Maple syrup is a popular pancake topping and natural sweetener that comes from the sap of maple trees. It takes 40 gallons of maple sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup, which is why it tends to be more expensive than many other sweeteners. The cost of maple syrup can vary depending on the grade, quantity, brand, region, and whether you buy it in bottles or bulk. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of maple syrup prices per gallon and factors that influence the cost.
Quick Answers
How much does maple syrup cost per gallon?
On average, maple syrup costs $40 to $50 per gallon when buying retail sized jugs. Bulk prices per gallon range from $30 to $45.
What is the most expensive type of maple syrup?
The most expensive maple syrup grade is Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste which can cost $60 to $70 per gallon. It has the strongest maple flavor.
What is the cheapest maple syrup?
The least expensive maple syrup is Grade A Golden Color, Delicate Taste which can cost as little as $35 per gallon when buying in bulk quantities. It has a mild flavor.
Is maple syrup cheaper in Canada?
Yes, maple syrup is generally cheaper to buy in Canada than the United States since Canada produces 71% of the world’s supply. Canadian maple syrup can cost 25% to 30% less than U.S. maple syrup.
Maple Syrup Grades and Flavor Profiles
Maple syrup is categorized into different grades based on color and flavor:
Grade A Light Amber
– Lightest color grade
– Delicate, simple maple taste
– Milder flavor good for baking and cooking
– Retail cost per gallon: $37 to $40
Grade A Medium Amber
– Medium golden color
– Richer maple taste
– Balanced sweetness and maple bite
– Retail cost per gallon: $40 to $50
Grade A Dark Amber
– Much darker color
– Robust maple flavor
– Strongest maple taste
– Retail cost per gallon: $50 to $60
Grade A Very Dark
– Darkest grade sold
– Very robust, maple bite
– Can have molasses or caramel hints
– Retail cost per gallon: $60 to $70
The darker grades have a bolder maple taste and are typically more expensive than lighter colored syrups.
Maple Syrup Prices Per Gallon
Maple syrup is sold in different sized containers, ranging from small 12 oz bottles to gallon jugs. When comparing prices, it’s important to calculate the cost per gallon to accurately compare.
Here are typical maple syrup prices per gallon:
Grocery Store Retail Prices
– 12 oz bottle = $12, so 1 gallon = $48
– 24 oz jug = $20, so 1 gallon = $40
– 32 oz jug = $25, so 1 gallon = $50
– 1 gallon jug = $40 to $60
Grocery store prices tend to range from $40 to $60 per gallon. Grade A Dark Amber is often $55 to $65 per gallon.
Bulk/Discount Retailer Prices
– 3 gallon pail = $90, so 1 gallon = $30
– 5 gallon pail = $140, so 1 gallon = $28
– 55 gallon drum = $1,650, so 1 gallon = $30
When buying large bulk quantities, prices are cheaper at around $28 to $35 per gallon.
Direct from Sugar Shack Prices
– 1 gallon jug = $40 to $50
– 5 gallon pail = $150, so 1 gallon = $30
Purchasing directly from maple syrup producer “sugar shacks” can save 10% to 20%.
Online Prices
– 12 oz bottle = $15, so 1 gallon = $60
– 24 oz jug = $30, so 1 gallon = $60
– 1 gallon jug = $40 to $55
Online prices are similar to grocery stores, ranging from $40 to $60 per gallon. Higher shipping costs on heavy maple syrup makes online less economical for bulk buying.
Factors That Impact Maple Syrup Pricing
Several key factors impact the retail and wholesale price of maple syrup:
Maple Syrup Grade
The darker, more robust grades of maple syrup are more expensive than lighter colors. Grade A Dark Amber can be $5 to $15 more per gallon than Grade A Golden Color syrup.
Quantity Purchased
Larger bulk sizes save significantly per gallon. A 55 gallon drum is around $30/gallon vs. $60/gallon for a 12 oz bottle. Buying by the case also saves compared to single jugs.
Brand
Premium maple syrup brands can be up to 25% more expensive than basic brands of the same grade. Vermont maple syrup is popular and costs more than Quebec, Canada syrup.
Supply and Demand
Maple syrup production varies year to year, so lower supply seasons result in higher prices. Bad weather or poor sap harvests in a region will decrease supply and increase costs.
Organic vs Non-Organic
USDA Certified Organic maple syrup costs $5 to $15 more per gallon because it’s more labor intensive to produce.
Location
Maple syrup costs more the farther away it’s sold from the source. Syrup purchased directly from a sugar shack in Quebec will be cheaper than buying Vermont maple syrup in California.
| Grade | Taste | Grocery Store Retail Price Per Gallon | Bulk Price Per Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A Golden/Light Amber | Delicate, Mild | $37 to $45 | $30 to $35 |
| Grade A Medium Amber | Rich, Balanced | $40 to $50 | $35 to $40 |
| Grade A Dark Amber | Robust, Strong | $50 to $60 | $40 to $45 |
| Grade A Very Dark | Very Strong, Caramel | $60 to $70 | $45 to $55 |
Average Cost of Maple Syrup vs Other Sweeteners
Compared to other common sweeteners, maple syrup is one of the most expensive options, costing about 9 times more than white cane sugar:
– Maple syrup – $45 per gallon
– Honey – $40 to $60 per gallon
– White cane sugar – $5 per 4 lb bag ($20 per gallon)
– Brown sugar – $8 per 4 lb bag ($32 per gallon)
– Corn syrup – $25 per gallon
– Molasses – $18 per gallon
– Artificial maple syrup – $10 per gallon
The reason for maple syrup’s high price is the labor intensive production. It takes 40 gallons of maple sap to make just 1 gallon of syrup, which requires significant time and energy to produce. The high demand for the unique maple flavor also keeps prices elevated compared to alternatives.
Is Maple Syrup Cheaper in Canada?
Yes, maple syrup is significantly cheaper to buy in Canada than the United States. Canada produces 71% of the world’s maple syrup supply, with 91% of that coming from Quebec.
Buying maple syrup in Canada saves about 25% to 30% compared to U.S. prices. Here’s a price comparison:
– Grocery store in Montreal – $30 CAD per gallon (=$22 USD per gallon)
– Grocery store in Vermont – $60 USD per gallon
Many tourists visiting Canada stock up on maple syrup to bring back home due to the lower prices. Quebec is a great place for getting discounted maple syrup straight from producers.
Ways to Save on Maple Syrup
Here are some tips for getting the best deals on maple syrup:
– Buy in bulk quantities – the more you buy, the lower the per gallon price
– Purchase directly from a maple syrup producer, often called a “sugar shack”
– Buy syrup made closest to where you live to save on shipping
– Look for sales at grocery stores or discount retailers
– Compare different brands and stores
– Consider lower grades (Golden or Light Amber) if you mainly cook with it
– Buy in Canada if you live near the border
– Reuse maple syrup bottles – some producers offer refills
Making Your Own Maple Syrup
The investment to make your own maple syrup at home is substantial. You need maple trees on your property, taps, buckets, a collecting tank, a reverse osmosis machine, evaporator, filters, bottling equipment, and lots of firewood.
The cost to set up a small home syrup making operation is $1,000 to $5,000. Making your own can save 50% to 75% vs. buying retail priced maple syrup. However, it’s very labor intensive and takes about 40 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup.
Conclusion
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that comes with a premium price tag. On average, expect to spend between $40 to $60 per gallon when buying retail. Maple syrup is more affordable when purchased in bulk quantities directly from producers, at around $30 to $45 per gallon. The grade and source region have a major impact on price as well. While not cheap, pure maple syrup is valued by many people for its unique flavor and artisanal production process.
