Is Maple Syrup Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, maple syrup is safe during pregnancy. Pure maple syrup contains no harmful ingredients and 99% of products in this category receive an A grade for pregnancy safety.
Pure maple syrup is simply boiled sap from maple trees with no additives, making it one of the safest sweetener choices during pregnancy. It provides trace minerals like manganese and zinc. The only concern is with flavored or imitation syrups that may contain artificial sweeteners or preservatives, but standard pure maple syrup poses no risk to pregnant women.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • 100% pure maple syrup with no added ingredients
- • Grade A labeling (Dark Amber, Golden, etc.) which indicates pure maple syrup
- • Single ingredient on the label: maple syrup or organic maple syrup
- • Trusted brands like Kirkland Signature, Butternut Mountain Farm, or Trader Joe's
- • Moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet - no specific limit for pure maple syrup
✗ What to Avoid
- • Pancake syrups or imitation maple syrups containing high fructose corn syrup
- • Flavored maple syrups with artificial sweeteners like aspartame
- • Products containing sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate preservatives
- • Sugar free or diet maple syrup alternatives
- • Maple flavored products that aren't actually maple syrup
Most Common Ingredients in Maple Syrup Products
We analyzed 468 maple syrup products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Maple Syrup
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 468 maple syrup products we analyzed.
aspartame
CAUTION
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener commonly found in diet sodas, sugar free foods, and tabletop sweeteners. Has been linked in animal studies to placental dysfunction, reduced birth weight, and oxidative stress, with limited human data suggesting possible developmental concerns.
Found in 1 of 468 products (0%)
egyptian chamomile blossoms
CAUTION
Egyptian chamomile blossoms is an herb used for relaxation and digestive support. May stimulate uterine contractions and has been associated with preterm birth in some studies.
Found in 1 of 468 products (0%)
high fructose rice syrup
CAUTION
High fructose rice syrup is a simple sugar found naturally in fruits and added to many processed foods and beverages as high fructose corn syrup. May program offspring for metabolic dysfunction when consumed in excess during pregnancy, with animal studies showing effects on insulin resistance, blood pressure, and neurodevelopment.
Found in 1 of 468 products (0%)
potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate as preservatives
CAUTION
Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate as preservatives is a common food preservative in processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses.
Found in 1 of 468 products (0%)
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C.
Found in 1 of 468 products (0%)
sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate sucralose
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate sucralose is a common food preservative in processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses.
Found in 1 of 468 products (0%)
Maple Syrup Products We've Analyzed
We graded 468 maple syrup products for pregnancy safety. 462 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Maple Syrup Products
We found 462 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Kirkland Signature 100% Maple Syrup, Dark Amber, 33.8 Fl. Oz. | Kirkland Signature |
| A | Pure Maple Syrup, Maple | — |
| A | Kirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup 33.8 Ounce | Kirkland Signature |
| A | 100% Pure Maple Syrup 32 Fl Oz | Trader Joe'S |
| A | Maple Syrup | Trader Joe'S |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women eat maple syrup?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat maple syrup. Pure maple syrup is made from a single ingredient boiled maple tree sap and contains no additives or preservatives that could harm pregnancy. With 462 out of 468 maple syrup products receiving an A grade for pregnancy safety, it's one of the safest sweetener options available. Just stick to pure maple syrup rather than imitation or flavored varieties.
What are the risks of maple syrup during pregnancy?
Pure maple syrup poses virtually no risks during pregnancy. The only potential concerns arise from flavored or imitation syrups that may contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame or preservatives like sodium benzoate. These additives have been flagged for caution during pregnancy in some studies. To avoid any risk, simply choose 100% pure maple syrup with no added ingredients.
What are the nutritional benefits of maple syrup during pregnancy?
Maple syrup offers several nutritional benefits for pregnant women. It contains manganese, which supports bone health and metabolism, and zinc, which is important for immune function and fetal development. It also provides antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. While it's still a sweetener that should be consumed in moderation, it's a more nutritious choice than many alternatives.
Is maple syrup safe in all trimesters of pregnancy?
Yes, pure maple syrup is safe throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy. Unlike honey, which carries a small botulism risk for infants but is safe for pregnant women, maple syrup has no trimester specific concerns. The boiling process used to make maple syrup eliminates any potential pathogens. You can enjoy it on pancakes, in oatmeal, or as a natural sweetener at any stage of pregnancy.
Is maple syrup better than honey during pregnancy?
Both maple syrup and honey are safe during pregnancy, but maple syrup has a slight edge nutritionally. Maple syrup contains more minerals like manganese and zinc, and has a lower glycemic index than honey. Both are natural sweeteners without the concerns associated with artificial sweeteners. The choice comes down to personal preference both are pregnancy safe options when consumed in moderation.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41081642/
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- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12045525/
- https://fertilityglo.com/blogs/post/chamomile tea in pregnancy safe or stimulant
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy pregnancy/is it safe/herbal tea/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/chamomile tea
