The Best Syrup For Pancakes

The Best Syrup For Pancakes Is Pure Maple Syrup

 

Introduction

The best syrup for pancakes is organic and 100% pure maple syrup. Regular pancake syrup contains corn syrup and artificial ingredients and is not healthy. 100% maple syrup is not made with refined sugar like regular syrup is. It also contains some nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. When looking for maple syrups, be sure the container label plainly states it’s made with 100% pure maple syrup and not maple flavor. It also should be the only ingredient listed on the lable.

100% pure maple syrup costs more than the pancake syrup you see on the selves at your local market. The reason is pancake syrup contains more processed ingredients, which are less expensive, and they cost less to mass produce. So, when you buy syrup you need to read the ingredients list on the label.

With 100% pure maple syrup you should only see one ingredient and that should be maple syrup. The reason for maple syrup costs is the making of it. It takes 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of maple syrup. The water content must be evaporated from the sap to produce the finished product.

Check out our top rated waffle makers to make those perfect waffles topped with your favorite maple syrup.

USDA New Maple Syrup Grades

Maple syrup comes in different types of syrup grades like amber or dark maple. Which is best? The amber colored syrup has full-body and rich flavor. Some individuals prefer darker grades. It all depends upon your taste. Below are the new grades of maple syrup by the USDA and they are:

• Grade A | Golden Color & Delicate Taste (Formally Grade A)
• Grade A | Amber Color & Rich Flavor (Formally Grade A)
• Grade A | Dark Color & Robust Flavor (Formally Grade B)
• Grade A | Very Dark & Strong Flavor (Formally Grade C)

Note: In some stores you may still see some of the old Grades on the Maple Syrup labels.

The darker the syrup the stronger the maple flavor. In the past, the maple syrups were divided into grades of A, B or C. The A grade syrup is the most popular and sweeter than the B & C grades of maple syrup. The B & C grade maple syrups are stronger and more flavorful than the A syrups.

The USDA has revised the standards of maple syrup grades and eliminated the B & C grades. They are all grade A with wordy descriptions. We listed the new grade “A” syrups above. They are listed in order of darkness of the maple syrup. To obtain these grades of maple syrup, they are harvested during different times of the year.

It all comes down on how strong you want to taste the maple flavor on your pancakes or waffles. Most individuals prefer the Amber color syrup on their pancakes or waffles.

Pure maple syrup is not only high in antioxidants, but every spoonful offers nutrients like riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium. According to Helen Thomas of the New York State Maple Association, maple syrup has a higher concentration of minerals and antioxidants, yet fewer calories than honey per serving.

Should Maple Syrup Be Refrigerated?

Yes. Maple syrup does not have a long shelf life. As soon as you open the container, it should be stored in the refrigerator. Once in contact with air, mold can develop if the product is not refrigerated. When stored in the refrigerator, it can stay fresh for up to 12 months. If you should notice any mold growth, discard it immediately.

Does Sugar-Free Syrup Make You Fat?

No. This exhaustive new review of all the research published on artificial sweeteners and body weight affirmed that artificial sweeteners do not cause weight gain. To the contrary, there are benefits of weight loss and a reduced risk of obesity and diabetes.

Is Sugar-Free Syrup Bad for Diabetics?

Sugar substitutes don’t affect your blood sugar level. In fact, most artificial sweeteners are considered “free foods.” Free foods contain less than 20 calories and 5 grams or less of carbohydrates, and they don’t count as calories or carbohydrates on a diabetes exchange.

What Can Be Substituted For Maple Syrup?

If you don’t have any maple syrup on hand when you are making waffles or pancakes, you can use a substitute. These will depend upon if anyone in the family have any allergies with the foods being mentioned below.

• Honey
• Corn Syrup
• Peanut Butter
• Brown Sugar Syrup
• White Sugar Syrup
• Golden Syrup
• Molasses
• Agave Nectar
• Coconut Nectar
• Carmel Syrup
• Fruit
• Butter

Pancake Syrup and Maple Syrup are Not The Same

Maple syrup is actually made from maple tree sap that’s been boiled down to reduce the water content and concentrate the sugars. Those sugars caramelize, resulting in maple syrup’s characteristic rich color and flavor. It takes about 10 gallons of sap to make just 1 quart of maple syrup.

On the other hand, pancake—or table—syrup is a highly processed product. The primary ingredient is corn syrup and/or high-fructose corn syrup. Some experts suggest that high-fructose corn syrup may be processed differently by the body than other types of sugar, while others say that there’s little difference. Regardless, you’ll also find added coloring, flavoring, and preservatives in pancake syrup. The coloring is often caramel color, some types of which contain a compound called 4-MEI, a potential carcinogen. In Consumer Reports tests, we found that some pancake syrups had notable amounts of 4-MEI.

Real maple syrup has a clean, complex maple flavor with hints of caramel, vanilla, and prune. Pancake syrups are singularly sweet with little complexity and noticeable artificial flavors.

Pure maple contains no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Pros

• 100% Pure Maple Syrup Contains up to 24 Antioxidants
• One Ingredient – Maple Syrup
• Pure Maple Syrup Does Not Contain Any Preservatives
• Pure Maple Syrup Does Not Contain High-Fructose Corn Syrup
• Pure Maple Syrup Does Not Contain Any Artificial Colors or Flavors
• Pure Maple Syrup Does Not Contain Any Added Sugars

Cons

• 1 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup Contains 12.1 Grams of Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup Contains 52 Calories

Conclusion

As we mentioned, the best syrup to use on pancakes or waffles is 100% pure maple syrup. It has lots of minerals and antioxidants. It also has less sugar than honey per serving.

We also stated that maple syrup also has lots of sugar per serving. So, you will have to control the amount you put on your flapjacks.

The grades of maple syrup also changed and are now all the same Grade A, with four types. They are Golden, Amber, Dark, and Very Dark.

The ultimate decision maker for which grade of maple syrup is best is you. Your taste buds will determine the grade of maple syrup to buy on a regular basis.

Remember, pure maple syrup is more expensive than regular pancake syrup. Pure maple syrup contains only maple syrup and no other ingredients. The pancake syrup contains ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and other ingredients and is cheaper.

The darker the grade of maple syrup will have the strongest maple flavor. Therefore, the Very Dark grade has the strongest maple taste. This grade is usually used for baking. You can add maple syrup to top any dessert, french toast, ice cream, hot cereal, sweet potatoes, baked beans, cinnamon rolls, and yogart just to name a few.

Shop Maple Syrup

Shop for the top rated 100% pure maple syrups by clicking on the brand of choice. You will be taken to Amazon to place the order. There are links for all 4 grades of maple syrup and sugar-free.

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