Maple syrup is collected from the sap of maple trees. Maples are in the Sapindaceae family of plants. Other edible plants in this family include gurana, ackee fruit and lychee.

Other Sapindaceae foods contain Profilin proteins, the way that maple syrup is processed by boiling would mean that these are unlikely to be found in maple syrup as these proteins are easily broken down by heat and processing.

Most recorded reactions for maple syrup have been from people who already suffer from a pollen allergy to maple pollen

Outside of Canada there are a lot of 'fake' maple syrups, you should check ingredients, those that are not genuine will contain multiple ingredients and these should be considered if you think you are allergic to maple syrup.

Genuine maple syrup is a food low in histamine, so is not suitable for people following a low histamine diet.

Fake maple syrups may be high in sulphites, but the genuine article is not. Sulphites are inorganic salts used in preservations and have the potential to cause symptoms of food intolerance to those sensitive to sulphites, this food intolerance is more common in asthmatics. An improvement in symptoms can be made with a change to a low sulphite diet.

Maple syrup is a low FODMAP food when eaten in normal portions. FODMAP stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.

Maple syrup is also low in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.

You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.

Maple syrup is not currently associated with any allergic syndromes.

Other foods in the Sapindaceae family of plants include gurana, ackee fruit and lychee.

Plants with similar pollen include sycamore trees, horse chestnuts and lychee. If you are allergic to the pollen of these plants, you may also want to avoid maple trees.

Note these food lists are not exhaustive, you can find the most up to date information on the Cross Reactivity Tool.

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