Costco's Popular Kirkland Maple Syrup Is Unexpectedly High Quality

Fans of Costco know that the chain's private Kirkland brand features so many great products. While Costco is known for its awesome bulk buys, free samples, and tasty food court items, Kirkland products offer the best quality at the most affordable prices. That's why the great minds at Costco are so choosy about which products to include in their private-label brand. This is especially true when it comes to the chain's maple syrup, which many shoppers find to be a cut above even the big, national brands.

Maple syrup is the perfect accompaniment for all sorts of breakfast items. It's a must when enjoying pancakes or waffles, as the syrup melds beautifully with these sweet and tasty breakfast breads. However, some people also enjoy a bit of syrup with savory selections, such as bacon and sausage. No matter how you choose to enjoy your delicious maple syrup, you're sure to find the Kirkland brand a pleasing addition to your kitchen's condiment selection.

Costco believes bigger is better in most cases, and its maple syrup is no exception. Members of the warehouse retail chain can pick up a whopping 33.8 ounces of maple syrup, which ensures your kitchen will be well-stocked with the sweet stuff. Buying bulk from Costco also ensures you get more bang for your buck, as other brands usually come in smaller sizes and cost more.

Of course, Costco is a chain known for merging quality and quantity when it comes to its products. As for the Kirkland brand of maple syrup, shoppers can expect a certified organic product according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This product is also kosher, gluten-free, and categorized as grade-A maple syrup. While these descriptions are definitely promising, most people don't fully understand what makes real maple syrup a genuine article. In fact, there are a few essential rules that separate real products from pretenders (looking at you, Mrs. Butterworth).

Don't confuse real maple syrup with what is commonly known as "pancake syrup." These products are no doubt tasty, but they are not genuine maple syrup because they don't contain sap from maple trees. These products are often flavored with sweeteners like corn syrup, which is a big no-no when it comes to authenticity.

When it comes to grade A maple syrup, there are certain classification standards that must be met. As explained by the USDA, grade A maple syrup must contain no more than 68.9% solids content (i.e., sugar) according to weight. The color of the syrup must be even throughout and must also be free of sediment and cloudiness. As for taste and smell, the product must be pleasing and palatable. Any deficiencies in the product means it cannot bear the grade A designation. Costco's Kirkland product adheres to these and other maple syrup standards, which makes it an amazing buy for people who are serious about the quality of their breakfast condiments.