Maple adds the sweet spot to bakery

Whether used as a binder, sweetener or flavour enhancer, Bascon Maple Farms believes maple syrup and maple sugar will help baked goods rise above the competition.

“Bascom maple syrup and sugar are the perfect ingredients to naturally add delectable sweetness and mouthfeel to baked goods,”​ said Arnold Coombs, executive director of Sales and Marketing, Bascom Maple Farms.

“Traditional cane sugar is a staple ingredient in the bakery industry that provides sweetness, texture, moisture, and more to various products. However, with health and wellness trends continuously growing in popularity, consumer attitudes are shifting, and the demand for alternative sweeteners and cleaner labels is more important than ever.”​

Nostalgia, exclusivity and sensory experience

Despite the sharper lean towards health – and even rising inflation rates – the appetite for sweet baked treats has not waned. In fact, 82% of Americans are purchasing the same amount, if not more, according to Mintel’s 2023 Instore Bakery report.

However, most still view bakery as an indulgence to be consumed in moderation – which rather than a challenge, presents an opportunity for baker to ramp up their better-for-you offering. The inclusion of maple also lend to a positioning that incorporates nostalgia, exclusivity and a sensory experience.

“Our maple products are familiar ingredients with strong consumer appeal, and they are always sustainably sourced and made with 100% pure maple syrup from New England and Canada,”​ said Coombs.

Like traditional sugar, maple can be used to contribute subtle flavour, browning and moisture to cookies, cakes , ganache fillings and icing (among other applications), while ramping up the wholesome goodness message and proudly wearing a clean label.

“Bascom’s maple syrup and sugar make the perfect alternative sweeteners to meet the demands of today’s marketplace.”​

In a nutshell, maple products:

• Enhance flavour, texture, and visual appeal
• Are 100% plant-based/vegan (as opposed to honey, an insect byproduct)
• Are a good source of micronutrients, with its antioxidant, mineral and bioactive plant compounds
• Meet trending label claims, such as clean label, organic and all-natural
• Is a wild crop-harvest, meaning it’s a more sustainable sweetener.

“Maple carries a healthy halo with consumers and is a great choice to add dimension to food and beverage applications that can be enjoyed every day, year-round,”​ added Coombs.

“Maple syrup is lower in sweetness, calories and glycaemic index than cane sugar, making it perfect for clean label products. And because maple is not highly refined like traditional cane sugar, it is also chock-full of inherent minerals, antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds.”​

Bascom Maple Farms products are available in all grades, each offering a unique flavour and colour profile. The range also comes in easy-to-use forms, sizes and packaging, from glass bottles for home baking to drums and totes for professionals.

“Our experts can help you determine the right maple syrup or maple sugar that will achieve the goals for your product.”​