Spoiler alert: Your pancake syrup probably doesn’t have any maple in it.
There is truly nothing sweeter than syrup.
After all, a true syrup is made by dissolving sugar in boiling water.
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But when it comes to maple syrup and pancake syrup specifically you may wonder, is there a difference?
The short answer is yes.
It also comes down to personal preference when deciding what to put on yourfavorite pancakesand waffles.
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When it comes to syrup, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Chelsea Edwardsis a Registered Dietician and the owner ofHuntsville Nutrition Collectivein Huntsville, Alabama.
What Is Maple Syrup?
Maple syrup is made from the sap ofmaple trees.
The trees that are tapped for maple syrup are typically sugar maple trees, explains Edwards.
Inserting a spout into the holes directs the flow of sap into a container.
Some of the water is removed from the sap, and then it is boiled until it thickens.
It takes about 40 gallons of sap to equal 1 gallon of maple syrup.
Maple syrup is graded on color, clarity, density, and flavor.
The grading system for maple syrup is more about flavor than quality, says Edwards.
Color is an indicator of what flavor you’ll get from the maple syrup, says Edwards.
Light maple syrups (or) golden maple syrups tend to have a delicate taste.
Amber color means a rich taste.
Dark gives more of a robust taste and very dark has a strong taste.
66 brix equates to about 66% sugar, explains Edwards.
What Is Pancake Syrup?
Pancake syrup is typically made from high fructose corn syrup and/or corn syrup.
To determine if your pancake syrup has any maple syrup in it, check the ingredients list.
The ingredient list for Mrs. Butterworths Original recipe includes high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, and water.
Pancake syrup is an artificial syrup, making it significantly cheaper than maple syrup, Edwards says.
Which Is Healthier?
When it comes to which product is healthier, Edwards recommends maple syrup, if possible.
Does Maple Syrup Need To Be Refrigerated?
This depends on if the bottle is opened yet, or not.
Pancake syrups don’t require refrigeration because of the preservatives they are made with.
Maple syrup is the healthier choice.
Both unopened pancake syrup and maple syrup will last indefinitely when properly stored in a cool, dark place.
Once opened, pancake syrup can last indefinitely, however, its best to use it within a year.
Vermont Maple Sugar Makers.How Maple Syrup Is Made.
