Johann Hunt
Ever wonder why every maple syrup tastes different? Some pour rich and real, others fall flat. If you’ve ever stood in the breakfast aisle wondering whether that bottle of maple syrup is worth it, this roundup is for you. It’s time to learn more about the popular options before you buy your next maple syrup.
Great Value
Walmart’s Great Value syrup costs $7.98 for an 8.5-oz bottle. The bottle looks basic, and the syrup pours out thin. One bite, and it’s obvious this is just sugary liquid with barely a hint of maple. If you need syrup on a budget, it works. But for flavor? Keep searching.
Pearl Milling Company
Formerly known as Aunt Jemima, Pearl Milling Company syrup has a reputation to uphold. It’s smooth and sweet. Slightly buttery, yes, but it contains no real maple syrup. The flavor leans more toward caramelized sugar than authentic maple. Good for pancakes, but not for purists.
365 By Whole Foods
Whole Foods’ 365 brand promises a more natural taste without the sky-high price of pure maple syrup. And it delivers. It’s thicker than expected, with a mellow maple flavor. 365 Organic Maple Syrup (Grade A, Dark) is 100% pure maple syrup. A solid middle-ground option.
Log Cabin
Log Cabin has been around for ages, so we expected a strong contender. It pours beautifully, rich and thick, but the taste is disappointing. It leans too heavily on artificial flavors, and the maple essence feels forced. While it’s more affordable than some premium brands, it still doesn’t justify the $3.74 for a 24-oz bottle.
Mrs. Butterworth’s
Mrs. Butterworth’s iconic bottle brings back childhood memories. Although the syrup is thick, smooth, and incredibly sweet, something feels off—it’s almost too processed. The high-fructose corn syrup base overpowers any real maple notes. It’s a nostalgic pick, but if you want true maple flavor, this isn’t it.
Coombs Family Farms
This is the real deal—100% pure maple syrup. No artificial flavors, no additives, just rich, golden maple goodness. The flavor is rich and intricate, featuring notes of caramel and woodsy sweetness. It goes for $16.04 per 12-oz bottle, and is worth it for anyone who needs pure maple syrup.
Market Pantry
You grab Market Pantry syrup at Target, hoping for a budget-friendly win. It pours smoothly, looking the part, but the taste? It barely registers. There’s sweetness, but where’s the maple? It’s thin, artificial, and just… there. If you need syrup in a pinch, it works. Otherwise, you can do better.
Hungry Jack
You might expect Hungry Jack to taste like every other budget syrup. But the first bite surprises you. It’s thick, rich, and has a buttery smoothness that lingers. The maple flavor isn’t the strongest, but it’s there. For an affordable option of $2.99 to $4.49 per 24-oz bottle, this one deserves a second look.
Cary’s
Cary’s promises a maple blend that sounds like the best of both worlds. Don’t expect balance, as it’s mostly sugary sweetness. Add to the fact that the maple notes barely come through, and the texture is thinner than expected. It’s serviceable, but it struggles to compete with many other options.
Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup
Anderson’s is also among the top choices. The deep amber color hints at its rich, complex flavor. One taste, and you get smooth caramel notes, a clean finish, and no artificial aftertaste. It costs more than standard grocery syrups ($ 5.28 per 8-oz bottle), but for pure maple goodness, you won’t regret it.