Golden Syrup Substitute (2024)

If you need to find a golden syrup substitute, look no further! There's nothing worse than checking the pantry and suddenly finding you've run out of an ingredient you need. Or perhaps it is just harder to get hold of in stores near you. Whatever your reason for needing a golden syrup replacement, I have rounded up 14 trusted alternatives to using instead.

What is golden syrup?

Golden syrup is an inverted sugar syrup made by processing and refining sugar cane or sugar beets and then treating the sugar solution with acid. It was invented by British chemists Charles and John Eastick for Abram Lyle's company in London in 1881. The brand, Lyle's, still produces golden syrup today in their synonymous green and gold ornate tins. Lyle's is famous for winning a Guinness World Record in 2007 for having the world's longest unchanged brand packaging!

One of its best qualities is that golden syrup remains a liquid and does not crystalize even when exposed to heat during cooking or baking. Hence, it is a valuable ingredient and works especially well in making candy.

Golden syrup has a sweet and subtle caramel flavor and translucent golden color, almost like molten amber. It has a similar consistency to honey, but with much more of a mild taste.

Is golden syrup healthy?

Golden syrup contains more water and less sucrose than granulated white sugar. But, it is still processed by the human body in the same way, so it is not healthier than sugar. Sugar (and all its derivatives) is an extremely valuable ingredient in baked goods like cakes and desserts. Whilst it might not be good for you to consume it in large quantities, it is fine to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What is golden syrup in America?

Golden syrup is mainly produced and sold in Europe and Australia, but in America, it is known as light treacle. So in the USA, the most obvious choice for a golden syrup substitute is light treacle, as they are the same thing!

Depending on where you are in the world, it might be hard to find golden syrup in grocery stores because it is labeled as light treacle instead. I have gathered together 14 substitutes for golden syrup below that you can use.

Uses for golden syrup

Golden syrup is used in a variety of ways, especially in Europe and Australia. Golden syrup is traditionally used in the classic British dessert treacle pudding or in treats like ANZAC biscuits but it also works well in flapjacks, cookies, or gingerbread. Using golden syrup is super easy, pretty much like using any other liquid sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

I find it hypnotizing to watch golden syrup being drizzled over a plate of warm pancakes!

What can I use instead of golden syrup?

Before choosing the best golden syrup substitutes, consider which of its properties are important in the recipe you are making. Is it the caramel flavor? The level of sweetness, its consistency, or its behavior under heat? There are many golden syrup alternatives and some behave more similarly to golden syrup than others:

1. Brown rice syrup
2. Corn syrup
3. Molasses
4. Barley Malt syrup
5. Cane syrup
6. Simple syrup
7. Maple syrup
8. Honey
9. Agave nectar
10. Coconut nectar
11. Date syrup
12. Light brown sugar
13. Keto or other low carb syrups
14. Homemade golden syrup

Check your recipe and make a decision based on what will be the best golden syrup substitute for you. And if nothing else will do, I'll also show you how to make golden syrup at home super easily.

1. Brown rice syrup

Brown rice syrup is derived from brown rice, and it has a similar sweetness level to golden syrup and a similar consistency too. It's vegan and gluten-free and has a mild nuttiness to it which lends itself well to baked products like brownies. Brown rice syrup is also sometimes known as rice malt syrup, rice syrup, or maltose syrup, and is similarly useful in high-temperature cooking as it does not crystalize.

How to use it:

To replace golden syrup, brown rice syrup can be used in equal measures.

2. Corn syrup

There are natural sugars present in corn, and through hydrolyzing cornstarch a clear syrup known as corn syrup (or glucose syrup) is produced. Light corn syrup has a mild flavor and does not crystalize at high temperatures so is a good golden syrup substitute for gingerbread or candies. Dark corn syrup is thicker and stronger in taste, so less of a good substitute for golden syrup.

How to use it:

Use light corn syrup as a golden syrup replacement in equal quantities.

3. Molasses

Molasses is a byproduct processed when granulated sugar is made and refined. In some sugars (for example in light and dark brown sugar), some molasses content is put back in again in varying quantities, but molasses is also used in its own right. Light molasses is a pale gloopy liquid with a caramel flavor and can be used as a good golden syrup replacement.

Dark molasses can also be used as an alternative to golden syrup but it has a deep color and stronger taste. So, I would consider whether or not this would have an impact on your recipe. Avoid using blackstrap molasses as this is the least refined of the 3 and has a taste so strong that it borders on bitter.

How to use it:

To replace golden syrup, substitute molasses in a 1:1 swap.

4. Barley malt syrup

If you love a malt flavor, then barley malt syrup might be the best golden syrup alternative for you. Made by processing sprouted, malted, and barley that is cooked, drained, and then roasted, barley malt syrup is a thick and sticky syrup with a dark brown color. This will translate over into your baked good, so it works well in chocolate items that are already dark brown in color. Whilst it has its own flavor, it isn't as strong or as overpowering as dark molasses.

How to use it:

Barley malt syrup can be substituted for golden syrup in equal quantities. However, bear in mind that it is slightly less sweet than golden syrup which could have an impact on taste.

5. Cane syrup

Cane syrup is made from raw pressed cane juice that's been extracted from the sugar cane plant. It's boiled down in kettles to make a thick syrup, that looks and tastes similar to molasses. As a result, it may not be the best alternative to golden syrup as will affect the color and taste of baked goods. For certain items with strong flavor like these deliciously fudgy Biscoff brownies, a bit of extra caramel flavor wouldn't be the worst thing!

How to use it:

Cane syrup can be used as an alternative to golden syrup in equal quantities.

6. Simple syrup

Simple syrup is a common ingredient in mixology and co*cktail making, but it is useful in baking too! It is made by boiling sugar and water together quantities until it reaches the right syrupy consistency. It is flavorless, colorless, and slightly runnier than golden syrup, so will not always be the right golden syrup alternative fit for your chosen recipe. For a more molasses flavor use light brown sugar in the syrup, instead of granulated sugar.

How to use it:

Use simple syrup instead of golden syrup in equal quantities.

7. Maple syrup

Maple syrup also has a thinner consistency but contains less sucrose than golden syrup so it is a little bit less sweet. It has a delicious flavor though which can come in handy in certain recipes like these mini pumpkin bundt cakes with maple glaze and maple syrup is definitely the best alternative to golden syrup for pancakes and waffles. Pure maple syrup (or real maple syrup) is a naturally derived product harvested from the maple tree, so it is less processed than golden syrup.

How to use it:

Use maple syrup as a golden syrup substitute in the same quantities.

8. Honey

Honey is similar in texture to golden syrup, but it is made by bees in bee hives from flower nectar. Unprocessed raw honey is a natural product and certain types of honey, like manuka, have numerous health benefits and contain enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants.

However, most honey you can buy in stores is processed, pasteurized, and often has added sugar too. Any type of honey is still sugar though and will be processed by the body in the same way so shouldn't necessarily be considered a healthy alternative. Honey is not vegan as it is considered an animal product, so it is not suitable for those following a vegan diet.

How to use it:

Try to avoid using runny honey, or superlight honey and instead use thick honey as a golden syrup substitute in equal quantities for best results.

9. Agave nectar

Agave nectar or agave syrup is made by boiling down the sap from the leaves of the agave plant. The viscous fluid is thinner in consistency than golden syrup and almost twice as sweet, so adjustments may need to be made to use agave nectar instead of golden syrup in baking or other recipes.

How to use it:

To replace golden syrup with agave nectar, use ½ of the amount stipulated in the recipe.

10. Coconut nectar

Coconut nectar or coconut honey is made from coconut sap, and it is an unrefined syrup with a light caramel flavor. It is not always readily available in grocery stores and is more commonly found in health food shops or online, but it is a low Glycemic Index alternative to golden syrup, and is vegan, too. It works well drizzled over pancakes or waffles, and can also be used in baking.

How to use it:

You can use coconut nectar as a golden syrup substitute in equal quantities.

11. Date syrup

Date syrup is made from liquified dates, the sticky, sweet fruit from date palms. Medjool dates are most commonly used for their intense flavor and chewy texture, and they are pureed and reduced to make a sticky syrup that has a toffee-like taste and deep, rich color. It is vegan, has a relatively low glycemic index, and is suitable for those on paleo diets. Date syrup pairs beautifully with pecan flavors, so try it drizzled over the top of this pecan upside own cake.

How to use it:

Use date syrup instead of golden syrup in equal quantities.

12. Light brown sugar

There are obvious differences between golden syrup and brown sugar, namely their liquid and solid states! But you can use brown sugar instead of golden syrup if needed. If baking with brown sugar instead of syrup, your recipe will have less moisture so you may need to make adjustments in other areas to avoid a dry bake.

How to use it:

For every cup of golden syrup, you will need two-thirds of a cup of brown sugar.

13. Keto or low-sugar syrups

Many products claim to be healthier versions of sugar, but the way our bodies process and react to it is the same regardless of whether it's honey or the white granulated stuff you put in your coffee. Brands like Sukrin or Lakanto have developed keto-friendly syrups that use natural sugar alternatives like stevia and they have fewer calories, are low carb, and produce much less of an effect on the body's glucose levels.

S,o if you are looking for a healthy golden syrup substitute or searching for something more suitable for those with diabetes, choose one of these low-sugar syrups.

How to use it:

Replace golden syrup in a recipe with the same amount of Sukrin Gold Syrup according to the recipe you are making.

14. Homemade golden syrup

And finally, if you have the ingredients and the time, I recommend making your own golden syrup which will always be the best substitute, plus it's fun and rewarding to make ingredients from scratch like homemade butter and mascarpone cheese.

How to use it:

Use homemade golden syrup in exactly the same way you would use storebought.

How to make homemade golden syrup

Ingredients

1. 1 cup/237ml water
2. 2 cups/440 grams of light brown sugar
3. 2 cups/400 grams of granulated sugar
4. 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat the water, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once the mixture is boiling add the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
3. Continue to cook the mixture over low to medium heat for 40-50 minutes until it thickens and becomes golden in color.
4. Allow the homemade golden syrup to cool completely in the saucepan, it will further thicken as it returns to room temperature.
5. Store homemade golden syrup in an air-tight container or sterilized glass jar and use it within 2-3 months.

So what is the best golden syrup substitute?

Homemade golden syrup, brown rice syrup, and light corn syrup are the best alternatives to golden syrup that will not have too great an impact on the taste and texture of baked goods and other items.

Honey, coconut syrup, date syrup, and pure maple syrup will also work well and are less refined alternatives that bring their own delicious flavor. But honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, and date syrup are often promoted as a healthy alternative to golden syrup when in chemical terms, they are very similar and have a similar effect on the human body.

Sukrin Gold Syrup and other keto-friendly syrups are healthier alternatives to golden syrup that I'd recommend.

If you are searching for other good baking substitutes or want to learn more about certain important ingredients in baking, check out my baking guides section.

Golden syrup substitute FAQs

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