What is the best brand of organic maple syrup?

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 90% of the world's maple syrup supply comes from Canada, yet discerning consumers know that region and production methods matter. When searching for what is the best brand of organic maple syrup, you are looking for purity, flavor, and sustainability. This guide dives into the top brands and factors to consider for your next delicious purchase.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the highest-rated organic maple syrup brands based on flavor, production quality, and sustainability. It covers different syrup grades, flavor profiles, and explains how to select the best option for your culinary needs. Includes a detailed comparison of popular choices.

Key Points

Organic certification guarantees purity: Organic maple syrup is produced without synthetic pesticides or chemicals, ensuring a cleaner product from sustainably managed forests.
Modern grades simplify flavor choice: The current grading system uses color and descriptive taste profiles (Golden Delicate, Amber Rich, Dark Robust, Very Dark Strong), making it easier to select the right intensity for your needs.
Origin affects flavor nuances: The flavor of maple syrup can be influenced by the region and specific processing methods used, with renowned production centers in places like Vermont and Quebec.
Consider taste, use, and value: Choose your syrup based on its intended use—lighter grades for delicate flavors, darker grades for robust applications like baking—and balance this with your budget and preferred packaging.
Top brands include Butternut Mountain Farm and Coombs Family Farms: Both are highly-regarded for their quality and production heritage, catering to different flavor preferences.
Eco-friendly practices are a key differentiator: Brands like Runamok and Barred Woods go beyond basic organic standards to implement sustainability efforts like Bird-Friendly certification.

Why Choose Organic Maple Syrup?

While all pure maple syrup comes from maple tree sap, the 'organic' label signifies adherence to strict production standards. These standards ensure the syrup is free from synthetic pesticides, chemicals, and fertilizers. Organic producers also prioritize sustainable forestry practices that protect the maple trees and surrounding ecosystem. By choosing certified organic maple syrup, consumers support environmentally responsible farming and receive a product guaranteed to be clean and pure. The production process involves minimal interference, from collecting the sap to boiling it down, often resulting in a superior, more authentic flavor.

The New Maple Syrup Grading System

Understanding the grading system is crucial to choosing the right organic maple syrup. The old Grade A, B, and C system, which could be misleading about quality, has been replaced by a new, more descriptive system. All pure maple syrup sold at retail is now Grade A, differentiated by color and taste. The taste of the syrup is directly influenced by when in the season the sap was collected; early season sap produces lighter syrup with a more delicate flavor, while later season sap results in darker, more robust syrup.

Grade A: Golden (Delicate Taste)

This is the lightest colored and most delicate flavored syrup, harvested at the beginning of the season. Its mild, buttery taste is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream, where a subtle sweetness is desired.

Grade A: Amber (Rich Taste)

A middle-ground syrup, amber-colored with a full-bodied maple flavor. It is the most versatile option, suitable for almost any application, from baking to dressings and glazes. Many tasters and experts praise this grade for its balanced and rich profile.

Grade A: Dark (Robust Taste)

This darker syrup boasts a more pronounced maple flavor with caramel notes, making it an excellent choice for baking, cooking, and pairing with savory dishes like glazes for meat. The robust taste ensures the maple flavor stands out clearly in a recipe.

Grade A: Very Dark (Strong Taste)

Harvested at the very end of the season, this syrup has the darkest color and most intense, powerful maple flavor. It is typically reserved for cooking or baking where a strong maple presence is needed, such as in sauces and barbecue.

Comparison Table of Top Organic Maple Syrup Brands


Brand	Grade Offered	Production Location	Noteworthy Feature	Best For	Price Point	Flavor Profile	Sustainability Notes
Butternut Mountain Farm	Amber Rich	Vermont, USA	Family-run for 40 years	All-purpose use	Mid-Range	Balanced, velvety, classic maple	Uses sap from local family farms
Runamok Maple	Golden, Amber, Dark, Aged	Vermont, USA	Specializes in infused & barrel-aged	Gifting, specialty recipes	Higher-End	Variety (pure, vanilla, etc.)	Certified Bird-Friendly by Audubon Society
Coombs Family Farms	Amber Rich, Dark Robust	Vermont, USA	Over 7 generations of family production	Classic maple flavor	Mid-Range	Rich, molasses aroma	USDA Organic, QAI certified
Hidden Springs Maple	Amber Rich, Dark Robust	Vermont, USA	Family farm with 50+ years experience	Direct consumption, topping	Mid-Range	Flavorful, pure	Sustainable practices emphasized
Shady Maple Farms	Amber Rich, Dark Robust	Canada	Pouch packaging option available	Strong maple flavor	Mid-Range	Sweet, earthy, robust	Widely available organic option
Crown Maple	Amber Rich, Dark Robust, Barrel-Aged	New York, USA	Complex flavor profiles	Baking, cocktails, discerning palates	Mid to High-Range	Nutty, toasty, warm notes	Focus on high quality and complex tastes

How to Choose the Right Brand for You

Selecting the best organic maple syrup depends on your personal preferences and intended use. First, consider the flavor profile you desire. If you want a light, subtle sweetness for your morning coffee or fresh fruit, a Golden (Delicate) syrup might be best. For all-around versatility in baking and drizzling, an Amber (Rich) syrup is the ideal choice. If you are preparing a dish where the maple flavor needs to stand out against other ingredients, like in a barbecue sauce or cocktail, a Dark (Robust) syrup is the way to go.

Next, examine the brand's origin and production practices. Vermont and Quebec, Canada, are renowned for their maple syrup production. Many producers, like Coombs Family Farms and Butternut Mountain Farm, have generations of experience, and their heritage is often reflected in the quality of their product. Brands like Runamok and Barred Woods also highlight their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly methods, which appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Finally, think about packaging and value. While glass bottles are often a premium choice, many brands offer their organic syrups in BPA-free plastic jugs for bulk purchasing, which is more economical. Tasting different grades, perhaps by purchasing a sampler set, is the most enjoyable way to determine which brand and flavor intensity you prefer. The market offers a wide range of top-rated organic options, proving that you can find a quality syrup that fits your budget and taste.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single "best" brand of organic maple syrup, as the ideal choice depends on personal taste, intended use, and budget. However, top contenders like Butternut Mountain Farm, Coombs Family Farms, and Runamok Maple consistently receive high praise for their flavor, quality, and commitment to sustainable practices. By understanding the modern grading system and considering the key factors of origin, flavor profile, and production, you can confidently select a delicious organic maple syrup for any occasion. Whether you prefer a delicate golden syrup for your pancakes or a robust dark syrup for baking, a high-quality, certified organic option is readily available to sweeten your next dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Organic maple syrup is certified by a third party to be produced without synthetic pesticides or chemicals, while prioritizing sustainable harvesting and processing methods. Regular pure maple syrup does not carry these certifications and may use different practices in the forest or facility.

For pancakes, the best grade depends on your flavor preference. Grade A: Golden (Delicate Taste) offers a subtle, mild maple flavor that won't overpower the dish. Grade A: Amber (Rich Taste) is a versatile, classic choice with a more pronounced maple flavor that many people enjoy.

While the fundamental maple taste is the same, some connoisseurs note that the cleaner, minimally processed production of organic syrup can result in a purer, more authentic flavor. However, the most significant taste differences come from the syrup's grade (color/intensity) and the region it was produced.

Neither is inherently 'better,' as the quality is high in both regions. The differences come down to subtle variations in flavor influenced by soil, climate, and local processing methods. Flavor is a matter of personal preference, and both locations produce excellent organic options.

Always check the ingredients list. Authentic, pure maple syrup will list only one ingredient: maple syrup. Labels will clearly state '100% Pure Maple Syrup' and often display a USDA organic seal for certified organic products.

The higher cost of organic maple syrup is due to the extra labor, stringent record-keeping, annual inspections, and specialized equipment required to meet organic certification standards. These practices ensure purity and support sustainable forestry, adding to production costs.

Yes, maple syrup is an excellent natural sweetener for baking. For a strong, pronounced maple flavor in your baked goods, choose a Grade A: Dark (Robust Taste) or Very Dark (Strong Taste) syrup. Lighter grades are better for applications where you want a subtle hint of maple.

Highly-rated organic maple syrup brands include Butternut Mountain Farm, Coombs Family Farms, Runamok Maple, Hidden Springs Maple, and Shady Maple Farms. These brands are frequently praised for their quality, flavor, and adherence to organic and sustainable practices.