Maple syrup enthusiasts will find a wealth of choice among supermarket selections, with each bringing its own distinct palette inspired by its origin. A thorough comparison of ten grade-A, pure maple syrups has highlighted unique characteristics across the board. The syrups, judged on aspects like flavour intensity, aroma, and value, reveal a rich diversity similar to wine, reflective of their terroir.
Top Pick: Maple Shack Maple Syrup
Available for £4.90 per 250g at Ocado, this syrup tops the list with its deep mahogany hue and complex forest notes tinged with roast chicory smokiness. Boasting a medium viscosity, its flavour intensity is remarkable, featuring caramelised toffee with a sweet, lingering finish. Harvested from a select group of 200 maple farms in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region, this syrup offers an authentic experience.
Best Value: Waitrose No 1 Canadian Amber Maple Syrup
Waitrose offers a cost-effective yet high-quality choice at £5.60 for 330g, equating to £1.70 per 100g. This syrup’s light amber colour and sweet-caramel aroma are complemented by a floral acidity. Its thick texture carries a balanced blend of buttery sweetness and cinnamon hints, resulting in a mild yet satisfying intensity.
Other Noteworthy Contenders
M&S Collection Canadian Maple Syrup
Priced at £5.50 for 330g at Ocado, this syrup displays a light amber with copper-red hues, evoking molasses and honeyed acidity. Its complexity lies in brown butter, toffee, and woody undertones, resulting in medium-strong intensity with a high acidity finish.
Asda Exceptional Canadian Amber Maple Syrup
Offered at Asda for £4 per 250g, this syrup features ochre tones and an intense butterscotch aroma. The medium viscosity carries deep umami notes of brown sugar and vanilla, representing a bold amber character.
Buckwud Organic Classic Canadian Maple Syrup
Available for £4.50 at Morrisons and £4.85 at Waitrose per 250g, this mahogany syrup surprises with its earthy aroma and balance of caramel, toffee, and light butterscotch. It has earned two Great Taste stars in 2023 and is certified organic by the Soil Association.
Biona Organic Pure Amber Maple Syrup
This syrup, priced at £6.80 for 330g at Ocado, offers a deep amber-sienna appearance and a subtle butterscotch and pine flavour profile. Its medium body delivers a woody, creamy taste, sourced from Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent and Organic Food Federation certified.
Tesco Finest Amber Maple Syrup
For £6.85 per 330g at Tesco, this burnt sienna syrup delivers a simple aroma with a sweet, woody profile, accentuated by earthy flavours and toasted grain notes. It offers a well-balanced yet mild intensity.
Aldi Specially Selected Canadian Maple Syrup
Selling in-store for £3.99 per 330g, this whisky-hued syrup has a sweet, earthy rye aroma complemented by candied butterscotch and vanilla notes. It remains light but flavourful with mild intensity.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Canadian Maple Syrup
Retailing for £5.20 per 250g, this syrup features an amber-yellow hue and a sweet marshmallow-vanilla scent, delivering a thick texture with caramel and earthy undertones. Its medium intensity is balanced with hints of acidity and toast.
Co-op Pure Canadian Maple Syrup
For £5.25 per 250g at Co-op, this syrup exhibits a light mahogany colour and a subtle aroma. Its medium viscosity supports a sweet, well-rounded taste with earthy dandelion root and classic maple-caramel notes.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.