As the name implies, maple sugar is the sweetener that gives maple syrup its taste. You can make maple sugar by boiling the sap of a maple tree beyond the point at which maple syrup is produced. Maple sugar is a fat-free food, but it is high in calories, so watch portion sizes closely, especially if you are dieting.
Calorie Content
If you consume only small portions of maple sugar, it is low in calories; a 1 tsp. serving of maple sugar provides just 11 calories. This makes maple sugar slightly lower in calories than brown sugar, which provides 17 calories in each teaspoon. Although this amount is low in calories, using 1/2 cup of maple sugar would provide 264 calories, which amounts to more than 13 percent of the daily recommended calorie intake of 2,000.
Carbohydrate Content
Maple sugar is entirely composed of carbohydrates. A 1 tsp. serving of maple sugar provides 2.7 g of carbohydrates, with 2.5 g of sugar. According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies, you should consume at least 130 g of carbohydrates each day. However, the board suggests that you limit sugar intake, as it provides as many calories, but not as many nutrients, as other carbohydrates.
Fat Content
Maple sugar does not provide any fat. Although fat is high in calories -- it provides nine calories per gram -- it is important for proper health. MedlinePlus explains that dietary fat intake is necessary because this nutrient aids in the absorption of certain vitamins and also helps your body grow and develop normally. Many ingredients used in recipes with maple sugar, such as eggs and oil, are rich in fat.
Protein Content
Maple sugar does not contain any protein, but neither does brown sugar. Protein is an essential nutrient that your body uses to manufacture tissues and hormones. The Harvard School of Public Health suggests that consuming 20 to 25 percent of your calories from protein may benefit your health. Eggs, which are used in many baking recipes with maple sugar, are rich in protein.
References
- Maple Community: Maple Sugar
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Calories in Sugars, Maple
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Calories in CSR Brown Sugar
- Ask Numbers: Cups to Teaspoons Conversion
- National Academies: Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids (Macronutrients)
- MedlinePlus: Dietary Proteins
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