The Best (and Worst) Maple Syrup Brands You Can Buy in Stores
Maple syrup has long been a staple of North American breakfasts, especially across the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada, where its production originated. It’s made by boiling down sap collected from sugar maple trees, often during early spring.
Though traditionally simple, maple syrup now comes in a wide range of grades and styles. Here are maple syrup brands that show just how much store-bought syrup can differ in flavor, texture, and quality.
Anderson’s Grade A Pure Maple Syrup
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Wisconsin produces a lot of excellent maple syrup, and this one lives up to that reputation. It’s thick, darker than most, and holds its flavor whether you’re using it on pancakes or brushing it over roasted vegetables. The taste has real depth without being too sweet, and it doesn’t fade when heated.
Great Value Grade A Pure Maple Syrup
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Great Value’s product looks more delicate than it actually is. Its appearance might suggest simplicity, but it delivers a clear maple presence after it’s warmed or used in recipes. At under six dollars, it’s priced far below several comparable options.
Good & Gather Grade A 100% Pure Maple Syrup
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The bottle may be plastic, which might raise eyebrows for a product labeled pure maple, but the contents outperform expectations. According to consumer sales reports, this is one of Target’s top repurchased pantry staples. It has a strong maple taste at a lower cost compared to different glass-bottled competitors.
Private Selection Grade A Maple Syrup
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Kroger’s higher-tier syrup walks the line between subtle and noticeable. It has a silky consistency and a maple profile that’s present without being dominant. That makes it great for people who want sweetness without the syrup stealing focus. It also works incredibly well in baking.
Simple Truth Organic Maple Syrup
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This syrup’s main draw is its organic sourcing. It’s harvested without synthetic additives and clearly shows its makeup. Its mild profile works better in subdued roles—like in oatmeal or baked goods—than as a topping.
Spring Tree Pure Maple Syrup
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Considering it’s been on shelves since the 1970s, Spring Tree owes its longevity more to name recognition than to what’s in the bottle. The syrup comes out thin, with a light amber color and only a hint of maple that fades quickly. Its clean-looking packaging might catch your eye, but it is mostly used in recipes where other ingredients do the main job.
Maple Grove Farms Organic Maple Syrup
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Shoppers often reach for organic options expecting stronger quality, and Maple Grove Farms leans into that appeal by promoting itself as the country’s largest maple syrup packer. For those who prefer something light and unobtrusive, the sticky liquid blends right in.
Sapjack Grade A Golden Maple Syrup
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Sapjack, packaged in an attractive container with an organic label, suits customers who use syrup more as a background note. Its soft presence works especially well in teas, dressings, or light glazes. At $5.67 for 8 ounces, it’s a considered choice for customers seeking a gentler maple character.
Wagner’s Grade A Maple Syrup
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Some brands flaunt their heritage on the label, and Wagner’s does just that with its “Something Special from Wisconsin” slogan. It also claims to be award-winning, but in practice, it’s a bit more watery and forgettable. The item lacks flavor density, which ends up surprising buyers given its mid-range price.
Hamel Grade A 100% Pure Maple Syrup
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Specialty grocers usually stock their shelves with Hamel’s maple syrup. Although its label reads premium, the contents feel closer to processed sugar than actual maple syrup. It’s thin in texture and has a paler shade, which reviewers believe mirrors its minimal flavor. If you prefer a lasting finish and taste, this brand will not satisfy you.
Butternut Mountain Farm Pure Maple Syrup
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If you’ve spent any time in a Vermont general store, you’ve likely seen Butternut Mountain Farm’s classic jugs tucked among the local honeys and jams. Their Amber Rich selection offers a measured, almost toasty sweetness that lingers without turning cloying. Stir it into oatmeal and you’ll notice a depth, somewhere between toasted nuts and warm caramel.
Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup
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Coombs is a name you see a lot in New England. The company’s been at it for over a hundred years, and they work with small family farms to keep things traditional. Their syrup has a real maple punch, plus a tiny hint of smoke from how they cook it. If you pour it over yogurt, roasted veggies, or anything that needs a little something extra, you’ll notice the difference. It’s also certified organic, so you know you’re getting the good stuff without additives.
Crown Maple Syrup
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Crown Maple comes from New York’s Hudson Valley and is a favorite for people who like a little more flavor. This syrup smells almost like vanilla and brown sugar, and it’s so smooth you could practically drink it. People use it for just about everything: cocktails, salad dressings, or even brushed over grilled fruit.
Hidden Springs Maple Syrup
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Hidden Springs is a small operation in Vermont that makes syrup in small batches. The flavor is gentle and the texture of the syrup is just thick enough to cling to your toast or waffles.
Trader Joe’s Organic Maple Syrup
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Trader Joe’s maple syrup is popular because it’s straightforward and reasonably priced. It comes in a glass bottle, pours easily, and tastes like the real thing—clean and just sweet enough. People keep it around for pancakes, but it’s also suitable for mixing into recipes or adding to coffee.