11 Best Maple Syrup Brands
Here’s our pick for the best maple syrup brands for this year. Is there anything better than real maple syrup? I mean the pure, natural good stuff.
Whether you’re pouring it over pancakes, drizzling it on oatmeal, or sweetening up your favorite recipes, maple syrup always makes things better.
But not all maple syrups are the same. Some are rich and bold, while others are light and delicate. I’ve tried so many, and let me tell you, finding the perfect one can feel like a treat in itself.
When choosing maple syrup, make sure you’re picking pure maple syrup, not the fake stuff. Pure maple syrup comes directly from the sap of sugar maple trees, with no added sugars or artificial flavors. Fake maple syrup, on the other hand, is often made with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavoring.
In this article, I’m sharing the best pure maple syrups you’ll want to try.
Best Maple Syrup Brands
1. Summit Maple Farm
Summit Maple Farm offers high-quality, handcrafted maple syrup and other maple products straight from their farm in the mountains.
They pride themselves on using traditional methods to create rich, flavorful syrup. Their offerings are perfect for those looking for a natural, pure maple syrup experience. They also have infused maple syrups like cinnamon and coffee.
2. Raymond Sugarhouse
Raymond Sugarhouse has a variety of pure maple products, including syrup, candies, and other treats that are all made from maple sap harvested in Vermont.
Their syrup is crafted with care, using traditional methods to give their customers the best rich flavor and quality.
3. Nova Maple Syrup
Nova Maple Syrup is a family-run business in Hartstown, Pennsylvania, founded by Jake and Hailee Leveto.
They started making syrup as a hobby in 2013, and after expanding their operation, they now manage 22,000 taps and offer a full line of maple products.
They continue to improve their techniques while offering tours of their farm. How fun would that be!
4. Maple View Sugar Works
Maple View Sugar Works has Vermont maple syrup that is pure, natural, and full of authentic flavor. Their syrup is carefully crafted using traditional methods.
This give you a rich taste that reflects the quality of Vermont’s maple trees. For those who love natural products, this syrup is perfect for adding sweetness to your favorite dishes.
5. Crown Maple Syrup
When you want the best maple syrup, Crown Maple Syrup is a top choice. Known for its premium quality, this syrup is crafted with care using sustainable methods.
Its rich, smooth flavor makes it perfect for any dish that needs some natural sweetness. Their specialty syrups would especially be fantastic on ice cream or drizzled onto our peanut butter and jam oatmeal.
6. Wanish Sugar Bush
Wanish Sugar Bush makes pure maple syrup that can be ordered in small bottles, perfect for gift giving, weddings, or special events. Their products are handcrafted with care, ensuring a delicious and high-quality syrup.
7. Pelletiers Maple
Pure maple syrup made on a wood-fired arch offers a rich, smoky flavor that comes from the traditional process of boiling sap over an open flame.
This method adds a depth of character to the syrup, making it distinct from more commonly produced versions.
8. Runamok Maple Syrup
I found this amazing shop that sells pure maple syrup that’s been barrel-aged for a deep, unique flavor. They also offer beautiful gift sets, so if you’re looking for a special present, this is a great spot.
It’s definitely worth checking out if you love premium maple syrup or need a thoughtful gift!
9. Schanz Family Maple
Schanz Family Maple makes high-quality, pure maple syrup and other maple products, all crafted with care. They have many sizes, including small bottles that you can order for gift giving, weddings, or special occasions.
I especially love the look of their glass bottles.
10. Escuminac
When you’re looking for top-tier maple syrup, Escuminac from Canada is one of the top selling maple syrups.
Their syrup is known for its rich, complex flavors, often described as buttery brown sugar, date purée, and English toffee.
11. Coombs Family Farms
Coombs Family Farm offers Grade A maple syrup that is pure, natural, and made with care. Their syrup is harvested from sugar maples and crafted using traditional methods for a rich, sweet flavor.
Coombs Family Farms has been making pure maple syrup for seven generations, carefully nurturing their ancient sugar maple trees.
As a small family farm, they maple syrup with exceptional flavor and understand the importance of taking care of their forest.
How Real Maple Syrup Is Made
Maple syrup is made by harvesting sap from sugar maple trees in early spring. The sap is collected from the trees through taps inserted into the trunks.
Once gathered, the sap is boiled down to remove excess water, which concentrates the natural sugars. The boiling process takes several hours, and as the sap thickens, it transforms into syrup.
The syrup is then filtered to remove any impurities, bottled, and ready for use. The final product is a sweet, natural syrup with a rich flavor that varies depending on the time of season it’s harvested.
Amber vs. Dark Maple Syrup
There’s a difference between amber and dark maple syrups. Amber and dark maple syrup differ primarily in their color and flavor intensity. Amber syrup is lighter in color with a sweet, mild flavor, making it perfect for pancakes or waffles.
Dark syrup, on the other hand, is richer in color and has a stronger, more robust flavor, often used in cooking or baking where its deeper taste can shine through.
The difference comes from the time of harvest—dark syrup is usually collected later in the season, giving it its bolder flavor.
Difference Between Pure Maple Syrup And Fake
The main difference between pure maple syrup and fake maple syrup lies in their ingredients, flavor, and how they’re made. Here’s a breakdown:
Ingredients
- Pure Maple Syrup: Made entirely from the sap of maple trees. It contains no additives, just boiled-down sap.
- Fake Maple Syrup: Typically made from high fructose corn syrup or sugar with artificial flavors and colors added.
Flavor
- Pure Maple Syrup: Has a rich, natural, and complex flavor that varies based on its grade (light, amber, or dark).
- Fake Maple Syrup: Tends to be much sweeter with a one-note, artificial taste.
Texture
- Pure Maple Syrup: Smoother and thinner because it’s naturally made.
- Fake Maple Syrup: Thicker and stickier due to added thickeners like corn syrup.
Production
- Pure Maple Syrup: Comes from boiling the sap of maple trees, a process that takes time and skill.
- Fake Maple Syrup: Mass-produced in factories with synthetic ingredients.
Price
- Pure Maple Syrup: More expensive because it’s natural and requires more work to produce.
- Fake Maple Syrup: Cheaper due to lower-quality ingredients and easier manufacturing.
Tips For Buying Maple Syrup
Check the Grade
Look for Grade A maple syrup, which is available in different colors and flavors. Amber syrup is light and sweet, while Dark syrup has a bold, rich flavor. Choose based on how you’ll use it!
Read the Label
Make sure the label says “100% Pure Maple Syrup.” Skip products with added sugars, corn syrup, or artificial flavors.
Look at the Origin
Regions like Vermont, Canada, and New York are famous for high-quality maple syrup. Checking the origin can help you pick a trusted source.
Know Your Taste
Think about what you enjoy. Lighter syrups are great for pancakes, while darker syrups shine in baking and cooking.
Consider the Price
Pure maple syrup is worth the splurge, but buying in bulk or from local producers can make it more affordable.
Thanks for reading! I hope this guide helps you find the perfect maple syrup to enjoy. I’d love to know—what’s your favorite brand, and how do you like to use it? Whether it’s drizzling over pancakes or adding to your favorite recipes, share your thoughts with me!
Popular Maple Syrup Recipes
