Why You Should Skip Buying Maple Syrup At Walmart

Walmart is an American institution that truly has it all. Not only do they stock their shelves with everyday necessities and occasional indulgences, but Walmart also sells them for competitively low prices. In fact, Walmart was once listed as the sixth most affordable grocery store in America outdoing other notable supermarkets like Kroger, H-E-B, Trader Joe's, and even Amazon Fresh (via Family Handyman).

Founded in Arkansas, Walmart has been in business since 1962 and has since expanded across the nation and beyond borders. With 10,500 stores spanning 24 countries, Walmart is a retail giant that's been selling essential items to happy customers from all walks of life for 60 years and counting (per Walmart). The chain even has its own aptly-titled value brand Great Value that mimics big-name labels without the hefty price (run, don't walk to get Great Value's Cheez-It dupe). And while Walmart carries everything under the sun, if you're on the hunt for pancake or waffle ingredients, you might consider purchasing your maple syrup elsewhere.

There's nothing like a morning made up of warm coffee and ultra-fluffy waffles. A simple breakfast delicacy that's as easy as popping Eggos into the toaster, a true waffle platter isn't complete without a dollop of butter and a thick layer of syrup. Unfortunately, many people don't recognize that there is a world of difference between pure maple syrup and highly-processed pancake syrup.

Unlike pancake syrup, pure maple syrup is sourced directly from maple trees. According to Mass Maple, authentic maple syrup is nothing more than concentrated sap from the bark of a maple tree. Pancake syrup, on the other hand, is often loaded with added sugars and high fructose corn syrup which is directly linked to weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol (per Heartford Hospital).

Unfortunately, Walmart's syrup aisle is a labyrinth of inauthentic, high-fructose corn syrup-riddled pancake syrup. And according to Lifehacker, when they do have maple syrup available, it's actually listed at a higher price than other retailers.

Keep your waffles as healthy as possible by using traditional, maple tree-sourced syrups.