Understanding Canadian Maple Syrup Grading Standards

Maple Education

7 min read

January 10, 2024

Need drums for your operation?

Plan your procurement with our drum calculator, then request a qualified quote.

Overview of Canadian Grading Standards

• Canada's maple syrup grading system is governed by the Maple Products Regulations (SOR/2016-308), enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). These regulations set strict standards for production, grading, and labeling.
• All maple syrup sold commercially in Canada must be classified under this system. For bulk buyers, understanding these standards helps ensure you receive consistent, specification-compliant product.

The Two Categories: Grade A and Processing Grade

• Grade A maple syrup meets all quality criteria for retail and food-service use. It is further classified into four color classes based on light transmittance at 560 nm wavelength.
• Processing Grade is 100% pure maple syrup that does not meet the flavor or appearance standards for Grade A. It is sold only in bulk containers for food manufacturing — never for retail sale.

How Grading Works: Spectrophotometry

• Color classification uses a spectrophotometer to measure the percentage of light that passes through a maple syrup sample at 560 nm. Higher transmittance means lighter color.
• This objective measurement ensures consistency across producers and lots. Grading is performed by accredited inspectors — in Québec, this is typically the Centre ACER Inspection Division.

• Golden: ≥75% light transmittance
• Amber: 50–74.9% light transmittance
• Dark: 25–49.9% light transmittance
• Very Dark: <25% light transmittance

Sugar Content Requirements

• All grades must contain 66.0–68.9% soluble solids (Brix), measured by refractometer. Below 66% Brix, the syrup is considered insufficiently concentrated. Above 68.9% Brix, crystallization becomes a concern.

Inspection results are valid for approximately four months, as maple syrup can naturally darken during storage.

Quality Parameters Beyond Color

• Flavor profile: clean maple character with no off-flavors (buddy, metabolism, or fermented notes)
• Clarity: free of visible suspended matter or cloudiness
• Density: specific gravity measurements confirm proper concentration
• Authenticity: anti-adulteration screening verifies purity
• Lead screening: compliance with Canadian safety thresholds

What This Means for Bulk Buyers

• For procurement professionals, the Canadian grading system provides confidence in product consistency. Every 205L drum carries a grade classification that has been independently verified.
• When specifying requirements in your quote request, use the official grade names (Golden, Amber, Dark, Very Dark) and specify whether you need conventional or organic certification.

sales@maplesyrupfromcanada.com · Request a quote