I have always loved Cracker Barrel pancakes and they were recognized last month by Consumer Reports Magazine as "being the best".On my last trip to Cracker Barrel, I ordered the pancakes and an extra syrup as I traditionally do. Halfway through my pancakes, I reached for the next little bottle of syrup and noticed it read "100% natural syrup" rather than the usual "100% maple syrup".
I quickly turned the bottle around and noticed it is now made of 55% maple syrup and 45% cane syrup.
Their decision to reduce the percentage of maple syrup from 100% to 55% was almost certainly brought about as a cost-cutting measure without having to increase the menu price. I would have preferred the slight bump in cost over a reduction in quality.
I will note, however, that Cracker Barrel did choose cane syrup over corn syrup and should deserve some credit for that. Still, it's a bit of a disappointment.
They remain the only larger chain to offer any percentage of real maple syrup and it certainly enhances the overall taste.
