while meeting quality standards. A household staple for many, there’s a reason why this is considered one of the best maple syrups. As Delish says, “This 100 percent pure maple syrup can be found at most grocery stores and has that straight forward taste that makes it good for cooking or naturally sweetening.” And no, we don’t mean just for adding flavor to breakfast but rather “we’re talking overnight oats, glazed brussels sprouts, and so much more than plain waffles or pancakes.”
Cultivated free of harsh chemicals and with sustainable practices, Maple Grove Farms Organic Pure maple syrup maintains consistent quality and has a distinct delectable sweetness that makes it unique. It’s certified organic, making it perfect for eco-conscious shoppers. As Mashed writes, “Although the Maple Grove Farms organic pure maple syrup may not be the best value per ounce, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a small format at a low cost.” In all, “the 8.5-ounce bottle holds around four servings of Grade A Amber Color maple syrup and unlike similar products, the Maple Grove Farms organic pure maple syrup comes in a glass bottle.”
During a time when big food corporations are trying to conceal their ingredients, Maple Grove Farms does the opposite. For instance, the brand takes pride in its transparent processing methods, ensuring each pour is as close to nature’s original offering as possible. As Find This Best recalls, “This Grade A organic amber color maple syrup is renowned for its wonderful flavor, color, and consistency.” Best of all, “each serving contains no high fructose corn syrup, fat, sodium, cholesterol, making it a healthier choice.”
2. Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup
Built on generations of excellence, Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup is among the best. With an unwavering commitment to purity, Anderson’s maple syrup is free of artificial additives or preservatives. As Delish breaks down, “This family operation has been around since the 1920s, so clearly they’re doing something right.” With roots deeply intertwined in tradition, “their maple syrup isn’t just sweet, it’s complex while we tasted hints of vanilla, orange, and cinnamon.”
Cultivated with time-honored techniques, Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup delivers satisfaction with every drop. Considered the gold standard of maple syrups, Anderson creates a syrup that pays homage to the past while meeting the discerning tastes of the present. As Taste of Home states, “This budget-friendly syrup can be found at most big-box stores and supermarkets, but just because Anderson’s is affordable doesn’t mean it sacrifices flavor.” For instance, in terms of taste, “this syrup has a well-rounded flavor; you’ll get maple and mild sweetness, of course, but also subtle notes of smoke and even earth.”
Beyond its amazing taste, Anderson’s Pure maple syrup is the closest thing you’ll find from tree to table. Crafted with care, this maple syrup is perfect for those who seek the authentic essence of the maple tree. As Wide Open Country explains, “This grade A maple syrup is so good that the owner of it is in the Maple Hall of Fame.” Yes, you did read that correctly – it exists! Best of all, “Anderson’s makes many different grades of maple syrup while their very dark color ones with a strong taste are recommended as a cooking additive.”
3. Crown Maple Syrup
Offering a variety of delightful flavors, Crown maple syrup takes artisanal craftsmanship to new heights with expertly-crafted flavor profiles that cater to a diverse range of palates. For these reasons and more, Crown maple syrup is a preferred favorite for maple syrup lovers. As The Coolist recaps, “Crown runs to the darker end of the spectrum, and looking at it you’d swear it’s fine, aged whiskey.” For instance, “the end taste is so finely executed, and packaged with such care that you’ll feel more urbane just owning it.”
Produced from the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Crown Maple Syrup champions environmental sustainability. From tapping to bottling, Crown maple syrup is meticulously managed, ensuring a nutrient-rich nectar of unwavering purity and quality. As the Tasting Table says, “Crown Maple raised the bar and raised everyone’s standards for maple syrup in 2010.” Unlike most rivals, “Crown Maple puts plenty of science to work in creating elite maple syrup and combines both tradition, artisan craftsmanship and efficient state-of-the-art technology.”
Like Crown Maple Syrup’s regal name, the packaging is as premium as its content, and makes for a perfect centerpiece for gourmet settings. Best of all, the syrup gives a pure, untainted taste, making every drizzle an amazing experience from start to finish. As Find This Best states, “Crown Maple Barrel Aged Syrup is a soul-stirring organic maple syrup that offers a unique blend of flavors.” Aged in Widow Jane bourbon barrels, “this syrup combines the natural sweetness of maple with the rich aromas of bourbon, smoky oak, graham cracker, brown butter, and creamy vanilla.” All-in-all, “you can top off your breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, and French toast or add a touch of sweetness to yogurt, oatmeal, and ice cream.”
4. 365 Whole Foods Market Golden Maple Syrup
Devoid of artificial additives and preservatives, 365 Whole Foods Market Golden maple syrup boasts profound, gourmet quality at a price point that accommodates most budgets. Designed to minimally impact the environment, this maple syrup is perfect for drizzling over pancakes or adding to recipes. As the Tasting Table asks us, “Do you want the translucent hue and delicate sweetness of pure maple syrup to be all yours without having to leave the house?” If the answer is yes, then this syrup is perfect for you. However, be warned, “you’ll need it more often once you get used to the real deal, and if you decide to go big and use it to bake goods, you better sign up for regularly scheduled deliveries!”
When you pick up a bottle of 365 Golden maple syrup, you’re choosing a brand synonymous with wholesome quality, transparency, and integrity. Sustainably harvested with eco-conscious packaging, there’s a reason this is one of the best maple syrups on the market. As The Daily Meal expands, “365 amber maple syrup is USDA organic, Kosher, fat-free, and vegan, so if you like maple sugar, this just might be a good option for you.” Compared to others, “this syrup’s primary taste was sugar and had a more maple aftertaste.”
Pure and unadulterated, 365 Whole Foods Market Golden maple syrup transforms your sweet tooth indulgences into healthy treats. Promising a delightful experience with every pour, this syrup is a clear choice for those who enjoy authentic taste, responsible sourcing, and unmatched brand trust. As The Daring Kitchen writes, “While not as ‘maple-y’ as its more robustly hued counterparts, we think this golden syrup is the perfect option for when you want a hint of floral sweetness without all of that heavy flavor or texture.” To add, “it’s important to note that the lightness of color and flavor of this maple syrup also come through in terms of consistency as well, and the syrup is on the runny side as opposed to thick and viscous.”
5. Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup
Carrying over a century of maple farming know-how, Coombs Family Farms Organic maple syrup ensures consistent, premium quality in every bottle that only deep-rooted experience can match. Every drop of this syrup is free from artificial chemicals, pesticides, and GMOs, and in a way is nature bottled in its purest form. As The Kitchn sums up, “If you’re looking for a more readily available bottle of maple syrup, Coombs Family Farms was another favorite from our taste test and seems to be available at many of the markets I shop.” Additionally, “the syrup is consistent in strong maple flavor and isn’t too thick or too thin.”
When you buy Coombs maple syrup, you’re supporting small farmers in a bid to sustain the community and ensure fair pricing for all. It’s not just about producing syrup but nurturing a community. As The Daily Meal states, “This maple syrup lent an exciting and complementary flavor to our waffles, and was lovely when tasted on its own.” To add, “the syrup is non-GMO, USDA organic, and Kosher certified while the Coombs Family Farms began as a family farm operation 150 years ago and has since grown into a 3,000 small-farm operation.”
Coombs Family Farms is rooted in transparency and ethical farming. For over 100 years, they’ve maintained a clear channel about their farming practices, ensuring consumers can trace the journey from tree to table. As Cool Material summarizes, “The fact that you can buy Coombs Family at select Walmart locations probably doesn’t qualify it as a ‘small batch’ syrup, but that doesn’t mean for a second that their operation is big-time.” Let’s explain further, “the Coombs family has been in the maple syrup business for seven generations now.” Nowadays, “they work exclusively with small family farms in Vermont to source their syrup, and each farm they work with is certified organic to ensure the best product possible.”
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Sources:
- Delish
- Mashed
- The Kitchn
- The Coolist
- Cool Material
- Taste of Home
- Find This Best
- The Daily Meal
- The Daring Kitchen
- Wide Open Country
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.