When can babies eat Maple Syrup?
From 6 months
Start with: Sticky liquid.
Maple syrup is a thick, sweet liquid made from the sap of maple trees. It is a source of antioxidants and essential minerals such as manganese and riboflavin. While it is a natural sweetener and safer than honey for infants under one year, it is still considered an added sugar and should be used sparingly to help your baby develop a preference for the natural flavors of whole foods.
How to serve Maple Syrup, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Sticky liquid.
At this stage, it is best to avoid added sweeteners entirely. If a recipe specifically calls for a liquid sweetener, maple syrup is safer than honey because it does not carry a botulism risk. However, try using mashed banana or apple puree to sweeten your baby's food instead.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Liquid syrup.
Toddlers can have small amounts of maple syrup drizzled over pancakes or stirred into plain yogurt. Limit servings to maintain a healthy diet and prevent tooth decay. Always choose '100% Pure Maple Syrup' rather than 'Pancake Syrup,' which is mostly high-fructose corn syrup.
Choking risk & safe preparation
Low choking risk
Maple syrup is a liquid and does not pose a choking risk, but its stickiness can be messy. Ensure it is well-incorporated into foods.
Allergen information
Not a common childhood allergen. Reactions are possible with any food, so introduce it on its own first.
Nutrition & benefits
Maple syrup stands out for its exceptionally high Manganese content, which is vital for bone formation and metabolic health. It also provides Zinc and Calcium in trace amounts, along with over 24 different antioxidants.
- Bone Health
- Energy Booster
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 260kcal
- Protein
- < 0.1g
- Fat
- < 0.1g
- Fiber
- 0g
- Iron
- 0.1mg
- Vitamin C
- 0mg
See all nutrients (25)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 260 kcal
- Protein
- < 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 67 g
- Fat
- < 0.1 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 0.1 mg
- Calcium
- 102 mg
- Zinc
- 1.5 mg
- Sodium
- 12 mg
- Potassium
- 212 mg
- Magnesium
- 21 mg
- Phosphorus
- 2 mg
- Selenium
- 0.6 mcg
- Copper
- < 0.1 mg
- Manganese
- 2.9 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 0 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- 0 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 0 mg
- Vitamin K
- 0 mcg
- Folate
- 0 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- < 0.1 mg
- Choline
- 1.6 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 0 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Maple Syrup
Apple & Oat Breakfast Muffins
Wholesome muffins with a tender oat crumb, studded with juicy apple pieces and scented with warm cinnamon. Naturally sweetened with applesauce and a drizzle of maple syrup, these are fiber-rich and perfect for tiny hands to grab at breakfast or snack time.
Soft-Baked Apple with Cinnamon & Oats
A warm and fragrant dessert or breakfast. The apple is baked until tender and filled with a soft oat and cinnamon mixture. Naturally sweet and easy to digest.
Banana & Apple Loaf
A tender, warmly spiced loaf packed with mashed banana and juicy apple chunks. The Greek yogurt keeps it incredibly moist while whole wheat flour adds wholesome nutrition. Slice it thick for little hands or thin for spreading with nut butter.
Banana & Apple Oat Muffins
Beautifully moist muffins bursting with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and tender apple pieces. Rolled oats add a gentle chew and extra fiber, making these a nourishing grab-and-go snack that the whole family will enjoy.
Banana & Carrot Muffins
Naturally sweet muffins combining ripe bananas and freshly grated carrots with warm cinnamon. Packed with fiber from whole-wheat flour and oats, they make a nourishing grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon snack.
Soft Yogurt Mini Croissants
These pillowy little rolls are made with Greek yogurt for a boost of protein and a lovely soft texture that is easy for toddlers to chew. They are a wonderful alternative to store-bought pastries and make a delightful addition to a balanced breakfast or afternoon snack.
Frequently asked
Is maple syrup safer than honey for babies?
Yes. Honey contains spores that can cause infant botulism, a rare but fatal illness for babies under 12 months. Maple syrup is processed with high heat and does not contain these spores, making it a safer option for sweetening baby recipes.
What should I look for on the label?
Always look for '100% Pure Maple Syrup.' Many products sold as 'Pancake Syrup' or 'Table Syrup' are actually made from high-fructose corn syrup, caramel coloring, and artificial flavors, which offer no nutritional benefit.
Track Maple Syrup in the Nica app
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