We’re really nestled into fall this week. And while the autumnal season is usually synonymous with pumpkin spice everything, there’s another flavor sneaking its way onto more grocery shelves. Sure, pumpkin and pumpkin spice still dominate — at least, for now. But over the past few weeks, I’ve also noticed stores have become inundated with the warm, caramelized flavors of maple syrup.
It’s not just in bottles anymore or the occasional dessert (although, there is plenty of that too). I’m seeing it pop up in the dairy section, freezer cases, breakfast aisles, and more. Now that you know, you’ll totally see it, too!
These are the ones I’m excited about.
1. Lots of Flavored Maple Syrups
There are tons of maple syrups out there (trust me, The Kitchn tried 11 of the most popular to see which ones are the best). To make things even more interesting (and delicious), brands are adding infused maple syrups to their already impressive roster. At the top of the list is Runamok, a Vermont-based farm with nearly a dozen flavors like Banana Rum, Blueberry + Lemon, and Pineapple Upside Down Syrup. I’ve tried all three, and they really taste like maple syrup with a kick of something else (be it banana rum, blueberries, or pineapple) and in addition to a really fabulous pancake topping, they’re also a no-brainer for cocktails and tea, too.
Runamok isn’t the only one; Thrive Market also has a Cinnamon and Vanilla-Infused Syrup, and Williams Sonoma even has a Mini Maple Syrup Trio with blueberry, bourdon, and cinnamon-flavored syrups.
2. Creamers, Butters, Yogurts, and More Dairy
This season is the first time I’ve also noticed a true influx of maple-flavored dairy. Earlier this year, I tried Churn’s Maple-Cinnamon compound butter (that’s a dream on toast), and now, I can’t stop seeing maple in all sorts of dairy. Trader Joe’s has also opted into the maple craze with a Salted Maple Cold Foam Coffee Creamer that is creamy, maple-y, and has a nice salted flavor to round it all out. I also discovered my new favorite yogurt of all time, Brown Cow Cream Top Whole Milk Maple Yogurt, that tastes like a sweet, warm creamy fall dream.
It’s big in the world of ice cream, too: Jeni’s has a Maple-Soaked Pancakes pint, Alec’s Maple Cardamom Ice Cream is sweet and spiced, and Target’s Favorite Day private-label has a tasty Salted Maple Pecan Ice Cream.
3. So Many Sweet (and Savory!) Snacks
Trader Joe’s really kicked it off this season with a plethora of maple groceries like Maple Brown Butter Almonds and Teeny Tiny Maple Butter Tarts, but its certainly not the only one opting into maple. Bob’s Red Mill has a fantastic Maple Sea Salt Granola. I’ve really been loving Mush’s Maple Cinnamon Overnight Oats and Protein Bar, King Arthur has a super delicious Maple Pecan Muffin and Bread Mix, and BjornQorn even has a Maple Popcorn.
Beyond the sweetness it’s usually associated with, brands are betting big on maple in the savory category, too. We’re not just talking about the bacon and sausages that maple syrup flavors are usually associated with (though, it’s big there too, I like the Al Fresco Apple Maple Chicken Sausage), but in all sorts of savory applications, too. Kettle Brand has a Maple Bacon Potato Chip and Rouge Jerky has a Maple & Brown Sugar Beef Jerky. Epic even has Maple Bacon Pork Cracklings and Maple Salmon Jerky Bites.
There’s also an entire growing sector of savory-sweet maple sauces like Sweet Baby Ray’s Maple Barbecue Sauce and Vermont Maple Sriracha.
If you think it could be maple flavored, odds are there’s one out there.
What maple syrup products are you picking up this fall? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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