Maple Syrup in Coffee: A Sweet Addition or Bad Idea?

Nov 26, 2023 • Shirnyl Dorothy Magos

Our expert staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches in depth our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

Related articles

Brown Sugar in Coffee
Amaretto Syrup
Caramel Syrup
No items found.

Nowadays, a lot of people are trying out new coffee sweeteners. How about maple syrup in coffee? This piece will discuss why maple syrup is a beautiful substitute for sugar in sweet coffee and what awesomeness you can reap from using it.

What Is Maple Syrup?

Maple syrup is boiled sap from maple trees. The sap is gathered by drilling holes in the trunks of maple trees, and then it is heated to evaporate most of the water, leaving pure maple syrup.
Over many centuries, it has been a staple of North American diets. The eastern Canadian province of Quebec currently produces about 80% of the world's supply.
Whether it is to flavor pancakes, waffles, or baked goods, maple syrup is a staple in most people's diets. It's great with veggies and as a glaze for meats. It has many other uses in savory meals as well. Maple syrup is a versatile ingredient that can replace sugar in almost any recipe. It is especially useful for making barbecue sauce and other condiments.

Maple tree canopy

Can I Put Maple Syrup In Coffee?

Putting maple syrup in coffee is an excellent alternative to table sugar. However, you should only use pure maple syrup if you try it in your coffee. 
Imitation syrups like "maple-flavored" or "pancake syrup" don't work at all. Why? One concern is that they typically use fake maple syrup, which is probably loaded with sugar and chemicals. 
Authentic maple syrup is quite watery, so it doesn't clump together when added to coffee. Note that artificial syrups are thick and sticky and don't mix well with coffee.
Whether you get an espresso, iced coffee, latte, cappuccino, macchiato, mocha, or cold brew in the morning, shake up your routine by including a dash of maple syrup in your beverage of choice!

Three bottles of maple syrup

3 Reasons Why You Should Try Maple Syrup in Coffee

Is maple syrup good in coffee? Here are four reasons why it is worth the try.

#1 An excellent alternative to table sugar

There's more to pure maple syrup than just its sweetness. It's a good source of minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants! If you're going to cut back on sugar, choose a sweetening alternative like maple.

#2 Worry less about clumps

Pure maple syrup dissolves in hot and cold liquids, so you'll never have to worry about a clump of crystals forming at the bottom of your cup.

#3 Offers a unique and distinct taste to your coffee

The flavor of pure maple syrup is rich and silky, bringing out the beautiful complexities of coffee. Adding real maple syrup enhances even the most ordinary cup of coffee to the level of a delightful indulgence.

Six bottles of maple syrup

Does Maple Syrup Taste Good In Coffee?

You can enjoy the rich flavor of maple syrup with your steaming cup of black coffee. All other sweeteners can't compare to maple syrup's unique blend of maple and caramel flavors.
If you want the way milk tastes in your coffee, feel free to add a splash of it, but keep in mind that doing so will not only add calories but also dilute the rich flavor.
It's fun to experiment. First, you might experiment with a different brand of coffee beans or a different ratio of pure maple syrup. 
Note that authentic maple syrup is thinner than other pancake syrups like corn syrup. When added to hot coffee, it dissolves quickly and doesn't tend to crystallize.

Maple Syrup In Coffee Benefits

Is maple syrup in coffee healthy? Many people choose maple syrup as an alternative to sugar because it is a natural sweetener with purported health benefits. 

The minerals and antioxidants in maple syrup set it apart from white sugar. The antioxidant content of maple is to be relatively high in scientific studies. In a scientific study, 24 distinct antioxidants were identified in maple syrup.

In addition to its high antioxidant content, pure maple syrup also contains minerals in each serving, including riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

Maple leaves on a tree

Is Maple Syrup Better Than Sugar In Coffee?

If you've been searching for a solution to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet while still enjoying a pleasant level of sweetness throughout the day, you can use pure maple syrup as a potential substitute. 

The antioxidant plant elements in maple syrup, often known as phenols, can positively affect human health. Antioxidants are an essential component in the battle against free radicals, which are harmful substances that are found in the body.

Sugar and maple syrup have the same calories and carbs in each serving, but maple syrup has a lesser glycemic index. In addition, since maple syrup has a reputation for being sweeter, it is possible to use less of it in a beverage or recipe. However, as is the case with other forms of sugar, moderation is essential.

How Do You Know If Maple Syrup Is Pure?

You need to get pure maple syrup for the best coffee experience. For the best maple syrup, always read the label. This ensures that you get pure maple syrup rather than maple-flavored syrup, which may contain high-fructose corn syrup or refined sugar. 

Maple syrup is typically classified by color, but this criterion can vary from country to country. Grade A maple syrup is the lightest syrup available in the United States, whereas Grade B is the darkest syrup Note that late-harvest sap produces darker syrups. 

Maple syrup farmer collecting syrup from a barrel

Author

Dorothy is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (RND) and teaches food and nutrition at a university. She is also a freelance writer and a fitness enthusiast. As a coffee lover, she appreciates the taste of a well-pressed cup of coffee and the beautiful complexity of each brewing method.

Monthly coffee news from around the world, worthy of your inbox.

We write a monthly newsletter about our curiosities and what's happening in the coffee world. Topics like monthly deals, industry news, the science behind our favorite beverage, and more.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Amazon Prime Day is here, get up to 50% off coffee brewers, beans, pods and more. Click here to view our top picks!