How Much Sugar Is in Maple Butter? Nutritional Facts

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite its misleading name, traditional maple butter is made from a single ingredient: 100% pure maple syrup. This creamy, delectable spread, also known as maple cream, is essentially a concentrated form of sugar, with a significant amount of sugar packed into each serving.

Quick Summary

Maple butter is a dairy-free spread made by whipping pure maple syrup, resulting in a product with a high concentration of natural sugars. The specific sugar content depends on the brand and serving size but is substantial per spoonful.

Key Points

Single Ingredient: Traditional maple butter, also known as maple cream, is made exclusively from 100% pure maple syrup, with no dairy added.
High Sugar Content: A single tablespoon of pure maple butter contains a significant amount of concentrated sugar, typically around 15 grams.
Concentrated Sweetness: The process of boiling and whipping maple syrup concentrates its natural sweetness and sugar content.
Nutrient-Rich, but High-Calorie: While it contains trace minerals and antioxidants, maple butter is still a calorically dense sugar product and should be consumed in moderation.
Mindful for Diabetics: Individuals with diabetes should consume maple butter in very small portions and monitor their blood sugar levels, consulting a doctor for dietary guidance.
Versatile Culinary Use: From spreading on toast to glazing meats, maple butter offers a rich, natural flavor that can enhance many sweet and savory dishes.

What is Maple Butter and How is It Made?

Contrary to what the name suggests, maple butter contains no actual dairy butter. It is a simple yet elegant confection crafted solely from pure maple syrup through a meticulous process of heating, cooling, and whipping. Makers begin by boiling 100% pure maple syrup to a specific temperature, typically around 235°F (112°C). After reaching the correct temperature, the syrup is quickly cooled to around 126°F (52°C), a crucial step to control crystallization. Finally, the cooled syrup is beaten or churned until it transforms into a light, creamy, and spreadable consistency, similar to peanut butter. This whipping process is what gives maple butter its characteristic airy texture and lighter tan color, setting it apart from regular syrup.

The Hard Facts: How Much Sugar is in Maple Butter

Because maple butter is made exclusively from pure maple syrup, its sugar content is very high. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on the concentration of the finished product, but it is a sugar-dense food. Here's a breakdown based on nutritional data from various brands:

Typical 1 Tbsp (19g) Serving: Contains approximately 15 grams of total sugars.
Typical 2 Tbsp (46g) Serving: Contains up to 38 grams of total sugars.

To put this in perspective, the World Health Organization recommends that added sugars should not exceed 10% of your daily energy intake. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this is about 50g of sugar. As you can see, a couple of tablespoons of maple butter can account for a large portion of that daily limit.

Comparison: Maple Butter vs. Maple Syrup vs. Refined Sugar

Understanding how maple butter compares to other sweeteners can help you make informed dietary choices. While all are primarily sugar, their composition and additional nutritional benefits differ significantly.


Feature	Pure Maple Butter/Cream	Pure Maple Syrup	Refined White Sugar	Honey (Average)
Primary Ingredient	100% Pure Maple Syrup	100% Pure Maple Sap	Processed Sugarcane/Beets	Nectar from Flowers
Sugar Content	~15g per Tbsp	~15g per Tbsp	~12g per Tbsp	~17g per Tbsp
Processing	Cooked, cooled, and whipped	Boiled down from sap	Highly processed and refined	Filtered (minimal processing)
Nutrients	Trace minerals (Manganese, Zinc, etc.) and antioxidants	Trace minerals and antioxidants	None	Minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
Glycemic Index	Low GI, same as maple syrup (~54)	Low GI (~54)	High GI (65+)	Moderate GI (~61)

Health Implications and Considerations

While maple butter does contain some beneficial minerals and antioxidants inherited from the pure maple syrup, it is still a concentrated source of sugar. The potential health benefits often cited for maple syrup are present in very small amounts. Therefore, it is crucial to enjoy maple butter as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.

Considerations for Diabetics

For individuals managing their blood sugar, like those with diabetes, maple butter should be consumed with extreme caution and in very small quantities. While pure maple syrup has a slightly lower glycemic index than table sugar, it still causes a rise in blood sugar. A single tablespoon contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates, and portion control is vital. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored to your health needs before adding new sugars to your diet.

Mindful Consumption

Portion Control: Use a small amount to get the full flavor experience without overdoing the sugar content.
Pair with Fiber: Enjoy maple butter with high-fiber foods like whole-grain toast or oatmeal to help slow down sugar absorption.
Homemade Options: Creating your own maple butter allows for full control over the ingredients and process, ensuring no additives are present.

Versatile Culinary Uses of Maple Butter

The unique texture and flavor of maple butter make it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Its rich, caramel-like notes can enhance many dishes.

Here are some popular ways to use maple butter:

Spread it generously on toast, croissants, or bagels.
Dollop it on pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
Mix it into oatmeal or yogurt for added flavor.
Use it as a frosting for cakes and pastries.
Stir it into glazes for roasted meats or vegetables.
Add it to coffee or other beverages for natural sweetness.
Enjoy it straight from the spoon as a decadent treat.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Sweetness in Moderation

So, how much sugar is in maple butter? The answer is: a lot, but it's not the whole story. As a concentrated, 100% pure maple product, it's packed with natural sugars but also offers a richer flavor profile and trace minerals not found in refined white sugar. The key is to remember that maple butter is a treat. It should be enjoyed mindfully and in moderation to reap its unique flavor benefits without overindulging in sugar. Whether you're spreading it on your morning toast or baking it into a dessert, a little bit goes a long way. For more nutritional information on maple products, you can refer to authoritative sources like the Maple from Canada organization, which provides detailed facts about pure maple syrup's nutritional profile.

This is an informative article and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for dietary recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure maple butter, also called maple cream, is made from 100% pure maple syrup. It contains no dairy butter or other ingredients. The syrup is heated, cooled, and whipped until it achieves a creamy, spreadable texture.

The sugar content can vary slightly by brand, but a single tablespoon (around 19 grams) of pure maple butter typically contains approximately 15 grams of total sugars.

Comparing pure maple butter to dairy butter is like comparing sugar to fat. Maple butter is a high-sugar, zero-fat product, while regular butter is high in saturated fat. Neither is inherently 'healthier' and both should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Diabetics can consume maple butter in very small amounts, but should exercise caution due to its high sugar and carbohydrate content. It is crucial to monitor blood sugar levels and consult with a doctor for personalized dietary advice.

Both are made from maple sap, but maple butter is a concentrated, whipped version of maple syrup. Maple syrup is a liquid sweetener, while maple butter is a creamy, spreadable confection with a more robust flavor.

No, homemade pure maple butter will have a similar sugar content to store-bought versions since it is also made from 100% pure maple syrup. Making it yourself ensures there are no additives, but the natural sugar level remains the same.

Maple butter should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator once opened. It can maintain its best quality for several weeks when properly stored.