As these are maple baked beans, the "maple" comes from real maple syrup. I understand that it can be expensive in places. Don't reach for the maple flavoured syrup, as you really don't want to use a cup of it in your beans. Instead, you could replace part (1/4-1/2 cup) of the maple syrup with brown sugar, mixed with water. Mix 1/4 cup hot water with 1/3 cup brown sugar to replace 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Double that to replace 1/2 cup of the maple syrup. Obviously this substitution will result in less maple flavour in the finished beans.