Quick Answer
The most common American equivalent to golden syrup is corn syrup. Specifically, light or dark corn syrup can be used in place of golden syrup in recipes. Other substitutes include honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, simple syrup, and molasses.
What is Golden Syrup?
Golden syrup is a thick, amber-colored form of inverted sugar syrup that is popular in Britain. It has a buttery, toffee-like flavor and a consistency similar to honey.
Golden syrup is made during the process of refining sugar cane juice into sugar. When sugar cane juice is boiled, the sucrose molecules break down into glucose and fructose, which forms a sweet syrup. This syrup is golden syrup.
Some key characteristics of golden syrup include:
- Thick, viscous texture
- Amber/golden color
- Sweet, buttery, toffee-like flavor
- Contains inverted sucrose so less likely to crystallize
- Contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals from sugar cane juice
Golden syrup is popular in England as a condiment for pancakes, waffles, porridge and other breakfast foods. It’s also used as an ingredient in baked goods like cookies, cakes, breads and puddings. The flavor of golden syrup works well in both sweet and savory dishes.
Common Uses for Golden Syrup
Some of the most popular uses for golden syrup include:
- Pouring over pancakes, waffles or porridge
- Baking ingredient in cookies, bars, cakes, pies and breads
- Sweetening beverages like coffee, tea or milk
- Mixing into yogurt, oatmeal or gruel
- Serving as a topping for ice cream, custard or fruit
- Glazing over meat, especially baked ham
- Making confections like toffees, caramels and sweets
- Binding agent in granola or energy bars
- Natural sweetener for smoothies, milkshakes or ice pops
The versatility of golden syrup makes it useful in both sweet and savory applications. It brings a distinct, mild caramel flavor and creamy texture.
Golden Syrup Nutrition Facts
Golden syrup is mostly composed of carbohydrates with small amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals. A 2 tablespoon serving contains:
- Calories: 120
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sugars: 29g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.4mg
- Potassium: 35mg
- Sodium: 10mg
Since golden syrup goes through inversion, the sucrose is broken down into glucose and fructose. These simple sugars are easier for the body to absorb.
Golden syrup contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals from the original sugar cane juice. However, it is still considered a high-calorie food that should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. It has a moderately high glycemic index.
Popular Golden Syrup Brands
Some well-known brands of golden syrup include:
- Lyle’s Golden Syrup – The most popular brand in the UK. Made by Tate & Lyle.
- Holland’s Golden Syrup – Made by Holland & Barrett Ltd.
- Roundtree’s Golden Syrup – Produced by Zetar. Owned by ASR Group.
- Crosse & Blackwell Golden Syrup – Sweetened condensed milk company that also makes syrup.
- Pioneer Golden Syrup – Made by Premier Foods, another UK food manufacturer.
- Tracklements Organic Golden Syrup – An organic brand made by Tracklements Ltd.
- Ragus Sugars Golden Syrup – A South Africa syrup producer that distributes internationally.
- Buderim Ginger Golden Syrup – Made by Buderim Ginger in Australia.
Lyle’s Golden Syrup is the most recognized golden syrup brand, particularly in Commonwealth countries. However, there are a variety of producers making quality golden syrup products worldwide.
Where to Buy Golden Syrup
Golden syrup can be found in most major supermarkets in the UK, Australia and other regions where it’s popular. Large supermarkets usually stock it along with pancake syrup, molasses, corn syrup and baking ingredients.
Some specific places you can buy golden syrup include:
- Grocery stores like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons in the UK.
- Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, IGA supermarkets in Australia.
- Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Stop & Shop in the USA.
- Save-On-Foods, Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys in Canada.
- New World, Pak’nSave, Countdown in New Zealand.
If you can’t find golden syrup in stores near you, it’s also widely available online through Amazon, eBay, grocery delivery websites and online British food shops that ship internationally.
You can also find golden syrup in some ethnic markets and specialty food stores that sell British, Irish, South African or Australian products.
Why is Golden Syrup Popular in the UK?
Golden syrup has been popular in England since 1885 when it was created by Alfred Lyle, founder of Abram Lyle & Sons which later became known as Tate & Lyle Sugars.
Some reasons why golden syrup is so commonly used in the UK include:
- Mild, caramel-like taste suits British palates
- Ideal consistency for pouring over foods or baking
- Less likely to crystallize than white sugar
- Sweetens and moistens baked goods
- Long history and nostalgia – generations grew up with it
- Versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes
- Popular in classic English desserts like treacle tart
- Used in various confections and sweets
Golden syrup was one of the first branded grocery products in Britain. The iconic green and gold tin is recognizable worldwide. It’s fondly remembered from childhood and beloved for its unique creamy, malty flavor.
For these reasons, golden syrup remains an essential ingredient in many British recipes passed down through the generations. It’s a staple ingredient in many homes, cafes, bakeries and restaurants across England, Scotland, Wales and beyond.
What Does Golden Syrup Taste Like?
Golden syrup has a sweet, buttery taste with slight caramel/toffee notes. It provides a milder, more rounded sweetness compared to sugar.
The flavor is similar to a light-colored maple syrup or pale molasses, but golden syrup isn’t as overpoweringly sweet or complex. It has subtle spice undertones without a bitter aftertaste.
The texture of golden syrup is thick, viscous and smooth. It pours slowly from the bottle like warm honey. The mouthfeel coats well and is a bit sticky.
Overall, golden syrup provides a sweet creaminess that tastes like a buttery caramel sauce. The mild molasses-like flavor isn’t too rich. It sweetens nicely without masking the other ingredients it’s added to.
Is Golden Syrup Healthy?
Like most forms of sugar, golden syrup should only be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. It doesn’t provide much in the way of nutritional benefits.
The main health impacts of golden syrup include:
- High in sugar and calories – Eating too much may contribute to weight gain and obesity.
- Rapidly absorbed carbohydrates – Causes quick spike in blood sugar. Not ideal for diabetics.
- Tooth decay risk – The sugars may damage tooth enamel.
- Laxative effects in large doses – Excess consumption can cause diarrhea.
- Lacks vitamins, minerals, fiber – No nutritional benefits beyond calories.
However, golden syrup does have a slightly lower glycemic index than regular table sugar. The glucose and fructose is more slowly absorbed than sucrose.
Overall, golden syrup is best enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet. It can be used to replace small amounts of sugar in recipes to provide flavor. But it shouldn’t be a dietary staple.
Is Golden Syrup Bad for You?
Golden syrup isn’t necessarily unhealthy if enjoyed in moderation, but it provides minimal nutritional value beyond carbohydrates and sugar.
Consuming large amounts of golden syrup frequently could potentially have adverse health effects:
- Tooth decay – Sugar feeds harmful oral bacteria.
- Weight gain – High calorie intake may lead to obesity.
- Blood sugar spikes – Rapid sugar absorption is bad for diabetics.
- Gut issues – Excessive fructose and sorbitol can cause diarrhea.
- Addiction – Sugary foods light up reward pathways in the brain.
- Liver strain – Too much fructose can contribute to fatty liver disease.
Children and pregnant women should be especially careful with syrup consumption as excess sugar is linked to problems like metabolic syndrome, gestational diabetes, and childhood obesity.
For most people, having the occasional lick of golden syrup is perfectly safe. But it should be seen as an added sweet treat, not a daily habit. Moderation is key, as with most sugary foods.
Common Golden Syrup Substitutes
If you don’t have golden syrup, there are several suitable ingredient substitutes depending on the application:
Light or Dark Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is the most direct replacement for golden syrup. It provides a similar texture and flavor. Use light corn syrup for a closer match to golden syrup. Dark corn syrup has a deeper, more pronounced molasses taste.
Honey
Honey makes a good substitute in recipes where you want a mild sweetness. Opt for a light, mild honey like acacia or clover. The thickness of honey means you may need to adjust other liquids in the recipe.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup works well in place of golden syrup, providing rich sweetness with subtle earthy, caramel notes. Again, the thinner consistency might require recipe adjustments.
Agave Nectar
For a neutral, mild sweetness similar to golden syrup, agave nectar is an option. It has less flavor complexity but the right viscosity.
Simple Syrup
You can make simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water over heat. This provides the thickness without distinct flavors. Brown sugar makes simple syrup closer to golden syrup.
Molasses
Blackstrap or dark molasses is the closest to golden syrup in viscosity and sugar content. But it does have a significantly stronger, bittersweet taste.
Invert Sugar Syrup
Invert sugar syrup is essentially what golden syrup is made of – glucose and fructose. You can make it yourself by mixing sugar and water with an acid like lemon juice or cream of tartar.
How to Make Golden Syrup Substitutes
Here are some easy recipes to make homemade replacements for golden syrup:
Honey Simple Syrup
Combine 1 cup honey and 1/4 cup warm water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until combined and thinned slightly – 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool before using as a substitute for golden syrup.
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Combine 1 cup brown sugar (packed) and 1/4 cup hot water in a saucepan. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves – about 5 minutes. Simmer 1 to 2 more minutes until slightly thickened. Cool before use in place of golden syrup.
Maple Golden Syrup
Whisk together 1 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup white sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon maple extract in a small bowl. Use in a 1:1 ratio when swapping for golden syrup.
Inverted Sugar Syrup
Combine 2 cups white sugar with 1 cup water and 2 teaspoons lemon juice in a pan. Heat on medium until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before use. Will keep refrigerated.
Brown Rice Syrup
Make brown rice syrup by combining 1 cup brown rice flour and 3 cups water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool before using as you would golden syrup.
Substitution Ratios
When substituting for golden syrup, use the following substitution ratios as a guide:
- Light or dark corn syrup – 1:1 ratio
- Honey – 1:1 ratio
- Maple syrup – 1:1 ratio
- Agave nectar – 1:1 ratio
- Simple syrup – 1:1 ratio
- Molasses – 1:1 ratio
- Brown rice syrup – 1:1 ratio
Since most substitutes are thinner than golden syrup, you may need to reduce other liquids slightly in a recipe or simmer dishes longer to reach desired thickness.
Always taste test syrup substitutes to ensure sweetness and flavor are suitable before proceeding with recipes. Adjust any seasonings to compensate for differences.
Common Questions About Golden Syrup
What does golden syrup taste like?
Golden syrup has a sweet, buttery taste reminiscent of butterscotch or caramel, with subtle molasses-like spice notes. It provides a milder, more round sweetness compared to sugar.
Is golden syrup the same as corn syrup?
Golden syrup and corn syrup have slight differences, but in recipes they can often be used interchangeably in equal amounts. Golden syrup is made from inverted cane syrup while corn syrup is made from corn starch.
Why is it called golden syrup?
The syrup gets its name from its golden amber color, which comes from refining sugar cane juice into a smooth, sticky syrup. Darker syrups are produced by longer heating during sugar refining.
Is golden syrup healthier than sugar?
Golden syrup provides trace vitamins from the original cane juice, and has a slightly lower glycemic index. But overall, it has minimal health benefits over regular table sugar and should also be used in moderation.
Is golden syrup good for you?
Golden syrup isn’t significantly better or worse for health than other forms of sugar. Small amounts in desserts or baked goods are fine for most people. But it should not be consumed excessively as part of a healthy diet.
Does golden syrup go off?
An unopened tin of golden syrup keeps for 2+ years in the pantry. Once opened, it keeps for 6+ months refrigerated. Signs it may have gone off include mold, a dried out consistency, or separation of liquids/solids.
Is golden syrup vegan?
Most golden syrups are vegan and do not contain any animal products. However, some are processed in facilities that also handle milk or egg products. Check labels to be sure no cross-contamination.
Conclusion
Golden syrup is a popular inverted sugar syrup used extensively in British cuisine with a mild butterscotch-like flavor. While corn syrup is the most common replacement, simple syrup, honey, and maple syrup can all substitute for golden syrup in recipes in equal ratios.
When swapping syrups, small adjustments in sweetness, acidity, or liquids may be needed. Test dishes thoroughly and adjust seasonings to achieve the intended flavor profile. Enjoy golden syrup and its substitutes moderately as part of a nutritious diet.
