What can I use instead of rice syrup?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

There are several substitutes that can be used in place of rice syrup, depending on the application. Some common alternatives include:

– Corn syrup – Has a similar consistency and sweetness.

– Honey – Adds floral notes and sweetness. Reduce liquids slightly.

– Maple syrup – Imparts a robust, earthy flavor.

– Brown rice syrup – Made from brown rice. Less processed.

– Barley malt syrup – Made from barley. Distinct, malted flavor.

– Date syrup – Made from dates. Rich, caramel-like flavor.

– Fruit syrups – Such as apple or pear. Offer fruity flavors.

– Molasses – Strong, bittersweet flavor. May need to adjust other ingredients.

– Sugar syrup – Simple syrup made with sugar. Lacks depth of rice syrup.

– Artificial sweeteners – Sugar substitutes provide sweetness without calories.

What is Rice Syrup?

Rice syrup, also known as rice malt, is a natural sweetener made from fermented rice. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a thick, viscous texture similar to honey or corn syrup.

Rice syrup is made by culturing cooked rice with enzymes to break down the starches into simple sugars. The liquid is then strained to produce a sweet, thick syrup. Brown rice syrup undergoes less processing and retains more nutrients but has a stronger flavor.

Like other liquid sweeteners, rice syrup can be used as a sugar substitute in recipes and for sweetening foods and beverages. It provides a smooth consistency and subtle sweetness without being overpowering.

Compared to table sugar, rice syrup has a lower glycemic index, meaning it does not cause blood sugar spikes as dramatically. It also contains small amounts of nutrients like B vitamins and minerals. However, it is still high in calories like other sweeteners.

Best Substitutes for Rice Syrup

When you don’t have rice syrup for a recipe, there are several ingredients that make good substitutes:

Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is one of the closest replacements for rice syrup. It has an appearance and texture similar to rice syrup and provides the same mild sweetness.

For every 1 cup of rice syrup, substitute 1 cup of corn syrup. Be sure to use regular corn syrup, not high fructose corn syrup. The two are not interchangeable.

Since both corn syrup and rice syrup have similar ratios of glucose to maltose, they behave almost identically in recipes. Corn syrup substitutes well in candies, salad dressings, marinades, and more.

Honey

Honey makes a good rice syrup alternative thanks to its viscosity, sweetness, and soluble properties.

Replace rice syrup with an equal amount of honey. When baking, reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly as honey tends to make batter moister.

Because of its fructose content, honey is sweeter than rice syrup. Honey also has a more pronounced flavor with floral, earthy notes. It works for baked goods, sauces, salad dressings, and glazes.

Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup can be used in place of rice syrup, bringing its signature maple flavor to foods and drinks.

Substitute maple syrup evenly for rice syrup. Be aware that maple syrup has a stronger flavor that comes through in the finished recipe.

Maple syrup works especially well for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, granola, and baked goods. Reduce other liquids slightly to account for the thinner consistency of maple syrup.

Brown Rice Syrup

For those avoiding refined sugars, brown rice syrup is an easy substitution for conventional rice syrup. It undergoes less processing so more nutrients are retained.

Replace rice syrup with an equal amount of brown rice syrup. Be aware that brown rice syrup has a more pronounced nutty, malted flavor.

Brown rice syrup works well in granola, cereals, salad dressings, baked goods, and other uncooked preparations. The flavor may come through more strongly in cooking.

Barley Malt Syrup

With its natural sweetness and thick consistency, barley malt syrup mimics the properties of rice syrup.

Substitute an equal amount of barley malt syrup in recipes. Know that it has a distinct flavor described as earthy and malted.

Barley malt syrup is delicious in baked goods, glazes, dressings, and more. Its strong flavor stands up well to other bold ingredients. Reduce liquids slightly as it’s thicker.

Fruit Syrups

For a fruity twist, substitute rice syrup with an equal amount of fruit syrup. Apple, pear, and cherry syrups make good options.

Fruit syrups have intense flavors and colors that will come through in the finished recipe. They pair especially well in sauces, marinades, and dressings.

Since fruit syrups tend to be thinner, reduce other liquids slightly. You may also need to supplement with another sweetener for enough sweetness.

Molasses

Blackstrap molasses can replace rice syrup in small amounts thanks to its thick, viscous texture. However, it has a very robust, bittersweet flavor.

Substitute molasses for rice syrup in a 1:1 ratio. But consider cutting it with another milder sweetener like corn syrup or maple syrup.

Always adjust spices when using molasses. Its strong flavor may overwhelm other ingredients. Molasses works for recipes like baked beans, barbecue sauces, chili, desserts, and more.

Simple Sugar Syrup

For a basic sweet substitution, simple syrup made from sugar mimics the thickness and solubility of rice syrup.

Mix 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water and boil to create simple syrup. Replace rice syrup in a 1:1 ratio. Know that it lacks the complex flavor of rice syrup.

Simple syrup is easy for sweetening beverages, cocktails, and desserts when you’re in a pinch. It dissolves easily and adds texture.

Artificial Sweeteners

To avoid a sugar syrup altogether, use low-calorie, artificial sweeteners as a rice syrup alternative.

Substitute rice syrup with your preferred sugar substitute like stevia, Splenda, Equal, or Sweet’N Low. Use according to package instructions.

Artificial sweeteners provide the sweet taste of rice syrup without any calories or glycemic impact. But they lack the texture, viscosity, and depth of flavor.

Tips for Replacing Rice Syrup

– Stick to a 1:1 ratio when substituting for rice syrup. Adjust as needed for thickness, sweetness, etc.

– Reduce other liquids slightly to account for thinner consistencies of substitutes.

– Be mindful of stronger flavors like molasses or maple syrup. Balance with other ingredients.

– In baked goods, substitute weight-for-weight, not volume-for-volume.

– For less processed options, try brown rice syrup, barley malt syrup, or fruit syrups.

– Blend sweeteners like honey or maple syrup with corn syrup to balance flavors.

– Look for certified gluten-free options if avoiding gluten.

Non-Sugar Rice Syrup Alternatives

For low-sugar or keto diets, there are alternatives to rice syrup that don’t spike blood sugar:

Pureed Fruit

Puree low-sugar fruits like applesauce or avocado to replace rice syrup’s texture and binding qualities. Works well in baked goods.

Vegetable Purees

Pureed pumpkin, sweet potato, or white beans can provide moisture and structure when replacing rice syrup.

Nut Butter

Nut butters like almond butter have a creamy texture similar to liquid sweeteners. Use in small amounts in place of rice syrup.

Flax Eggs

Flax eggs made from ground flaxseed and water replace binding and moisture in recipes. Use 1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water for each egg.

Coconut Butter

Has a thick, creamy texture that mimics the viscosity of rice syrup. Use sparingly as it hardens when cool.

Best Rice Syrup Substitutes for Common Uses

Baking

– Honey – Reduce liquids
– Maple syrup – Reduce liquids
– Corn syrup
– Fruit syrups
– Brown rice syrup

Candy Making

– Corn syrup
– Honey
– Maple syrup
– Simple syrup

Cereal & Granola

– Honey
– Maple syrup
– Brown rice syrup
– Fruit syrups

Sweetening Drinks

– Honey
– Maple syrup
– Fruit syrups
– Simple syrup
– Molasses (sparingly)

Glazes & Sauces

– Corn syrup
– Honey
– Maple syrup
– Molasses
– Fruit syrups

Salad Dressings & Marinades

– Honey
– Maple syrup
– Molasses
– Fruit syrups
– Brown rice syrup

Recipes Using Rice Syrup Substitutes

To see rice syrup substitutes in action, here are recipe ideas with honey, maple syrup, and other alternatives:

1. Honey Roasted Granola

Ingredients:

– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup nuts
– 1/2 cup coconut flakes
– 1/3 cup honey (substitute for rice syrup)
– 2 tbsp coconut oil
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Combine oats, nuts, coconut, honey, oil, cinnamon and salt.
3. Spread on baking sheet in single layer.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
5. Let cool completely before storing.

2. Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 3 tbsp maple syrup (instead of rice syrup)
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and mustard.
2. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Molasses Spice Cookies

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp cloves
– 1/4 tsp allspice
– 1/4 cup molasses (substitute for rice syrup)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 6 tbsp butter, softened
– 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Whisk flour, baking soda and spices together.
2. Beat together molasses, sugar, and butter.
3. Add egg and mix until combined.
4. Fold in dry ingredients.
5. Refrigerate dough 30 minutes.
6. Scoop dough and bake at 350°F 10-12 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rice syrup the same as rice malt?

Yes, rice syrup and rice malt are names for the same ingredient. They refer to the sweet syrup made by culturing rice to break down starches into sugars.

Is rice syrup gluten-free?

Pure rice syrup is gluten-free since it is made from rice. However, some commercial brands may contain additives that are not gluten-free, so check labels.

Is rice syrup healthier than sugar?

Rice syrup has a slightly lower glycemic index than regular sugar, meaning it impacts blood sugar levels less drastically. However, it is still high in calories and carbohydrates like other sweeteners.

Can I replace rice syrup with rice flour?

No, rice flour cannot substitute for rice syrup. Rice flour is a powder made from ground rice, while rice syrup is a sweet liquid made by processing rice. They have very different properties.

Is rice syrup vegan?

Yes, rice syrup is generally vegan since it is plant-based and made from rice. However, check brands for additives like vitamins that may come from animal sources.