How Much Does Maple Syrup Cost?

Last Updated on May 23, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Maple syrup is part of Canada’s identity, where maple trees stand out. Moreover, the maple leaf is a symbol of Canada, being present on the coins and the flag of this country. This syrup was discovered, according to legend, more by chance – the legend says that a woman from the Iroquois Indian tribe used the liquid drained from the trunk of maple for cooking. She thought this liquid was water but found that the food she cooked with it was very sweet.

How Much Does Maple Syrup Cost?

Usually, maple syrup is sold in bottles and has different grades. The average cost of a bottle of pure maple syrup is around $10 per pint or more than $43 per half-gallon or $86 per gallon.

The average price of maple syrup depends on many factors, including the quantity, the brand, and the place it is bought from. For example, there are retailers and farms that sell mini bottles of maple syrup that cost anywhere between $5 and $8 for two ounces, or larger quantities such as five gallons with the price of $360.

In the table below you will find the price estimates for some of the most popular brands of maple syrup.

US pure maple syrup wholesale price

Maple syrup details

Maple syrup production is possible by boiling the sap of the maple tree. Depending on the type of maple and the period of sap extraction, but also on the boiling time, the syrup obtained has a different color, taste, and general properties.

For example, the darker syrup is extracted towards the end of the season and has a more pronounced taste, while the lighter syrup is more liquid and has a more subtle flavor, being preferred as a topping for pancakes or for sweetening teas.

You might also like our articles about the cost of crepes, honey, or peanut butter.

Maple syrup grades

Maple syrup is classified into several grades: A, B, C, and D. Grade D syrup is the darkest in color and the only 100% original, hence the price difference compared to other syrups on the market.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, maple syrup has four grades, all noted with A, followed by a flavor/color description such as:

Grade A amber color and rich taste has a smooth flavor and is made in the middle of the season.

Grade A golden color and with a delicate taste has the most delicate flavor, lightest color and is made in colder climates.

Grade A dark color and robust taste is strong and usually an alternative to molasses, so it is sold mostly to factories in order to produce maple candy.

Grade A very dark and strong taste is also known as grade B and has a deeper tint similar to brown sugar.

Important things to consider

When buying maple syrup, make sure you read the food label carefully. Thus, you will be able to choose real maple syrup – not just maple syrup with added refined sugar or corn syrup with high fructose content. Natural maple syrup is obtained by boiling maple sap until it contains no more than 33% water, leaving a concentration of sugars of 66%. Synthetic maple syrup – usually sold as pancake syrup – must be labeled as such. In general, it is obtained mainly from corn syrup with up to 3% pure maple syrup. Some products of this type may contain only artificial maple extract.

You can purchase maple syrup from local suppliers in different quantities like one gallon, half-gallon, pint, half-pint, and quart.

The amount of sugar contained in a half cup of maple syrup is 50 grams. Plus is has around 200 calories. This is the equivalent of a 12-ounce can of cola.

Even though it is sweet, maple syrup is considered a much healthier sweetener than refined white sugar. Its content of minerals and other beneficial substances places it almost on par with honey, in terms of nutritional properties. However, maple syrup is rich in sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially by certain categories of people.

You can store the maple syrup in the refrigerator for up to six months once you opened it, while the unopened syrup can last up to two years if stored in a pantry.

Maple syrup nutrition

As you can see, Maple syrup is high in sucrose.

How can I save money?

It’s a good idea to search on the Internet for coupon codes when buying anything online. Maple syrup is no different. When you buy your favorite brand name, check out what kind of savings they have available and how much money would be saved by using their coupons in comparison with other stores.

An alternative to brand-name syrups is the store-brand ones that are considerably cheaper and taste the same. For instance, a name-brand syrup may cost around $15 or even more, while the Great Value maple syrup can be bought for around $9.

As with any other condiment, the more you purchase the more you save. Buying in bulk can help you reduce costs.

Artificial maple syrup will cost less but remember it’s not as good because of its ingredients. Pure Maple Syrup, on the other hand, tastes much better and has a higher price tag due to all things involved in harvesting the sap from trees, like scarce resources and shorter season length for collection which means more effort goes into making just one cup.