IHOP, also known as the International House of Pancakes, is a popular family restaurant chain known for its wide variety of pancake offerings. One of the things that makes IHOP’s pancakes so delightful is the wide array of syrup flavors available to top them with. While traditional maple syrup is always an option, IHOP also offers flavored syrups like strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and more to add an extra pop of flavor. This leads many pancake lovers to wonder: does IHOP have blueberry syrup?
The Origins of IHOP’s Blueberry Syrup
While IHOP has become almost synonymous with pancakes, the chain actually started off in 1958 as a small pancake house in Burbank, California called the International House of Pancakes. The original menu focused on regular buttermilk pancakes topped with butter and syrup. Over the years as the chain expanded across the country, IHOP began diversifying its menu and offering more flavors of pancakes and syrup.
Blueberry pancakes and syrup first appeared on IHOP’s menu in the 1960s. As the berry pancake trend was growing in popularity, IHOP added dishes like blueberry pancakes and blueberry syrup to satisfy customer demand. The chain became known for its big, fluffy blueberry pancakes topped with vibrant purple blueberry syrup. The signature blueberry syrup recipe contains real blueberry flavor and has been a staple on IHOP’s menu for over 50 years.
The Introduction of Blueberry Syrup in the 1960s
Pancake historians trace the debut of blueberry syrup at IHOP back to the 1960s, when berry-flavored pancakes started trending across the country. While the original Burbank location only offered regular pancakes with maple syrup, franchises that opened during this decade began experimenting with fresh blueberry pancakes and an accompanying syrup. The creation of the branded “IHOP blueberry syrup” followed soon after blueberry pancakes were added to menus.
By the late 1960s, blueberry pancakes and syrup could be found at IHOPs nationwide. For customers craving a fruity twist on traditional maple syrup, the new blueberry syrup provided a delicious and satisfying option. Its immediate popularity cemented blueberry syrup’s longstanding place on IHOP’s menus to this day.
The Ingredients in IHOP’s Blueberry Syrup
IHOP has perfected the classic blueberry syrup recipe over the past 60 years, though the ingredients have remained relatively simple. The most important ingredient is real blueberries, which give the syrup its signature color, flavor, and texture.
Blueberry Puree
The base of the blueberry syrup is a thick blueberry puree made from real blueberries. The fresh blueberries are washed, stemmed, and pressed to form a smooth puree, which provides authentic fruit flavor.
Sugar
To balance out the tartness of the berry puree, blueberry syrup needs a generous helping of sugar. Plain white sugar adds sweetness to the syrup without overpowering the natural flavors. The ratio of blueberry puree to sugar can be adjusted to control the thickness and sweetness of the final syrup.
Water
The right amount of water helps thin out the sugary blueberry puree into syrup consistency. A touch of water also helps amplify the fruit flavor.
Natural Flavors/Food Coloring
Small amounts of natural blueberry flavors or food coloring may also be used to boost the color and taste. This ensures each batch of syrup has a vibrant purple-blue hue and robust blueberry flavor. However, real blueberry puree provides most of the flavor and coloring.
Corn Syrup
A small amount of corn syrup often gets added to blueberry syrup as well. The corn syrup stabilizes the mixture and improves consistency, so the syrup easily coats pancakes without getting watery.
How IHOP Makes Its Blueberry Syrup
While the exact recipe is proprietary, IHOP likely uses a process similar to this to produce gallons of delicious blueberry syrup:
Step 1: Wash and Press Blueberries
Fresh blueberries are washed thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. The stems are removed before the berries get pressed and pureed.
Step 2: Blend Blueberry Puree
The cleaned berries go into a large industrial blender to be pureed into a smooth mixture. The puree provides bold blueberry flavor and vibrant color.
Step 3: Mix Puree with Other Wet Ingredients
The blueberry puree gets combined with water, corn syrup, and any other wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl. The right ratios are used to achieve optimal syrup thickness.
Step 4: Add Sugar
Just the right amount of cane sugar gets stirred in to balance out the natural tartness of the berries. Sugar adds sweetness without overpowering the fresh fruit flavor.
Step 5: Adjust Flavor and Color
Small amounts of natural flavor or food coloring may get added at this point to intensify the blueberry taste and purple hue. The goal is vibrant syrup that tastes like fresh blueberry goodness.
Step 6: Bottle Syrup
Once the ideal flavor, color, and consistency is reached, the blueberry syrup is bottled up. It gets delivered to IHOPs to top blueberry pancakes!
Nutritional Information on IHOP’s Blueberry Syrup
While IHOP’s blueberry syrup contains some natural fruit flavor, it is still high in sugar as a typical pancake topping. Here are some key nutritional facts about IHOP’s blueberry syrup:
Calories
– 1⁄4 cup of IHOP blueberry syrup contains 110 calories
Total Carbohydrates
– 1⁄4 cup of blueberry syrup has 29 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from added sugars
Total Sugars
– A 1⁄4 cup portion of syrup contains 28 grams of sugar
Added Sugars
– IHOP blueberry syrup provides 26 grams of added sugars in each 1⁄4 cup
No Fat, Fiber, or Protein
– Blueberry syrup contains zero grams of fat, fiber, or protein
So while it adds lots of sweet berry flavor, IHOP’s blueberry syrup lacks nutritional value beyond empty calories and carbohydrates. It’s best enjoyed in moderation on special occasions.
Where to Find IHOP’s Blueberry Syrup
Wondering where you can get your hands on the signature IHOP blueberry syrup? Here are some tips for locating and using it:
On IHOP Menu Items
– Order blueberry pancakes, waffles, or crepes at IHOP restaurants and the syrup will come alongside
At IHOP Retail Locations
– Some IHOP stores sell retail bottles of blueberry syrup to enjoy at home
Online Orders
– IHOP’s online shop sells bottled blueberry syrup that can be shipped nationwide
Use on Pancakes, Waffles, Ice Cream
– Enjoy IHOP’s blueberry syrup on home-cooked pancakes, waffles, crepes, ice cream, and more!
How Much Does IHOP’s Blueberry Syrup Cost?
As a proprietary brand, IHOP blueberry syrup is only available directly from IHOP restaurants or retail locations. The cost for a bottle of this syrup depends on the size:
12 oz Bottle
– $3.99 per 12 oz plastic squeeze bottle
24 oz Bottle
– Around $5.99 for a 24 oz plastic bottle
64 oz Jug
– Approximately $12.99 for a 64 oz jug
Online Prices May Vary
– Online shipping costs may make online orders a few dollars pricier
So a standard bottle of IHOP blueberry syrup ranges from $4-13 depending on whether you dine in, take out, or order online. It’s a reasonably priced specialty syrup.
Does IHOP Offer Sugar-Free Blueberry Syrup?
IHOP understands some customers may be looking for sugar-free options to allow them to enjoy blueberry syrup without all the added sugar. Unfortunately, at this time IHOP does not offer a sugar-free blueberry syrup alternative. The classic recipe relies on high amounts of sugar to balance the tart berry flavors.
However, there are a few lower-sugar ways to enjoy blueberry syrup flavor at IHOP:
Ask for Light Syrup
– Order light syrup and add blueberry syrup for a mix of sweetness
Request Extra Blueberries
– Get blueberries on the side to add fresh fruit without extra syrup
Share a Syrup
– Split one order of blueberry syrup between the whole table
So while a sugar-free version isn’t available, you can still find ways to reduce the total sugar when enjoying blueberry pancakes at IHOP.
Does IHOP Offer Other Berry Syrups?
Blueberry isn’t the only fruit syrup flavor featured on IHOP’s menus. The popular breakfast chain also offers a few other berry-inspired syrups for topping pancakes, waffles, and crepes:
Strawberry Syrup
– Made with sweet strawberry puree like the blueberry syrup
Raspberry Syrup
– Features tart raspberry flavor
Mixed Berry Syrup
– Combines blueberry, strawberry, and raspberry flavors
Maine Blueberry Syrup
– Made with wild Maine blueberries
Lingonberry Syrup
– Contains a blend of cranberry and blueberry
So whether you prefer mild strawberry, tart raspberry, or wild Maine blueberry, IHOP has a wide selection of fruit-flavored pancake toppings. The blueberry syrup remains the most popular, but feel free to get creative and sample multiple berry options!
Does IHOP Offer Vegan or Gluten-Free Blueberry Syrup?
IHOP traditionally uses fairly simple ingredients in their blueberry syrup recipe, including blueberry puree, sugar, water, and corn syrup. This means the classic version of the syrup is both vegan and gluten-free friendly.
Here’s a breakdown of the vegan and gluten-free status:
Vegan
– Does not contain any animal products
Gluten-Free
– No wheat products like barley or rye
No Eggs or Dairy
– Suitable for people with egg or dairy allergies
Corn Syrup Only Potential Allergen
– The corn syrup could cause sensitivity for those with corn allergies
So feel free to enjoy IHOP’s original blueberry syrup regardless of dietary restrictions. Just be mindful of potential corn allergies. And consult directly with IHOP for up-to-date allergen information.
Are There Any Blueberry Syrup Alternatives?
While IHOP’s signature blueberry syrup remains a customer favorite, some guests may be looking for alternative blueberry-flavored syrup options. Here are a few ideas:
Make Your Own
– DIY blueberry syrup recipes with fresh or frozen berries
Purchase Organic Brands
– Natural blueberry syrups without artificial ingredients
Sugar-Free Maple Syrup
– Pancake syrups flavored with blueberry extract
Fresh Blueberry Topping
– Mix berries into plain Greek yogurt for a homemade fruit sauce
Jam or Preserves
– Spread blueberry jam or preserves on pancakes instead of syrup
So guests can either make their own blueberry syrup at home or purchase ready-made versions from grocery stores. Adding fresh blueberries, jam, or yogurt can also provide that flavor without as much sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common FAQs about IHOP’s blueberry syrup:
Is the blueberry syrup gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, IHOP’s traditional blueberry syrup is both gluten-free and vegan, making it accessible for most diners.
Where can I buy a bottle of the syrup?
Bottles of IHOP blueberry syrup are sold at select IHOP retail stores or online at shop.ihop.com.
Does the syrup contain real blueberries?
Yes, the base of the syrup is a puree made from real fresh blueberries. This provides authentic flavor.
Do they sell sugar-free blueberry syrup?
No, IHOP currently does not offer a sugar-free version of their classic blueberry syrup. The recipe relies on sugar to balance the tart berry flavors.
What is the difference between blueberry and maple syrup at IHOP?
Maple syrup has a more traditional, mellow sweet flavor while blueberry syrup is much fruitier in taste and has a deep purple color.
Conclusion
So does IHOP have blueberry syrup? The answer is a definitive yes! For over 60 years, IHOP’s vibrant purple blueberry syrup has been topping their signature blueberry pancakes and other breakfast items. Made with simple ingredients like fresh blueberry puree, sugar, and water, the classic blueberry syrup recipe adds a touch of fruit flavor. While not the healthiest choice, it remains a customer favorite for blueberry pancake lovers and a staple on IHOP’s menus nationwide. Whether you order it on the side or buy a bottle to drizzle on waffles at home, IHOP’s signature syrup is a unique topping option. So next time you visit, consider substituting maple for blueberry and see if you agree it’s the perfect complement to fluffy, fresh pancakes!
