Sweetbird syrup is a popular pancake syrup brand that contains natural and artificial ingredients. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the various ingredients found in Sweetbird syrup.
The Main Ingredients
The primary ingredients in Sweetbird syrup are corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, water, cellulose gum, salt, potassium sorbate, sodium hexametaphosphate, natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, and phosphoric acid.
Corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup make up the bulk of the syrup and provide its thick, viscous texture and sweetness. Water helps dissolve the sugars and provides fluidity. Cellulose gum acts as a thickener and stabilizer, while salt enhances the flavor.
Potassium sorbate and sodium hexametaphosphate are preservatives that prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of the product. Natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, and phosphoric acid all contribute to the rich, sweet taste, appearance, and acidity characteristic of pancake syrup.
Sweeteners
The primary sweeteners in Sweetbird syrup are corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. Corn syrup is made by breaking down cornstarch into its component sugars, primarily glucose. It has a thick, smooth texture and provides a sweetness that is less intense than granulated sugar.
High fructose corn syrup is derived from corn syrup but goes through an additional enzymatic process to convert some of its glucose into fructose. Fructose is sweeter than glucose, so high fructose corn syrup has an even higher sugar content and sweeter flavor. It’s estimated that Sweetbird syrup contains 42-55% high fructose corn syrup.
Amount of Sweeteners
Sweetbird does not provide an exact breakdown of the amount of corn syrup versus high fructose corn syrup in their product. However, looking at the nutrition label, we can see that there are 44g of total sugars in a 60mL serving. This means the vast majority of the syrup’s ingredients are some form of added sugar.
Preservatives
Sweetbird syrup contains two main preservatives:
- Potassium sorbate
- Sodium hexametaphosphate
Potassium sorbate is a mild preservative that inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. It occurs naturally in some fruits. Sodium hexametaphosphate has multiple functions, but also acts as a preservative. It prevents sugars in the syrup from crystallizing and helps emulsion stabilize.
These preservatives allow Sweetbird syrup to be safely stored at room temperature for extended periods before opening. Once opened, the syrup should be refrigerated.
Flavors and Colors
Natural and artificial flavors are added to give Sweetbird syrup its characteristic sweet, buttery, caramelized flavor. The exact blend of flavors is proprietary, but likely includes vanilla and other components. Caramel color provides the distinctive golden brown hue.
Phosphoric acid gives the syrup a tart, acidic taste that balances the sweetness and also acts as a preservative synergistically with the potassium sorbate. Natural maple flavoring is added to their maple flavored syrups.
Appearance and Texture
In addition to flavor and color, some ingredients are included to give Sweetbird syrup the right viscosity, sheen, and mouthfeel. Cellulose gum acts as a thickener and emulsifier, giving the syrup its thick, glossy texture that clings nicely to pancakes.
Sodium hexametaphosphate helps prevent sucrose crystals from forming, keeping the syrup smooth. The inclusion of water also contributes to a fluid yet viscous texture.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition label for Sweetbird original syrup:
Serving Size | 60mL (1/4 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 200 |
Total Fat | 0g |
Sodium | 90mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 53g |
Sugars | 44g |
As you can see, a serving of Sweetbird syrup contains significant amounts of carbohydrates and sugar, and provides 200 calories. There is minimal fat or protein. The main vitamins and minerals come from the enriched corn syrup, which contains added niacin, iron, thiamine, and riboflavin.
Ingredients List
Here is the complete list of ingredients found in original Sweetbird syrup:
Corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, water, cellulose gum, salt, potassium sorbate, sodium hexametaphosphate, natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, phosphoric acid.
Syrup Varieties
Sweetbird makes several different syrup varieties in addition to their original. These include:
- Maple flavored – contains natural and artificial maple flavoring
- Blueberry – made with real blueberries and blueberry juice concentrate
- Strawberry – made with natural and artificial strawberry flavors
- Boysenberry – contains boysenberry juice
While the base is similar, these flavored varieties have differences in their ingredients to achieve the desired taste. However, they generally stick to the same formulation of corn syrup, sugar, preservatives, natural and artificial flavors, and fruit juices or extracts where applicable.
High Fructose Corn Syrup Controversy
There is some controversy around high fructose corn syrup and whether it is a less healthy sweetener than regular sugar:
- High fructose corn syrup contains a higher proportion of fructose compared to glucose than regular sugar. Some studies link excess fructose consumption to adverse health effects.
- However, other reviews have found high fructose corn syrup and sugar have essentially the same effects on health.
- The higher amounts of fructose in HFCS may promote overeating by blunting the normal satiety response.
- Despite inconclusive evidence, consumer demand for products without HFCS has grown due to health concerns. Many brands now advertise HFCS-free foods.
The use of high fructose corn syrup is thus somewhat controversial, but major health and regulatory organizations have not advised restricting intake specifically. The bigger issue for syrup and pancake toppings is their high sugar content in general.
Alternatives
Those wishing to avoid corn syrup, sugar, and preservatives have several alternatives to standard Sweetbird and other pancake syrups:
- Maple syrup – Made exclusively from maple sap, it has a signature flavor profile. Less processed but still high in sugar.
- Honey – Offers unique flavor notes and nutrients like antioxidants. Sugar content is still moderately high.
- Fruit syrups – Syrups made with concentrated fruit juices tend to be slightly less sweet than pancake syrups.
- Sugar-free syrups – These use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar and corn syrup. May taste less authentic.
- Homemade syrup – Syrup made at home allows control over the exact ingredients used.
While the sweeteners differ, these alternatives are still high in carbohydrates and should be used moderately. Going without any topping is the lowest sugar option.
Conclusion
Sweetbird syrup contains a mix of corn syrup, sugar, preservatives, natural and artificial flavors, and other minor ingredients that provide it with a characteristic sweet flavor, smooth texture, and long shelf life. The main constituents are various forms of added sugars, which gives Sweetbird syrup high calorie and carbohydrate counts.
There are alternatives made with different types of sugars, sugar replacements, and natural ingredients for those wishing to avoid corn syrup and artificial additives. But in general, pancake syrups are high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.