Is there glyphosate in maple syrup? A guide to conventional vs. organic

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Recent testing on certain food products has detected glyphosate, a widely-used herbicide, raising consumer concerns about potential contamination in other natural foods like maple syrup. The answer to whether glyphosate is present depends heavily on the production methods used.

Quick Summary

The presence of glyphosate in maple syrup is determined by whether it is conventionally or organically produced. While not heavily used in all traditional sugaring, synthetic herbicides are prohibited in organic certified production, offering consumers a way to guarantee a pesticide-free product.

Key Points

Conventional Syrup Risk: Conventional maple syrup can contain glyphosate residues, as the use of synthetic pesticides is not prohibited under standard regulations.
Organic Certification: Certified organic maple syrup is guaranteed to be free of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate.
The Concentration Effect: The process of boiling maple sap down to syrup significantly concentrates any contaminants, so even small amounts in the raw sap can become amplified.
Minimal Drift Risk: While wind-blown drift can potentially affect organic crops, the risk of contamination from this source is significantly lower than direct application on conventional products.
Guaranteed Safety: The only way for consumers to be certain their maple syrup is free of glyphosate is by purchasing a product with a certified organic seal.
Beyond Pesticides: Organic certification also regulates other aspects of production, such as the use of defoaming agents during processing, which must also be organic.

Understanding Maple Syrup Production

Maple syrup is a natural product derived from the sap of maple trees. The process involves tapping trees, collecting the sap, and boiling it down to concentrate its sugars into syrup. However, not all maple syrup is created equal, with significant differences existing between conventional and certified organic methods. This distinction is critical when evaluating the risk of glyphosate exposure.

Conventional Maple Syrup: Unregulated Practices

For conventional maple syrup producers, the use of pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate is not explicitly forbidden. Although many traditional producers may not use such chemicals, there is no guarantee for consumers unless they purchase a certified organic product. If pesticides are used in or near the sugar bush (the forest of maple trees), there is a risk of contamination. The boiling process, which concentrates the sap roughly 40-to-1, also means that any contaminants present in the raw sap would be significantly concentrated in the final syrup.

Organic Maple Syrup: Strict Standards and Assurances

Certified organic maple syrup offers a much higher level of assurance regarding pesticide-free production. Organic certification involves a rigorous annual inspection process that verifies strict adherence to regulations. Key requirements for organic maple syrup include:

No Synthetic Chemicals: Organic producers are prohibited from using synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers in the maple forest. Natural alternatives like wood ash or agricultural lime may be used instead.
Biodiversity Protection: Organic standards protect the entire sugar bush ecosystem, promoting diverse plant and animal life rather than a monoculture.
Strict Processing Protocols: The certification regulates the entire process, from forest management to the sugarhouse. Organic producers must use approved, non-synthetic defoaming agents during boiling and adhere to strict cleaning protocols to avoid contamination.
Reduced Cross-Contamination Risk: The primary risk for organic products comes from cross-contamination via wind drift from nearby conventional farms. While this risk exists, the standards and dedicated sourcing significantly minimize potential exposure.

How to Minimize Your Exposure

For consumers concerned about glyphosate, several steps can be taken to ensure a safer choice:

Choose Certified Organic: The most straightforward method is to purchase maple syrup with a USDA Organic or equivalent certification seal. This guarantees that no synthetic pesticides were used in the production process.
Research Independent Testing: Some brands voluntarily test their products for glyphosate and other contaminants, providing results to consumers.
Support Local, Sustainable Producers: If buying from a small, local producer, ask about their farming practices and whether they use any chemicals. Many traditional sugarmakers operate without pesticides, though they may not have official organic certification.

Conventional vs. Organic Maple Syrup: Pesticide and Chemical Use


Feature	Conventional Maple Syrup	Certified Organic Maple Syrup
Use of Glyphosate	Can be used by producers; use is not regulated.	Prohibited; part of strict certification standards.
Other Synthetic Pesticides	Can be used if deemed necessary.	Strictly prohibited in the forest and surrounding areas.
Use of Fertilizers	Can use synthetic fertilizers to promote growth.	Must use natural alternatives like wood ash or agricultural lime.
Defoaming Agents	Can use synthetic defoaming agents during boiling, which can contain additives.	Must use certified organic oils or butter as defoaming agents.
Regulatory Oversight	Subject to basic state and FDA inspections for sanitation and safety.	Subject to additional, more stringent inspections by an organic certifier.
Risk of Contamination	Higher risk of contamination from direct application.	Minimal risk, primarily from environmental factors like wind drift.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While traditional maple syrup production is generally low-impact, the distinction between conventional and certified organic methods is crucial for consumers focused on avoiding glyphosate. The concentration factor inherent in producing syrup means that any chemicals in the sap could become more concentrated in the final product. By choosing a certified organic option, consumers receive a guarantee that the product was not treated with synthetic pesticides or herbicides like glyphosate. For those seeking an extra layer of confidence, researching brands that perform independent third-party testing can further reduce exposure risk. Ultimately, purchasing certified organic maple syrup remains the safest and most reliable way to ensure a product free of glyphosate. To learn more about avoiding glyphosate in other foods, consult resources like EWG’s Guide to Avoiding Glyphosate in Food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, conventional or non-organic maple syrup can potentially contain glyphosate. While not all conventional producers use it, there is no regulation preventing its use, so the only guarantee is to buy certified organic syrup.

No, not all maple syrup is organic. Despite the natural collection process, some producers may use synthetic chemicals like pesticides and herbicides in their forests, which is why certified organic labeling is necessary to guarantee chemical-free status.

Yes, it is possible for glyphosate applied in or around a sugar bush to be absorbed by the maple trees and contaminate the sap, particularly due to the systemic nature of the herbicide.

The concentration process involves boiling down a large volume of maple sap (e.g., 40 gallons) into a much smaller volume of syrup (e.g., 1 gallon). This means that any chemical residue present in the sap will also become much more concentrated in the final product.

The primary difference lies in the use of synthetic chemicals. Organic production prohibits the use of all synthetic pesticides and herbicides, while conventional production does not, though many conventional producers still avoid them.

To avoid glyphosate, the most reliable method is to purchase maple syrup that has a certified organic label from a recognized authority like the USDA. You can also look for brands that voluntarily test their products.

Any taste differences are typically related to the grade, flavor profile, and production nuances rather than the presence or absence of chemicals. The taste is primarily determined by factors like mineral content, processing temperature, and time of year the sap was collected.

While Canada has regulations for maple syrup labeling and grade, organic certification is the specific system that prohibits the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate in the sugar bush.