Is Aunt Jemima Original Syrup 24 Fluid Ounce Plastic Bottle Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the ingredient list for the Aunt Jemima Original Syrup reveals exactly why it fails the keto test. The first two ingredients listed are corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). These are highly processed sweeteners derived from corn starch. On a molecular level, these are almost pure glucose. When you consume them, your body digests them instantly, causing a rapid spike in blood glucose and insulin. For a keto dieter, this is the exact physiological response you are trying to avoid.

The third ingredient is simply water, which dilutes the syrup to the right viscosity. Following that, we see cellulose gum. This is a thickening agent (often derived from wood pulp or cotton) used to give the syrup that classic, pourable texture. While generally considered safe, it adds zero nutritional value and is purely functional. The caramel color is added to give the syrup its rich, brown hue, mimicking the look of real maple syrup, though it provides no flavor.

Regarding flavor, the label lists natural and artificial flavor. This is a catch-all term that allows manufacturers to create a "maple" taste without using a drop of actual maple sap. Finally, the product contains preservatives like sodium benzoate and sorbic acid to prevent mold growth in the high-sugar environment, along with sodium hexametaphosphate, which acts as a sequestrant to prevent the syrup from breaking down or crystallizing. There is no ingredient here that supports a ketogenic lifestyle.

Nutritional Value

When analyzing the nutritional profile of the Aunt Jemima Original Syrup 24 Fluid Ounce Plastic Bottle, the numbers tell the story. A standard serving size is 2 tablespoons (60ml). In that small serving, you are consuming approximately 110 calories, all of which come from carbohydrates. There is 0 grams of fat and 0 grams of protein.

The carbohydrate count is roughly 27 grams, with 26 grams of that being sugar. To put this in perspective, a strict keto diet usually limits total daily carbohydrates to 20 grams. Just two tablespoons of this syrup would completely blow your carb budget for the entire day, leaving no room for vegetables or other essential foods. Even if you are on a more liberal low-carb diet, this product contains empty calories that offer no satiety, meaning you will likely feel hungry again shortly after eating it.