Tap Into Maple

More than just syrup, it may serve as inspiration for delicious comfort fare

It appears that pumpkin spice has finally met its match. Turns out the reigning flavor of fall is not as popular as all-American maple, which is liked/loved by 88% of consumers who have tried it, compared to only 66% for pumpkin spice, reports.¹

Pumpkin spice typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves, while maple offers distinct notes of caramel, nuts, toffee and vanilla. The darker the maple, the more pronounced its flavor, yet it manages not to overwhelm dishes like pumpkin spice.

Luckily for operators, it’s not just about a popularity contest either. Dishes featuring maple are priced 13% higher ($1.51 more) on average, which means there’s an opportunity to amp up ticket averages at foodservice establishments.² It’s also important to note that maple dishes have grown 11% on menus in the past 10 years,² such as with the longstanding weekend brunch offerings at Chicago’s hip Longman & Eagle restaurant.

Here, you’ll find a breakfast sandwich piled high with sausage-stuffed bacon, a sunny-side up egg and cheddar between a crusty English muffin. All this savory goodness is pulled together with a simple maple gastrique that delivers only a hint of sweetness.

What’s great to note is that maple is not limited to breakfast and brunch menus, as found at Chick-fil-a restaurants. Its Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich is available throughout the day with a lemon-herb marinated boneless breast between a toasted maple flavored brioche bun.

Maple is nostalgic, ideal for comfort food concepts

With maple being one of those key ingredients that’s all American, it typically conjures up childhood memories. Stacks of flapjacks and waffles drizzled with the gooey, dark amber liquid come immediately to mind, along with strips of bacon soaking up all that extra syrup. Maple is indeed the definition of comfort food.

And because 57% of consumers say that when they crave comfort food, they desire small snacks and drinks, there’s a grand opportunity to get creative this fall. Operators can develop appetizer menus with unique, maple-infused shareable bites. They may also consider creating weekly specials because 82% of consumers say they eat comfort food frequently, at least once a week or more.³

Maple gets a makeover on appetizer menus

According to the latest Datassential Comfort Foods Inspiration Report, unconventional fried foods are a megatrend in the comfort food space, which includes global varieties, new flavors and formats.³

If you'd like to incorporate more maple into your appetizer menu or add it for any other daypart, check out these maple-inspired recipes from the Simplot Culinary Team:

Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites
These two distinct flavors are deftly pulled together with the inclusion of Simplot’s new Maple City® Potatoes Waffle Flavored Waffle Fries. Envision the fries stacked high like a club sandwich, slathered with Merkts Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread, then skewered for lunch, dinner or a late-night appetizer.
View Recipe »

Elephant Ear Style Waffle Fries
The fun, family-friendly dessert is simple and shareable. This nostalgic treat includes crème anglaise, cinnamon and sugar layered over Maple City® Waffle Fries.
View Recipe »

Maple City Korean Loaded Fry
Loaded fries can work for any daypart, and you know your customers love 'em. Why not try out this spicy, maple-inspired version?
View Recipe »

Breakfast Crunch Wrap
If you need a portable meal option that's packed with savory-sweet flavors and a satisfying crunch, you need to give this wrap a try.
View Recipe »

¹ Datassential Consumer Preferences YE, March 2024
² Datassential MenuTrends YE, March 2024
³ Datassential Comfort Foods Defined Report, February 2023