Last Updated on February 7, 2023
Maple syrup in coffee. Have you ever considered this natural sweetening option for your cup of joe?
Why would you reach for the maple syrup instead of the sugar?
You might choose to add maple syrup in coffee because it is a natural sweetener. Sugar is also a sweetener, but it is made of processed white cane sugar while maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees.
100% pure maple syrup contains 54 antioxidants and minerals, including zinc and manganese. Maple syrup also has a lower glycemic index than sugar, meaning it doesn’t spike your blood sugar as much as sugar does.
Let’s learn more about this natural way to make your coffee taste sweet.
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- What is Maple Syrup, Exactly?
- What's the Difference Between Maple Syrup and Sugar?
- How can I tell if my Maple Syrup is Real?
- How Do You Add Maple Syrup to Coffee?
- What Type of Coffee is Best with Maple Syrup?
- Is It Healthy to Put Maple Syrup in Coffee?
- What are the Pros and Cons of Maple Syrup in Coffee?
- Maple Coffee Recipes
- FAQ
- Conclusion: Sweeten Coffee with Maple Syrup
What is Maple Syrup, Exactly?
Maple syrup is a popular choice as a sweetener, but what exactly is it? The maple syrup comes from the sap of maples trees, which are tapped in late winter or early spring depending on where you live.
This process involves drilling small holes into the trunks of maple trees and draining out the sap so it can be turned into natural syrup. The sap is then boiled to evaporate the water from it, resulting in thick maple syrup.
If you’re wondering about the difference between pancake syrup and real maple syrup, pancake syrups contain corn syrup, and are made by adding artificial flavors and sweeteners as well as preservatives to the sap which reduces its nutritional value. You don’t want to be putting that stuff into your java, my friend.
What’s the Difference Between Maple Syrup and Sugar?
There are a number of reasons why 100% pure maple syrup is much better than standard sugar for coffee drinks. First, while both sweeteners add sweetness to coffee, sugar also adds other flavors such as vanilla , caramel, or plain.
If you are adding syrup to your coffee for the taste profile, then it would be better to use 100% pure maple syrup because it is a natural sugar.
Additionally, while both sweeteners contain calories and carbohydrates, sugar also can cause a spike in blood sugar levels whereas maple syrup has less of an effect on the body’s blood glucose levels .
How can I tell if my Maple Syrup is Real?
You don’t want to skimp on quality when it comes to maple syrup because there are some brands out there that are made with less expensive sweeteners or additives. If you want 100% pure maple syrup, then look for a bottle that says “100% Pure Maple Syrup” on the package.
You can also check to see if your maple syrup is real by reading the ingredients list. The ingredients should be only one ingredient: maple syrup.
How Do You Add Maple Syrup to Coffee?
Generally speaking, if you are putting maple syrup in your coffee you are doing it to sweeten it. You’ll find that pure maple syrup contains a rich, natural sweetness with a bit of a buttery taste. It will give your cup of coffee a richer overall flavor, whether it’s regular coffee or organic coffee.
However, if you are looking for a different flavor profile, then you will want to treat maple syrup more like a spice and add just a small amount at first until the taste is right for you. One teaspoon or two of 100% pure maple syrup is usually enough to add the sweetness and flavor that you want.
If you are adding heated maple syrup to coffee that is already brewed, then you can stir it in with a spoon or use a small whisk to mix the syrup into the coffee. However, if you are using this method for an iced coffee drink, then it’s better not to heat up the maple syrup so that it won’t melt your ice.
What Type of Coffee is Best with Maple Syrup?
Maple syrup works really well in dark roasts as well as medium roasts. It’s recommended that you choose a high-quality coffee with a full flavor profile for this method, but it also depends on your preference.
A good rule of thumb to follow for choosing a type of coffee to use with maple syrup is to pick a coffee that doesn’t have any added flavors or sweeteners. If you are adding maple syrup into already-brewed coffee, then you don’t want it to taste altered.
Here are some of my favorite whole bean coffees:
Brewing your coffee
The end result and ultimate enjoyment of any cup of coffee comes down to two things: the choice of coffee bean and the brewing method. I always recommend a simple pour over method, French press coffee, or even a Keurig if you’re in a hurry and want convenience.
Learn more about them here:
- How to make pour over coffee
- How to brew French press coffee
- Best coffee pods for a Keurig
Is It Healthy to Put Maple Syrup in Coffee?
Adding 100% pure maple syrup to coffee is not only delicious, but it also contains a number of health benefits. Maple syrup is made up of mostly sucrose and glucose , which means it does contain some calories. However, added sugar in coffee can cause weight gain if you consume too much everyday .
Additionally, when you are adding maple syrup to your coffee, it can help lower the amount of sugar you are adding. A tablespoon of maple syrup has about 60 calories and 18 grams of sugar , which is a significant amount less than how much would be in a cup if you were using standard white sugar.
If you want all the amazing health benefits that come from maple syrup, then you need to use 100% pure maple syrup .
What are the health benefits of maple syrup?
- Antioxidants
- Minerals like manganese and zinc
- Helps lower blood sugar
- Antibacterial properties
- Promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails due to high concentration of manganese
What are the Pros and Cons of Maple Syrup in Coffee?
Pros:
- Has less effect on blood sugar than standard sugar
- Has antioxidants and minerals
- Adds a nice natural sweetness to black or dark roasted coffee, depending on preference
Cons:
- Takes longer to dissolve than sugar
- Can have a strong flavor if you add too much
Maple Coffee Recipes
Are you ready to make some tasty maple coffee? Here are a couple of very simple recipes!
Maple Syrup Coffee:
- Brew a cup of your favorite coffee (medium or dark roast is preferable, but you choose)
- While it’s brewing, place 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup in your coffee mug and heat it for up to 15 seconds in the microwave. Be careful not to let it get too hot – it warms up quickly.
- Pour the brewed coffee over the heated maple syrup and stir.
Coffee ‘Cocktail’ with Maple Syrup: Combine 1/4 cup freshly brewed hot black coffee, 1 tbsp heated maple syrup, 2 tbsp heavy cream or half and half, and a pinch of nutmeg. This will give you a sweet yet creamy cocktail that has the same great flavor profile as traditional coffee drinks.
How about flavored sugar for your java?
Keep your life, and your coffee, interesting with flavored sugar from Javamelts! This innovative (yet oh-so-simple) sweetener is offered in a variety of flavors like Mocha, Caramel, Hazelnut, and more.
Founded by a creative woman with a heart and a vision, Javamelts is not only perfect for your coffee, you can use it in baking, too. How cool is that? And, these sweet little packets of goodness are vegan, non-dairy, non-GMO, and kosher, too.
Learn more by tapping on the image below.
FAQ
What is maple syrup?
Maple syrup is a concentrated sap from the sugar maple tree. It contains sucrose and glucose more than most other types of natural sweeteners.
Does it have calories?
Yes, 100% pure, organic maple syrup does contain calories. However, added sugars in coffee can cause weight gain if you consume too much every day , so adding a little bit of 100% pure maple syrup can be a good alternative if you want to add some flavor without the extra calories.
Is it healthy to put maple syrup in coffee?
Adding 100% pure maple syrup to drinks like black coffee has been shown to boost antioxidants and help regulate blood sugar levels. It is also full of minerals like manganese and zinc.
Do I have to use 100% pure maple syrup?
If you want all the amazing health benefits that come from maple syrup, then you need to use 100% pure maple syrup.
What does Maple Syrup taste like?
Maple syrup has a rich taste that is similar to caramel or butterscotch. It also contains some minerals like manganese and zinc which give it its signature color , while also adding vitamins to your body.
Is Maple Syrup gluten-free?
Yes, pure maple syrup is gluten-free.
Does Maple Syrup have caffeine?
No, maple syrup does not contain caffeine.
Conclusion: Sweeten Coffee with Maple Syrup
Adding maple syrup to coffee is a delicious way to mellow down the bitterness of black coffee and add a sweet flavor.
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that can be found at most grocery stores, making it a convenient option for those who want to add a little something extra to their morning cup of joe!
Candi Randolph is a coffee lover, blogger, and content creator who loves to share her knowledge with the coffee-drinking world. You’ll often find her tending to her coffee bar at home, deciding which method to use to brew her next cup of java. Life is full of important decisions. ☕
