The next time you drown your pancakes in sweet syrup, ask yourself what you’re pouring on that stack. Do you know the difference between maple syrup and pancake syrup?

Many bottles of what appears to be maple syrup are simply bottles of corn syrup with maple flavoring—but the picture of syrup-doused pancakes on the label makes you think otherwise.

The contents may be sweetly pleasing, but they’re not maple syrup. And the U.S. government won’t allow it to be called maple syrup—“pancake syrup,” “rich syrup” and other terms are devised by manufacturers.

Here’s what’s in a bottle of Mrs. Butterworth’s:

High fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, salt, cellulose gum, molasses, potassium sorbate (preservative), sodium hexametaphosphate, citric acid, caramel color, and natural and artificial flavors.

Ingredients are similar for Aunt Jemima, Hungry Jack, and Log Cabin syrups.

That’s a world apart from the natural maple syrup tapped from the tree!
 
 
Take The Taste Test

If you think you like commercial pancake syrups, try a side-by-side taste test. Buy a bottle of the real deal. The label will say 100% Pure Maple Syrup and there should be just one item on the ingredient list: maple syrup.

And that maple syrup has wonderful uses, far beyond breakfast.
 
 
WAYS TO USE REAL MAPLE SYRUP

Breakfast

 
Lunch & Dinner

 
Dessert

 
Beverages

 
 
RECIPE: MAPLE SYRUP-GLAZED PORK

Buy your favorite cut of pork: belly, loin, chop roast—there’s really no way to go wrong (see our Pork Cuts Glossary for inspiration).

Slather that pork in maple syrup, and hit it generously with some kosher salt and coarse black pepper. Then roast it the same as you normally would (the lower and slower the better, in our opinion). Baste with syrup often, ideally using some of the maple-icious pan drippings.

[1] What’s that on your pancakes: artificially flavored corn syrup? (photo © Stuart Burford | iStock Photo)?

[2] Real maple syrup is more expensive, but worth it. Imitation maple syrup, made from artificially flavored corn syrup, must say “imitation” on the label (photo © King Arthur Baking).

[3] Glaze a pork roast or other cut with maple syrup (photo © Williams Sonoma).

[4] Use maple syrup to sweeten tea and coffee (photo © Runamok Maple).

From pancakes to pork chops, 100% real maple syrup makes all the difference.
 
 
FOOD 101: DO YOU KNOW THE GRADES OF MAPLE SYRUP?

What’s the difference between Grade A and Grade B; or Grade A Light Amber, A Medium Amber, and A Dark Amber? It’s the strength of the flavor, with Grade B the most robust. Check out the details.