Maple Sugar & Sugar
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What it is
Maple sugar is a natural sweetener made from the concentrated sap of maple trees, primarily sugar maples. Sugar, often referred to as sucrose, is a common disaccharide derived from sugarcane or sugar beets, and is refined into white granulated sugar.
Why it's used
Both maple sugar and regular sugar are widely used as sweeteners in a vast array of food products. They also contribute to texture, act as preservatives in some applications, and aid in browning during cooking and baking. They are found in beverages, baked goods, candies, sauces, and many processed foods.
Health notes
Both maple sugar and sugar are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that intake of free sugars should be less than 10% of total energy intake. Excessive consumption of added sugars can contribute to dental caries, weight gain, and other health issues. JECFA has evaluated sugars, but specific numeric acceptable daily intake (ADI) limits are not typically set for macronutrients like sugars.
Allergen info
Neither maple sugar nor sugar is considered a major allergen.