When it comes to sweetening our food and beverages, the choices can be overwhelming. Among the array of options, maple syrup stands out as a natural and nutritious alternative to added sugar. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals, but it also is a great natural sweetener, that hasn’t been over-processed like most refined sugars. This is one of the key reasons Herbaland decided to use real maple syrup, locally sourced in Quebec, to sweeten and flavour our newly reformulated Oh My! Canada - Maple Syrup flavoured gummy! Let’s take a look at all the reasons why maple syrup is healthier than refined sugar.

Natural Goodness

Unlike many added refined sugars, maple syrup is minimally processed, making it more natural than alternatives. Maple Syrup is tapped from sugar maple trees and then boiled down to become the thick, sweet and sticky syrup we’ve come to know and love. Refined sugars are often accompanied by other additives and preservatives, whereas maple syrup will have little to no additives depending on the product.

Maple Syrup is More Nutrient Dense than Sugar

Another key benefit to consuming maple syrup over sugar is due to the fact that it is filled with essential vitamins and minerals. Maple syrup contains manganese, zinc, calcium, potassium and iron! You can get 165% of your recommended daily intake of manganese from ⅓ cup of maple syrup! 

Lower Glycemic Index than Sugar

In comparison to refined sugars, Maple Syrup has a lower glycemic index (GI). For those who aren’t familiar with the GI, this is a measure of how fast a food can raise your blood glucose levels. Different carbohydrates can be absorbed at different rates and thus affect blood glucose. Foods with a high GI can cause greater spikes in your blood sugar, as well as greater crashes. This may lead to fluctuations in energy and hunger. With maple syrup, there will be a more stable release of energy.

Maple Syrup is Better for the Environment

The whole process of producing maple syrup is rather simple and sustainable, as the maple trees are just tapped for their sap, allowing for continuous harvest every year. On top of that, the maple trees will sequester lots of carbon over its lifetime. To create our Maple Syrup gummies, we are working with a local Quebec supplier that operates a carbon-neutral production facility. Through this partnership, Herbaland can bring you a product that is both better for you and the planet.

So Maple Syrup or Sugar?