Maple syrup is a popular pancake topping and natural sweetener that comes from the sap of maple trees. Costco sells several “maple flavored” syrups under its Kirkland Signature brand. But are these syrups made from real maple sap, or are they just maple-flavored corn syrup?
The Different Grades of Maple Syrup
True maple syrup is divided into different grades based on color and flavor:
- Grade A Light Amber – Light color and mild maple flavor
- Grade A Medium Amber – Darker color and richer maple flavor
- Grade A Dark Amber – Robust maple flavor, often used for baking
- Grade B – Very dark color and strong maple flavor
The lighter grades are milder in flavor and color because they come from sap extracted earlier in the maple syrup season. The darker grades come from sap extracted later in the season and have a more concentrated maple flavor.
Maple Syrup Production
Genuine maple syrup goes through a strict process:
- Maple trees are tapped early in the spring when nighttime temperatures are below freezing and daytime temps are above freezing. This fluctuating temperature creates pressure that forces sap to flow from taps in the tree.
- The sap is collected and boiled down to evaporate the water. It takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup.
- As water evaporates, the sap thickens and turns into syrup. Impurities are skimmed off the top.
- The syrup is filtered and graded based on color and flavor.
This time-consuming process makes real maple syrup more expensive than flavored corn syrup.
Costco’s Kirkland Maple Syrup
Costco sells two grades of Kirkland maple syrup:
- Kirkland Signature Organic Maple Syrup – USDA Certified Organic and Grade A Dark Amber. The label states it is “made from sap harvested from US grown maple trees.”
- Kirkland Signature Maple Flavored Syrup – Grade A Light Amber. The label simply states “maple flavored syrup.”
Based on the labeling, Kirkland’s organic syrup is real, while their “maple flavored” syrup appears to be maple-flavored corn syrup.
How to Identify Real Maple Syrup
Here are some tips for spotting real maple syrup:
- It will be labeled with a grade – Grade A Light, Medium, or Dark Amber.
- It should state clearly that it is real maple syrup, produced from maple sap.
- “Maple flavored” is often a indicator that the syrup is fake.
- Real maple has a more complex, nuanced flavor than plain syrup.
- It’s much more expensive than pancake syrup.
- The nutrition label will be very simple, with just calories and sugars.
Maple Syrup Nutrition
Maple syrup contains:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 52 | 3% |
| Total Sugars | 12g | 13% |
As you can see, maple syrup is high in sugar. But it has a low glycemic index, meaning the sugar is released more slowly into the bloodstream. This gives it a better impact on blood sugar compared to white sugar.
Maple Syrup vs. Pancake Syrup
Pancake syrup made from corn syrup flavored with imitations maple is very different from real maple:
| Maple Syrup | Pancake Syrup | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Maple sap | Corn syrup with flavorings |
| Process | Boiled down maple sap | Flavorings added to syrup |
| Flavors | Complex, nuanced | Maple-flavored |
| Glycemic Index | 54 | 68 |
| Price | Expensive | Cheap |
Health Benefits of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup contains beneficial compounds like:
- Antioxidants – Help fight free radical damage
- Zinc and Manganese – Important minerals
- Polyphenols – Anti-inflammatory properties
Studies show pure maple syrup may help reduce inflammation and oxidiative stress. The plant compounds in maple syrup could help defend against diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
However, keep in mind that maple syrup is still high in sugar and calories. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men per day.
Cost Analysis of Real Maple Syrup
At Costco, a 33.8 oz jug of Kirkland Organic Maple Syrup costs $13.99. That comes out to around $0.41 per ounce. In comparison, 12 oz of Mrs. Butterworth’s pancake syrup costs $2.98, or $0.25 per ounce. So maple syrup is a bit more expensive per ounce.
But when you factor in the premium quality, complex flavor, and health benefits of real maple syrup, the cost increase may be worthwhile if it fits your budget.
Is Costco’s Kirkland Maple Syrup Worth It?
Based on the label claiming it’s “made from sap harvested from US grown maple trees,” Kirkland Signature Organic Maple Syrup appears to be real. The grade and USDA organic label also back up that it’s a quality product.
Users on Reddit and other sites praise the flavor of Kirkland’s organic maple syrup and say it’s much better than cheap “maple flavored” syrup. They report it’s a good price for 100% real, organic maple syrup.
The deal may not be quite as good on Kirkland’s non-organic Maple Flavored Syrup. Since it just says “maple flavored” without mentioning maple sap or a grade, it’s likely a corn syrup product.
The Verdict
Kirkland Signature Organic Maple Syrup seems to be the real thing, while their regular Maple Flavored Syrup is probably just pancake syrup. For a tasty, natural maple syrup at Costco prices, Kirkland’s organic syrup looks like a good buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costco maple syrup fake?
Costco’s Kirkland brand organic maple syrup is real, while their non-organic Maple Flavored Syrup appears to be an imitation flavored corn syrup.
Why is real maple syrup so expensive?
Real maple syrup is expensive because it takes a lot of maple sap to make a small amount of syrup. All the sap has to be harvested, boiled down, and processed, which requires significant time and labor.
Is maple syrup better for you than regular syrup?
Yes, pure maple syrup is better for you than pancake syrup made from corn syrup. Maple syrup has some minerals, antioxidants, and plant compounds that make it healthier than plain corn syrup.
Is maple syrup OK for diabetics?
Small amounts of real maple syrup should be fine for diabetics in moderation. While still high in sugar, maple syrup has a lower glycemic index than refined sugars. Diabetics should consult their doctor about appropriate portion sizes.
Does Costco sell real Vermont maple syrup?
Yes, Costco sells real Vermont maple syrup under its Kirkland brand. The organic syrup states it’s “Made from Maple Sap Harvested and Bottled in Vermont.”
