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Vermonters are rightly proud of their signature export: rich, sweet, sticky, 100% maple syrup. Imitators have never quite been able to replicate it. But one purveyor of imitation syrup has a new product on the shelves that's creating an extra-sticky situation in the Green Mountains. (Full disclosure: I'm a Vermonter born and raised. That's right, this is personal.)
Called Log Cabin All Natural Syrup, the new product is indeed a kind of syrup, and it may technically be "all natural" -- there are no artificial ingredients or preservatives in the stuff. It's also in a new container -- one that just so happens to look exactly like the jugs Vermont farmers have used for decades. But that's where the resemblance ends.
Log Cabin All Natural Syrup is actually a blend of sugar, thickening agents such as xanthan gum, caramel color, and a little bit of actual maple flavor (we're talking 4 percent). Pure Vermont maple syrup, meanwhile, is exactly what its name suggests, with a sole ingredient: maple sap that's been boiled down to pancake-ready thickness.
A real Vermonter will never fall for Log Cabin's tomfoolery, but state officials are worried about all you flatlanders out there. The "syrup" blend is much, much cheaper than the real thing, after all -- and if you don't look closely, you might think you're buying something you're not. Vermont congressman Peter Welch explained the concerns to the FDA: "While most Vermonters have a discerning eye and palate for real maple syrup, the countless consumers outside of our state who have come to expect quality from natural Vermont products may be fooled by this misleading labeling."
Michelle Weese, a spokesperson for Pinnacle Foods, Log Cabin's parent company, told the Associated Press that the company believes their new product "complies with all FDA regulations." While this is a fairly weak endorsement, she may well be right, considering that the FDA doesn't actually define the word "natural."
So, speaking on behalf of my home state: Caveat emptor! If what you want is pure Vermont maple syrup (and trust me, that's what you want), make sure the stuff you're buying has those words on the label.
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9-12-2010 @7:38PM Bernie B said... I actually prefer a blend rather than 100% Maple Syrup as I find it pours too "thin" for my preference. I don't really see this as news. Glad to see Log Cabin has made strides away from HFCS. Having them bring out another "natural" syrup hopefully will influence other syrup makers in the industry.
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9-13-2010 @2:52PM Sam said... Actually I bought this precisely because it does have 4% actual maple syrup in it and NO HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. Unfortunately we can't afford 100% pure maple syrup (much as I'd like to) at 4-10X the price for a pint. This stuff is way better than all the other corn-syrup-based syrups on the market, so this is one customer who's happy with this product. The bottle design got my attention as did the price, but I can read a label and always do.
Seems to me that Log Cabin would have to buy their actual maple syrup ingredient somewhere. Would not this help the maple syrup industry and maybe even in Vermont? Maybe they're buying it from Canada and that's why the Vermonters are angry.
Sometimes you have to read *between* the lines of news articles too. It'd be nice if writers would do some additional reporting instead of just opining.
There's nothing wrong with the label, but if the maple industry has a trademark on the jug design (do they?) they may have a point of contention there.
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9-16-2010 @12:28PM Makita said... As a born and raised Vermonter, and maple syrup producer this is kinda a straight stab in the guts. We work hard, Very, Very hard, to produce the oh so wonderful REAL maple syrup.
I agree that they should have to show the real percentage of "maple flavoring" in the syrup, our bottles say 100% Pure Vermont Maple Syrup. We are THAT proud of our product, and products like this one just tarnish our very old and refined image.
With new advancements in technology, we are able to produce maple syrup in a more earth consious and efficient way, but there is NO way that even our ENTIRE state can keep up with the production of that garbage. We can't even keep up with the demand at our own, fairly small sugaring operation. I can only hope that the people who visit, or buy our products in stores elsewhere, can recognize the difference.
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9-24-2010 @10:29PM Chris said... I don't see anything that looks like false or deceptive advertising here...the word "maple" isn't anywhere on the bottle... As for the bottle shape, if that's all you look for you can't blame the company for your inability to read the label.
As for me, if I put Syrup on pancakes/waffles/whatever, I use light corn syrup...But I'm from Iowa.
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10-12-2010 @3:09PM Theresa said... In a country where we feed our kids all kinds of processed crap in order to save a buck and do it quick, I don't see many American's rising up in anger over this issue. If you're a lover of "real" maple syrup, buy that. If you don't care and want something cheaper, buy Log Cabin.
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10-17-2010 @11:15PM sevn8nyne said... REAL Maple syrup is the only good reason for the existence of pancakes. Try ordering pancakes, or waffles in a restaurant. Even one that says "maple syrup", on the menu. When you ask ,"is that REAL maple syrup?", inevitably the answer is "no". its like "Krab" with a "k". When it says that. it has no resemblance to the tasty crustacean...you have to ask. They all just want the easy route into your pocket.
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10-18-2010 @12:52AM laura2of7 said... I've read about this product before, on a different site. Log Cabin should be shot, but apparently it's perfectly legal. There is no proprietary claim to the bottle. I do think, though, that they should be forced to display the 4% maple content on the front. They might actually find it's a selling point. And I'll admit that it's probably a better option than regular "pancake syrup" made with HFCS (excuse me, corn SUGAR is what they're calling it now).
By the way, we make 100% pure maple syrup here in Pennsylvania, too. It's a pretty big business. And to whoever mentioned the Grade B syrup, that's the only kind I can get at our local food co-op, so it can be found outside of Vermont. Now, if they would just stop using that plastic jug, I'd be happy. I have to buy my 100% pure maple syrup in the smaller bottles because I won't buy plastic containers (if I can help it). Whatever happened to the cans that it used to be sold in? I miss those.
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12-06-2010 @10:17AM Bill said... I agree with the majority. The label should CLEARLY state 'maple flavored with 4% maple syrup'. Has anyone ever tried Log Cabin syrup? It is the most digusting stuff, it tastes like sorghum molasses(only worse) and is very heavy. Their ssales must be way down for them to try such an underhanded trick such as this.
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