Can I get golden syrup in the US?

What is golden syrup?

Golden syrup is a thick, amber-colored syrup that is commonly used in baking and as a condiment in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. It has a sweet, buttery flavor and a golden hue that comes from refining sugar cane or sugar beet juice into a concentrated, inverted sugar syrup.

Some key facts about golden syrup:

  • It is made from sugar cane or sugar beet juice that has been boiled down to form a concentrated syrup.
  • It goes through a process called inversion during production which splits the sucrose in the syrup into glucose and fructose, making it sweeter than regular sugar.
  • It has a thick, smooth texture perfect for pouring.
  • Golden syrup has a distinctive flavor profile – it is extremely sweet with subtle butterscotch and caramel notes.
  • The color comes from the caramelization of sugars during processing.
  • It is used as a topping for desserts like pancakes or waffles, as an ingredient in baking for softness and moisture, and to sweeten beverages.

So in summary, golden syrup is a popular sugary condiment and baking ingredient in the UK and beyond prized for its unique sticky, viscous texture and sweet, buttery molasses-like flavor.

Is golden syrup available in the US?

Golden syrup is not as widely used or as easily found in the United States compared to the UK. However, it is possible to locate golden syrup in the US if you know where to look. Here are some ways to find golden syrup stateside:

  • Import food stores – Specialty grocery stores that import foods from the UK and other countries will likely have golden syrup stocked. Check the baking or international foods aisle.
  • Online retailers – Ordering through online stores is the easiest way to get golden syrup in the US. Amazon.com and other major retailers will carry it.
  • World food markets – If you live in a larger city, world food markets and international grocery stores may stock golden syrup. Check European, British, or Australian specialty aisles.
  • Make your own – You can make a substitute at home by combining corn syrup with sugar, honey, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  • Maple syrup – While not exactly the same in flavor, maple syrup is more readily accessible in the US and can be used in place of golden syrup in recipes.

So while not as ubiquitous as it is in the UK, with some searching golden syrup can certainly be purchased in stores or online in the United States. The most surefire method is likely to order it through Amazon or large international food websites. Be aware that it may be priced higher than in its native UK!

What brands of golden syrup are available in the US?

There are a handful of brands producing golden syrup that you can find for purchase in the United States:

  • Lyle’s Golden Syrup – This British brand has been making golden syrup since 1885. Lyle’s is the most iconic golden syrup and can be found in many international specialty stores or online in the US.
  • Holland & Barrett Golden Syrup – Holland & Barrett are a health food company in the UK that produces a version of golden syrup sold in some US stores.
  • Roundy’s Pure Cane Golden Syrup – Roundy’s is a US-based manufacturer that makes a golden syrup marketed as a “traditional English syrup”. It is more widely available than imported UK brands.
  • Nature’s Flavors Golden Syrup – This is golden syrup made and sold by the US company Nature’s Flavors, available for order online.
  • Buderim Ginger Golden Syrup – Buderim is an Australian company that produces a ginger flavored golden syrup that can sometimes be found in the US.

There are also some US manufacturers that produce pancake syrups labeled as golden syrups, though these are made with high fructose corn syrup and lack the distinctive flavor of true golden syrup. When purchasing in the US, look for brands imported from the UK for authentic golden syrup. Lyle’s is likely the most common and easiest to find in stores and online.

Where is golden syrup located in US grocery stores?

Since golden syrup originates from the UK and is not as mainstream in the US, you typically will not find it stocked alongside the more common maple syrup, agave, and corn syrups. Instead, here are the sections to browse when hunting for golden syrup at an American grocery store:

  • Baking aisle – Some stores carry golden syrup in the baking section near baking ingredients like sugar, molasses, baking soda, and corn syrup. This is likely the first area to browse.
  • International/British foods aisle – Larger grocery stores may have an aisle dedicated to British products like digestive biscuits, Yorkshire pudding mix, and HP sauce. Check here.
  • Syrups section – It may be with the pancake syrups and maple syrups. Though it will likely be the only non-maple syrup option.
  • Specialty sugars area – If there is specialty baking section with alternative sugars like coconut sugar, brown sugars, or glucose syrup, you may find golden syrup there.
  • Jams and honey – Some stores sell it alongside honey and molasses as a specialty sweetener for beverages and baking.
  • Online ordering – If you can’t find it in store, your best bet is to order online for delivery from Amazon, Walmart, or a specialty British food website.

Be sure to read labels carefully, as sometimes corn syrups labeled as “golden” are not true golden syrup. When in doubt, look for the Lyle’s or other UK imported brands for the real deal. The specialty or international sections are your best bet for locating authentic golden syrup.

Why is golden syrup not as common in the US?

There are a few key reasons why golden syrup has not become a standard syrup selection like maple syrup, agave, or corn syrup in American grocery stores and pantries:

  • Origins in the UK – Golden syrup has its roots in British and Commonwealth culinary traditions so it is not as ingrained in classic American cuisine.
  • Maple syrup dominates – Maple syrup is produced locally in North America and has come to dominate as the iconic pancake / waffle syrup, limiting shelf space for alternatives.
  • High cost – Golden syrup is primarily imported from the UK or Australia, so tends to cost more than domestic corn syrups and maple syrup in US stores.
  • Less versatility – With its distinct molasses-like flavor, golden syrup is great for baking but less of an all-purpose sweetener for American-style recipes.
  • Lack of awareness – Most Americans simply don’t know about golden syrup since it is unfamiliar. More education is needed on its uses.
  • Availability issues – Since it isn’t mainstream, fewer grocery stores prioritize stocking it consistently, making it hard to find.

In summary, golden syrup remains better known and used in its native UK compared to the US because of origins, cost, flavor profile, and lack of tradition using it in American cooking. However interest in international cooking and specialty ingredients is increasing access and awareness.

What are some tips for using golden syrup in the US?

Golden syrup adds great flavor and sweetness to recipes, so here are some tips for incorporating it into your cooking if you live in the US:

  • Use it for baking – Add golden syrup to cakes, cookies, granola bars, and breads for moisture, soft texture, and flavor
  • Sweeten beverages – Stir it into coffee, tea, milk, and smoothies for a sweetness boost
  • Make candy – Brittle, fudge, caramel, and marshmallows pair well with the distinctive golden syrup taste
  • Use it on pancakes and waffles – The classic topping for golden syrup! Drizzle it on any breakfast cake.
  • Glaze meat – Brush golden syrup on chicken, pork, ham, or bacon before cooking for delicious caramelized results
  • Make salad dressings – Whisk golden syrup into vinaigrettes, yogurt or sour cream-based dressings for a sweet touch
  • Add to oatmeal – For a bit of extra sweetness and texture, stir golden syrup into oatmeal
  • Substitute in recipes – Use in place of corn syrup or molasses in recipes to add great flavor

Golden syrup can replace honey, maple syrup, agave, or corn syrup in many recipes. Start slowly substituting small amounts until you get comfortable with its sweetening power and taste. With some creativity, golden syrup can be a wonderful addition to many American desserts and dishes!

Where to buy golden syrup online in the US

For the widest selection and easiest ordering, buying golden syrup online is your best option in the US. Here are some great online stores that ship golden syrup affordably right to your door:

  • Amazon – Amazon stocks Lyle’s Golden Syrup and other major brands. With Prime shipping, this is the fastest way to get golden syrup delivered.
  • Walmart – Walmart.com sells Lyle’s Golden Syrup online for store pickup or home delivery in many areas.
  • Instacart – You can add golden syrup to your Instacart order from local stores that stock it.
  • Thrive Market – This online natural foods store sells their own organic golden syrup version at a discounted price.
  • Vitacost – Vitacost is an online retailer specializing in affordable healthy foods that stocks Lyle’s Golden Syrup.
  • World Market – The online store for World Market has golden syrup available for order and shipping.
  • The English Shop – This importer sells British foods including Lyle’s syrup with flat rate shipping to the US.

Check if your local supermarket or warehouse club offers online ordering – many will let you buy golden syrup online for curbside pickup or delivery. Buying online gives you the most options for finding authentic golden syrup from top UK brands at reasonable prices delivered right to your home.

What is a good golden syrup substitute?

If you need a substitute for golden syrup, there are a few suitable options that can mimic its texture and sweet flavor profile:

  • Honey – Honey makes an excellent replacement in most recipes. It has similar viscosity and sweetness.
  • Maple syrup – Maple syrup can substitute 1:1 for golden syrup. It has a darker flavor but similar consistency.
  • Corn syrup – Light corn syrup is a good swap for golden syrup in baking. Combine it with sugar and spices to match the flavor.
  • Inverted sugar syrup – This syrup made from sugar and citric acid replicates golden syrup’s smooth texture well.
  • Agave nectar – Agave nectar is very sweet like golden syrup. Its neutral flavor works well as a substitute.
  • Brown rice syrup – This sweetener mimics golden syrup’s thickness and has mild butterscotch notes.

Make sure to account for differences in sweetness and flavor when swapping these alternatives into recipes. Honey, maple syrup, and inverted syrup are likely the closest matches. In a pinch, you can make your own golden syrup substitute at home too. Heat sugar and water into a syrup flavored with vanilla, spices, lemon, or ginger.

Conclusion

Golden syrup offers a unique sweet flavor and thick, pourable consistency that makes it a beloved ingredient in British cooking. While it may require some sleuthing to find stateside, golden syrup is growing in availability at US grocery stores, specialty markets, and online. Brands like Lyle’s from the UK stock the authentic product. Maple syrup, honey, and corn syrup make suitable substitutions in recipes if needed, but I encourage you try real golden syrup imported from Great Britain for true experience of this classic condiment! With some resourcefulness, you can find and cook with golden syrup in the US for delicious results.

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