Maple syrup is a natural, delicious and versatile sweetener.
However, if you are allergic to maple or allergic to maple syrup, you may benefit from learning more about maple syrup, maple syrup allergy and alternative sweeteners. It is possible to have a food sensitivity or other intolerance to maple syrup as well.
(If you’re NOT allergic to Maple Syrup and want to learn more about it, check out this post about Maple Syrup Nutrition.)
Maple Food Family
Maple is part of the Aceraceae Food Family (Reference: Oxford Biomedical Technologies).
If you are allergic or sensitive to maple, you may be allergic or sensitive to maple sugar, raw maple sap, maple water and maple syrup. They are members of the same food family.
Maple Syrup Allergy
Maple syrup allergy is not common but can trigger common allergic reactions and symptoms of allergic reactions (source).
Maple Tree Allergy & Tree Nut Allergies
Maple is not considered a tree nut (source).
Maple Tree pollen may be an allergen (source) separately from having an allergy to maple syrup or related foods.
Maple Tree pollen and Maple Syrup are not commonly associated with oral allergy syndrome (source).
However, raw maple sap may be a trigger in people with tree pollen allergies (source), especially as it has not been heated. Heating and cooking foods change the protein structures of allergens, and people with oral allergy syndrome may be able to tolerate cooked versions of foods that may otherwise cause an allergic reaction.
It is possible to have an allergy to maple tree pollen and to tolerate Maple Syrup (source).
Of course, it is also possible to have a food sensitivity to maple syrup or other food intolerance to maple syrup.
Help For Maple Syrup Allergy & Maple Syrup Sensitivity
In the case of known or suspected maple syrup, maple sap, maple tree pollen, tree nut allergy, oral allergy syndrome, it is recommended to work with an allergist to determine an accurate diagnosis.
We recommend working with an Allergist, Registered Dietitian or Certified Leap Therapist to identify which foods are safest for you and which foods you should avoid.
Signs and Symptoms of Maple Syrup Allergy
In order to avoid allergic reactions, it is helpful to know the signs and symptoms of maple syrup allergy.
Listed below are some signs and symptoms of allergic reactions which could occur with a maple syrup allergy (source).
- Swelling of your face, tongue, lips and throat
- Itchy skin such as hives and a rash
- Itching or tingling sensation in your tongue and/or mouth
- Wheezing and/or trouble breathing
- Weak pulse
- Dizziness
- Abdominal problems
- Throat inflammation and constriction
Hidden Sources of Maple Syrup
Maple Syrup is used as a sweetener in many food products. If you have a known or suspected allergy, sensitivity or intolerance to maple, extra caution with these foods is advised.
- Baked Goods
- Cookies
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Maple Flavored Beverages
- Maple Candy
- Maple Flavored Alcoholic Beverages
Alternatives to Maple Syrup
If you can not tolerate maple syrup, consider the following alternatives:
- Agave Syrup
- Brown Rice Syrup
- Simple Syrup made from Cane Sugar
- Date Syrup
- Honey
Bottom Line
Choosing groceries when you have food allergies can be challenging. This is why we recommend choosing groceries made with a single ingredient and focusing on what you CAN eat, not just want you have to avoid.
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