Golden Syrup, also known as light treacle, is a famous British sweetener with a rich, amber-colored appearance and a smooth texture. Its buttery caramel-like flavor makes it a favorite addition in a variety of dishes, from baking to savory meals.
Sometimes, you might seek substitutes for Golden Syrup due to dietary restrictions, personal flavor preferences, or simply because it’s not readily available in your pantry. Two of the best alternatives are honey and corn syrup, both of which offer a similar sweetness and can replicate the syrupy consistency of Golden Syrup.
👅 Flavor Profile
Golden syrup possesses a unique, buttery sweetness, with a taste that’s reminiscent of light caramel or toffee. It is smooth and luscious, creating an appealing gloss in baked goods. When heated, it becomes runnier but maintains its rich, golden color and intense, sweet aroma. In terms of flavor, products like honey and light corn syrup share a similar sweet profile, making them excellent substitutes in terms of taste and texture.
🔄 The Closest Replacements/Substitutes
1. Honey
Honey is arguably one of the best substitutes for golden syrup, due to its natural sweetness and similar consistency. It has a unique, floral flavor profile that varies depending on the flowers the bees have visited. In terms of substitution ratio, you can use honey in a 1:1 measure for golden syrup. While the flavor may slightly alter depending on the type of honey used, it usually does not affect the overall taste of the dish. It also doesn’t affect the cooking time significantly. Compared to golden syrup, honey is slightly more nutritious, providing minerals like potassium and antioxidants.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Similar sweetness, though honey has a more floral and less buttery flavor. Honey is also a bit thicker.
Nutritional Comparison: Honey has more nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Price and Availability Comparison: Honey is widely available and price varies based on the type and brand.
2. Corn Syrup
Light corn syrup is another common substitute for golden syrup. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a light color similar to golden syrup. You can substitute it on a one-to-one basis. However, it lacks the depth of flavor found in golden syrup. Cooking time remains largely unchanged when using corn syrup instead of golden syrup. In terms of nutrition, corn syrup is less nutritious as it lacks the vitamins and minerals found in golden syrup.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Corn syrup is slightly lighter in flavor, but matches golden syrup in sweetness and thickness.
Nutritional Comparison: Corn syrup is less nutritious as it primarily consists of glucose.
Price and Availability Comparison: Light corn syrup is widely available in most supermarkets at a reasonable price.
3. Maple Syrup
A distinctively flavorful option, maple syrup could be used as a substitute for golden syrup. Its rich, earthy sweetness and similar thickness make it a suitable alternative, although its robust flavor could be too overpowering in some recipes. In a like-for-like substitute, you can use maple syrup in a 1:1 ratio. When used in baking, it might introduce a slightly quicker browning to your goods, but the cooking time will largely be the same. Nutritionally, maple syrup is a winner, containing minerals like zinc and manganese that are absent in golden syrup.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Maple syrup is thicker and has a robust, earthy flavor profile.
Nutritional Comparison: Maple syrup offers more nutritional benefits, including zinc and manganese.
Price and Availability Comparison: Maple syrup is usually more expensive and not as widely available as golden syrup.
4. Molasses
While darker and thicker, molasses can serve as a substitute for golden syrup in recipes where a deep, robust flavor is desired. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio. The rich, slightly bitter flavor of molasses is more intense than the mild, buttery sweetness of golden syrup, so it’s best used in recipes that can handle its character. It also contains more vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Molasses is thicker, darker, and has a more robust flavor than golden syrup.
Nutritional Comparison: Molasses is richer in vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Price and Availability Comparison: Molasses is generally less expensive than golden syrup and is widely available.
5. Agave Nectar
Agave nectar, or agave syrup, is a sweetener commercially produced from several species of agave. It’s sweet, similar in thickness to golden syrup, and can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute. It has a mild flavor,
which won’t dramatically change the taste of your recipes. However, it is sweeter than golden syrup, so you might want to use less. In terms of nutrition, it’s similar to golden syrup, being high in sugars but low in other nutrients.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Agave nectar has a milder flavor and is slightly thinner, but is sweeter than golden syrup.
Nutritional Comparison: Similar to golden syrup, high in sugar but low in other nutrients.
Price and Availability Comparison: Agave nectar is easily available in health food stores and larger supermarkets, usually at a higher price point than golden syrup.
6. Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup is a sweetener derived by cooking brown rice with enzymes to break down the starches, then straining off the liquid and reducing it to a syrup. The resulting syrup is less sweet than golden syrup but has a similar viscosity. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute, though it may result in less sweet final products. Nutritionally, brown rice syrup has a lower glycemic index than golden syrup, making it a slightly healthier option.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Brown rice syrup is less sweet and has a slightly nutty flavor, but is similar in viscosity to golden syrup.
Nutritional Comparison: Lower glycemic index, making it slightly healthier.
Price and Availability Comparison: Brown rice syrup is less widely available and can be more expensive than golden syrup.
7. Cane Syrup
Cane syrup is made from the simple reduction of sugar cane juice. It has a rich, caramel-like flavor and is slightly less sweet than golden syrup. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio for golden syrup. It might affect the color of your dish due to its darker color, but won’t significantly alter the cooking time. Nutritionally, cane syrup contains traces of vitamins and minerals.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Cane syrup is less sweet, with a rich, caramel-like flavor and a darker color.
Nutritional Comparison: Similar nutritional profile to golden syrup, though it contains traces of vitamins and minerals.
Price and Availability Comparison: Cane syrup may be less widely available and slightly more expensive than golden syrup.
8. Simple Syrup
Simple syrup, made from equal parts sugar and water, is less viscous than golden syrup but can still be a substitute in certain recipes, especially in cocktails or beverages. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but be aware it will likely make your dish less thick and slightly less sweet. Simple syrup lacks the nutritional aspects of golden syrup, as it is essentially sugar and water.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Simple syrup is less sweet and less viscous than golden syrup.
Nutritional Comparison: Simple syrup offers minimal nutritional value as it is essentially sugar and water.
Price and Availability Comparison: Simple syrup is easy and inexpensive to make at home with sugar and water.
9. Homemade Golden Syrup
If you have the time and the right ingredients, you can make your own golden syrup substitute at home using sugar, water, and a slice of lemon. While this requires more effort, the result will be a close match to the flavor, sweetness, and viscosity of store-bought golden syrup.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Homemade golden syrup should be almost identical to the original.
Nutritional Comparison: Similar to golden syrup, as it is made with the same ingredients.
Price and Availability Comparison: Cost-effectiveness and availability will depend on the availability and cost of sugar and lemons in your area.
10. Coconut Syrup
Coconut syrup, made from reduced coconut milk and sugar, is a tropical alternative to golden syrup.
It’s less sweet, but its creamy consistency makes it an interesting substitute. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio. It’s important to note that coconut syrup will impart a coconut flavor to your dishes, which might not work for all recipes. Nutritionally, coconut syrup provides some minerals and a small amount of dietary fiber.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Coconut syrup is creamier, less sweet, and has a coconut flavor.
Nutritional Comparison: Coconut syrup has slightly more fiber and minerals than golden syrup.
Price and Availability Comparison: Coconut syrup is not as widely available as golden syrup, and can be pricier.
⤵ Other Substitutes
11. Date Syrup
Date syrup, also known as date molasses, is made from reduced date juice. It’s less sweet than golden syrup and has a rich, fruity flavor. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio for golden syrup, but expect a fruitier taste in your dish. Date syrup is high in potassium and dietary fiber, making it a healthier alternative.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Date syrup is less sweet and has a richer, fruity flavor.
Nutritional Comparison: Date syrup is a healthier option with higher levels of potassium and dietary fiber.
Price and Availability Comparison: Date syrup is less widely available and may be pricier than golden syrup.
12. Sorghum Syrup
Sorghum syrup is made from the sweet juice of the sorghum plant. It’s less sweet and has a thinner consistency than golden syrup, but can still work as a substitute in a pinch. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but expect your dish to be less sweet and slightly thinner. Sorghum syrup is high in antioxidants and potassium.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Sorghum syrup is less sweet and thinner than golden syrup.
Nutritional Comparison: Sorghum syrup is a healthier option with higher levels of antioxidants and potassium.
Price and Availability Comparison: Sorghum syrup is not as widely available and may be more expensive than golden syrup.
13. Barley Malt Syrup
Barley malt syrup is made from sprouted barley and has a strong, malty flavor. It’s less sweet and thicker than golden syrup, and can be used as a substitute in savory dishes or bread recipes. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio, but expect a more malty flavor in your dish. Barley malt syrup is high in carbohydrates and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Barley malt syrup is less sweet, thicker, and has a strong, malty flavor.
Nutritional Comparison: Barley malt syrup has a higher nutritional value with a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Price and Availability Comparison: Barley malt syrup is less widely available and might be pricier than golden syrup.
14. Stevia Syrup
Stevia syrup is a sugar-free, low-calorie alternative to golden syrup. It’s made from the sweet leaves of the stevia plant and can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute. Expect a different sweetness profile, as stevia has a slower onset and longer duration of sweetness than sugar. Stevia syrup is virtually calorie-free and a good choice for those watching their sugar intake.
Taste and Texture Comparison: Stevia syrup is less viscous and has a slower onset and longer duration of sweetness than golden syrup.
Nutritional Comparison: Stevia syrup is a low-calorie, sugar-free alternative.
Price and Availability Comparison: Stevia syrup is widely available and can be pricier than golden syrup.
15. High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup is
a sweetener made from corn starch that has been processed by glucose isomerase to convert some of its glucose into fructose. It’s cheaper and sweeter than golden syrup. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio, but be aware that it is sweeter and may alter the flavor of your dish. High fructose corn syrup is high in sugar and calories.
Taste and Texture Comparison: High fructose corn syrup is sweeter and has a similar thickness to golden syrup.
Nutritional Comparison: High fructose corn syrup is high in sugar and calories.
Price and Availability Comparison: High fructose corn syrup is widely available and usually cheaper than golden syrup.
🔪 How to Use Golden Syrup Substitutes in Recipes
Pancakes and Waffles
While golden syrup is a classic topping for pancakes and waffles, you can easily use any of the mentioned substitutes. Honey or maple syrup will give a familiar sweetness, while date syrup or coconut syrup will introduce new, exciting flavors.
Baked Goods
In recipes for cookies, cakes, and bread, golden syrup is often used to provide moisture, sweetness, and a touch of flavor. Substitutes like light molasses, honey, or corn syrup can be used instead. For a slightly different flavor profile, consider barley malt syrup or brown rice syrup.
BBQ Sauce
Golden syrup can add a touch of sweetness to homemade BBQ sauce. If you don’t have any on hand, consider using dark corn syrup, honey, or brown sugar for a similar effect. If you prefer a fruitier touch, date syrup could be an interesting alternative.
Candy and Confectionery
In candy making, golden syrup prevents sugar from crystallizing, resulting in a smoother texture. Corn syrup, light molasses, and honey are commonly used substitutes in these applications.
Drinks
Golden syrup can be used to sweeten drinks like coffee, tea, or homemade lemonade. Any liquid sweetener, like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar, can be used as a substitute. For a sugar-free alternative, consider stevia syrup.
💡 Tips and Guidance
- When substituting golden syrup, consider the flavor profile of your recipe. A substitute with a strong, distinct flavor (like molasses or barley malt syrup) may alter the taste of your dish.
- Keep in mind the sweetness level of your substitute. Golden syrup is quite sweet, so if your substitute is less sweet, you may need to use more, and vice versa.
- If your recipe relies on golden syrup for texture as well as sweetness (like in candy making), make sure your substitute has similar properties. Corn syrup, for example, would be a better choice than maple syrup in this case.
- If you’re using a sugar-free substitute like stevia syrup, remember that it has a slower onset and longer duration of sweetness than sugar. You may need to adjust the quantity used accordingly.
- Finally, feel free to experiment! One of the joys of cooking is trying new ingredients and discovering unique flavor combinations. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your new favorite golden syrup substitute.
