Best Substitute for Golden Syrup in 2024
Golden Syrups, also knowns as light treacle, are made from the sap of certain trees. The most common is maple syrup, which comes from sugar maples and other species in North America. Other syrups include molasses, honey, and palm or coconut juice.
Golden syrups are commonly used in baking to add sweetness and work as a good substitute for honey, too. They can also be added to coffee as a sweetener. In addition, this liquid sweetener may be mixed with water to make an alcoholic drink called “golden milk.”
As such, we have made a list of the best substitutes for Golden Syrup in case you need one. We have also indicated essential information that can help in your cooking process.
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What are the Tips in Choosing the Best Golden Syrup Substitute
We know that you cannot just carelessly choose anything sweet or syrup-like food in your pantry. You should consider some things when thinking about having a substitute for this. Here are the factors that you should consider:
1. The first thing you should consider when choosing a substitute for golden syrup is whether it has any preservatives. Preservative-free products will not last long because they spoil easily. You must always check if there are additives like artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives before buying them. If so, then avoid using these items.
2. You should also look at how much sugar content each product contains. Sugar content varies depending on what type of syrup you use. For example, maple syrup usually has more than 50% sugar, while honey only has around 20%. Molasses tends to contain less sugar compared to others. However, all types of syrup tend to have some amount of sugar. So, try to find out the exact percentage of sugar in each item. This way, you will get a better idea of how much sugar you would consume by adding it into recipes.
3. Another important factor to take note of is its consistency. Some syrups come in liquid form, while others are thickened. On the contrary, solids become hard once cooled off. Therefore, you should pay attention to their viscosity. Also, keep in mind that thicker syrups are harder to pour. Thus, you might want to opt for thinner ones instead.
4. When looking for a good substitute for golden syrup, you should consider the complex flavor profile. A lot of people prefer natural ingredients over-processed foods. That means that you should go for those that are free of chemicals and preservatives. Natural sugars like brown rice syrup, agave nectar, and honey are great options. These alternatives provide a similar taste but without the harmful effects associated with refined white sugar.
5. Finally, you should also consider the cost. Since you’re going to be consuming a large quantity of something, you’ll probably end up spending quite a bit of money. Hence, you should buy cheap substitutes rather than expensive ones. But don’t worry too much about price; you can still enjoy delicious desserts without breaking the bank!
Now that you’ve learned everything about the different kinds of syrups available let us move onto our top 10 best substitutes for golden syrup.Â
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What are the Best Golden Syrup Substitute
What can I replace golden syrup with? Here are the top 9 substitutes for 2024
1. Light Corn Syrup
Light Corn Syrup is made from degerminated corn starch, which makes it low glycemic index. The GI value ranges from 40 to 60. In other words, light corn syrup does not cause an increase in blood glucose levels as quickly as regular table sugar. As such, it is ideal for people with diabetes who need to control their blood sugar levels. Light corn syrup comes in various forms, including granulated, powdered, and liquid. All three versions work well as a replacement for golden syrup.
- It is a good substitute for golden syrup because :
- It provides sweetness comparable to golden syrup.
- Its sweetening power is equivalent to 1 cup of golden syrup.
- It doesn’t affect your blood sugar level.
- It is gluten-free.
Light corn syrup can also be made into dark corn syrup by just adding several ears of corn.
2. Maple Syrup
Maple Syrup is one of the popular syrups used in baking due to its mild flavor. Maple syrup is derived from sap collected from trees found in North America. There are several varieties of maple syrup ranging from Grade B to Grade AA. Each grade offers distinct characteristics making them perfect for specific uses.
Most people prefer this as a golden syrup alternative because:
- It has a rich caramel flavor.
- It contains antioxidants.
- It helps prevent tooth decay.
- It tastes better when compared to artificial sweeteners.
However, there are some downsides to using maple syrup as a substitution for golden syrup. For instance, it tends to crystallize easily, so make sure to use it within 2 weeks or store it properly. Moreover, if stored improperly, it may develop moldy odors.
3. Cane Syrup
Cane Syrup is extracted from sugar cane juice by boiling water. This process removes all impurities leaving behind only pure sucrose. Cane syrup is usually sold in two types: clear and amber-colored. Clear cane syrup is preferred since it looks more appealing on food items, while amber-colored syrup adds color to baked goods. However, both have the same properties and can be used interchangeably.
This is a good alternative to golden syrup because:
- It is cheaper than golden syrup.
- You get the same amount of sweetness with fewer calories.
- It’s easy to find at grocery stores.
4. Agave Nectar
Agave Nectar or Agave Syrup is produced by extracting agaves’ juices after they undergo heat treatment. Agave nectars come in many colors like white, pink, red, blue, green, etc. They contain no preservatives and are naturally sweeter than honey. These sugars are composed mainly of fructose but also include small amounts of glucose and minerals.
This is a good alternative to golden syrup because:
- It is less expensive than golden syrup.
- You do not need any equipment to prepare it.
- It is available almost everywhere.
- It is less processed and therefore retains nutrients.
- It is best used in making chocolate sauce and pecan pie.
5. Brown Rice Syrup
Brown Rice Syrup is obtained through cooking brown rice until it becomes sticky. Once cooked, you strain out excess moisture before adding additional ingredients. You then boil the mixture again to evaporate the remaining moisture. Finally, you add sugar and cook the mixture further until it reaches desired consistency.
This is a great option for those looking for healthier alternatives to traditional sweets. Some benefits include:
- It is lower in fat content than refined sugar.
- It is high in fiber.
- It is free of cholesterol.
- It has a nutty flavor.
6. Honey
Honey is a common ingredient in different forms, such as liquid, solid, paste, powder, and even candy! The type of honey you choose depends on your preference. If you want something milder, go for light-colored honey. On the other hand, darker ones offer stronger flavors.
It is a great alternative to golden syrups because:
- It offers a wide range of intense flavors.
- It doesn’t require much preparation time.
- It has a natural sugar content and nutrients.
7. Light Molasses
Molasses is an extract made from fermented corn starch, which gives it a dark color. It contains iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and more minerals. In addition, molasses provides energy and helps maintain blood pressure levels. It is known for its dark color and bitter flavor. Others prefer this as a substitute for golden syrup because:
- Its distinct flavors are similar to that of golden syrup.
- It tastes better when mixed into pieces of bread and cakes.
- It is thick and sugary, which is similar to golden syrup.
- It is more affordable.
8. Rice Malt Syrup
Rice Malt Syrup is derived from steeping raw rice grains in hot water. After soaking, the grains are ground up using a milling machine. Then, the resulting product is boiled until it turns translucent. Sugar is added afterward, and the mixture is left to cool down. When cooled, the syrup is ready to use.
This is a perfect replacement for golden syrup because:
- It is low in cost compared to others.
- It does not require any extra processing or heating.
- It is easy to make at home.
- It has lower sugar content.
- It is gluten-free.
9. Maltose
Maltose is a disaccharide found in plants. This sweetener can be used interchangeably with sucrose. However, maltose tends to have fewer calories per gram than sucrose. Also, it dissolves easily in cold liquids while being resistant to heat.
Here are the reasons why it is a good substitute for golden syrup:
- It is cheaper than most other options.
- It is easier to find than many other substitutes.
- It is naturally occurring, so there’s no risk of contamination.
- It contains a lot of antioxidants.
How to Make Homemade Golden Syrup (Golden Syrup Recipe)
Making homemade golden syrup requires minimal effort but still yields delicious results. Here’s a simple recipe that you can do:
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 1 1/4 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions:
Directions
Step 1 – Boil water
Pour the 1/4 cup of water into a pot. Bring the temperature to medium-high heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the stove once boiling.
Step 2 – Dissolve the sugar into the 1/2 cup water
Prepare a medium-sized saucepan and dissolve the sugar over medium heat. Stir them consistently until caramelized or dissolved.
Step 3 – Add the lemon juice.
Add the lemon juice once the sugar starts to boil and dissolved. Continually stir the two ingredients together and turn to low heat.
Step 4 – Let it simmer.
Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, and do not stir. Gradually add the other cup of water if it results in a very sticky syrup.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between Golden Syrup and Honey?
Honey is produced through the process of nectar collection from flowers. On the contrary, golden syrup is extracted from starchy roots like tapioca, arrowroot, potato, etc. Both honey and golden syrup contain fructose and glucose. Their major difference is their sweetness level.
Can Golden Syrup Replace Sugar?
Yes! It can replace sugar completely as long as you don’t mind its slightly bitter taste. You may also mix this syrup with your favorite recipes such as pancakes, waffles, muffins, cookies, cake, brownies, ice cream, etc.
Is There Any Health Concerns With Using Golden Syrup?
There isn’t much health concern with consuming golden syrup since it doesn’t contain high amounts of carbohydrates.
What is the best replacement for golden syrup in Anzac biscuits?
I find the best replacement is 1 part molasses and 2 parts honey. The molasse gives a dark color and adds to the flavor of the Anzac biscuits.
What’s a good substitute for Lyle’s golden syrup?
The best Lyle’s golden syrup substitute is a mix of honey and agave nectar
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