Maple Syrup Grades: A Guide for Choosing and Using the Right Grade

Maple syrup is known all around the world as a delicious natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with pancakes.  

But were you also aware that pure maple syrup comes in four different varieties? 

Each of these grades possesses its own distinct flavour profile, opening up a world of culinary possibilities far beyond just pancakes and other desserts. 

In this blog, we run through the four different maple syrup grades, explain what makes each one unique and provide tips on how to use them in your cooking and baking.

What are the different maple syrup grades?

The four grades of maple syrup are golden, amber, dark and very dark. Each grade is harvested at a different point of the tapping season, with the lighter and more delicate-tasting grades produced at the start of spring and the darker, more robust grades collected at the end.

Tips for using the different maple syrup grades 

Along with having a different colour, the flavour of the different maple syrup grades varies considerably.  

Learning about these differences in flavour will help you pick the right one next time you prepare a recipe that includes maple syrup. 

Golden maple syrup

Harvested at the start of the tapping season, golden maple syrup is known for having a delicate taste with subtle hints of vanilla. 

The relatively mild flavour of this grade lends itself to drizzling directly over yoghurt, ice cream and French toast. 

Not only that, but golden maple syrup can be added to recipes like this Asian chicken noodle soup, where it is used to sweeten to stock. 

Alternatively, you could use the grade to make a subtly sweet vinaigrette to pour over our chicken orzo salad.

Amber maple syrup

Next up is amber maple syrup, the grade harvested towards the middle of the tapping season when temperatures begin to rise. 

This grade has a rich, well-rounded flavour and serves as the middle ground for those looking for that classic maple taste. 

To savour the full flavour of the grade, try adding a few spoonfuls to the sauce in this creamy vegan mac and cheese. 

Amber maple syrup is incredibly versatile and can also be added to drinks, as in this passion fruit martini recipe.

Dark maple syrup 

As the tapping season progresses, the colour of the maple sap becomes darker and the flavour more robust. 

Dark maple syrup is known for its full-bodied taste, which lends itself to everything from sauces and desserts to hearty homemade dishes. 

It pairs particularly well with soy, garlic and ginger in the sauce component of this dragon bowl recipe. 

You can also the grade to add a splash of sweetness to the minced beef in our beef burrito bowl recipe.

Very dark maple syrup

The strongest of the four maple syrup grades, very dark maple syrup is described as having a strong and intense flavour. 

Due to its strong taste, the grade is often used in sauces and glazes where the flavour needs to be carried through to the finished dish. 

Mixed together with soy sauce, very dark maple syrup makes for a great dipping sauce for these pork dumplings. 

It’s also great for baking and can be mixed into the dough for bread, puddings and cookies for added depth of flavour.

A grade for every taste

Pure maple syrup, with its four distinct flavour grades, offers incredible versatility for cooking and baking enthusiasts. 

Whether you’re looking for full-bodied flavour or a delicate touch, each grade has something unique to offer. 

If you’re looking for ways to experiment with the different maple syrup grades, make sure to check out our huge range of maple syrup recipes for inspiration!