What is tapioca syrup?
Tapioca syrup, also known as tapioca starch syrup, is a natural sweetener that is extracted from the cassava plant. The cassava plant, native to South America, produces a starchy root which can be processed into tapioca pearls, flour or syrup.
To make tapioca syrup, the cassava root is crushed to extract the starch. The starch slurry is then treated with enzymes to break down the starch into glucose. This glucose is concentrated into a syrup that is around 43% carbohydrates.
Tapioca syrup has a neutral flavor profile which makes it popular for sweetening foods and beverages without altering flavors. It has a light amber color and a viscosity similar to golden syrup. Compared to sugars like sucrose, tapioca syrup has a lower sweetness so more volume is required to achieve the same level of sweetness.
Properties of tapioca syrup
Some key properties of tapioca syrup include:
– Neutral in flavor – does not alter taste of foods
– Smooth, thick texture
– Appearance – light amber colored syrup
– Low sweetness compared to sugar
– Soluble – dissolves easily in liquids
– Shelf stable
– Free from fat and protein
– Contains mostly carbohydrates in the form of glucose syrup
– High moisture content
These properties make tapioca syrup useful as a sweetener, food texture improver and binding agent.
Why use tapioca syrup?
There are several reasons why tapioca syrup is used in food manufacturing and recipes:
It is plant-based
Tapioca syrup provides a vegan alternative to honey or corn syrup. As it is extracted from the cassava plant, it is suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets as well as for those who avoid foods from animal sources.
Neutral flavor
Unlike honey and maple syrup, tapioca syrup does not have a distinctive flavor of its own. This makes it very versatile as it won’t affect or mask the flavors of whatever it is added to. The neutral taste allows tapioca syrup to be substituted for sugar in both sweet and savory recipes.
Controls texture and moisture
The thick, syrupy consistency of tapioca syrup helps improve the texture of foods. It can act as a binder to hold ingredients together. It also retains moisture and softness. These properties make it useful in baking, helping keep baked goods like cookies chewy. Tapioca syrup can also thicken the texture of sauces, glazes and fillings.
Prevents crystallization
Tapioca syrup does not crystallize like sucrose and corn syrups. This gives it an advantage in products like candies, frozen desserts and syrups where crystallization causes an undesirable grainy texture. The syrupy, amorphous structure allows it to remain smooth.
Shear stable
Some food additives can lose viscosity and thickening ability when subjected to high shear force during processing. Tapioca syrup retains its texture and does not lose viscosity under shear conditions. This makes it useful for stabilizing the texture of foods that undergo blending, pumping or homogenization.
Low glycemic impact
While tapioca syrup is 100% carbohydrate, the glucose chains in tapioca syrup are relatively long. This means it is digested more slowly compared to refined white sugar. The glycemic index of tapioca syrup is significantly lower than table sugar which reduces the impact on blood glucose levels. This makes tapioca syrup an option for people with diabetes.
Prebiotic effect
Some of the carbohydrate compounds in tapioca syrup, known as resistant starch, are not broken down in the small intestine. Instead they travel to the large intestine where they act as prebiotic fiber to feed healthy gut bacteria. By promoting growth of beneficial bacteria, tapioca syrup may support digestive health.
Gluten-free
For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, tapioca syrup offers a gluten-free alternative to wheat-based sweeteners. It can be used to replace barley malt syrup in recipes. For those requiring a gluten-free diet, tapioca syrup provides a versatile, neutral-flavored sweetener.
GMO-free
Most tapioca syrup on the market today is derived from non-GMO cassava starch. For consumers wishing to avoid genetically modified ingredients, tapioca syrup fulfills this requirement.
Kosher certified
Tapioca syrup is considered a kosher food product. This makes it suitable for use in kosher food preparation and helpful for kosher consumers seeking a sweetener option.
Long shelf-life
With an 18-24 month shelf life unopened, tapioca syrup stores well for a prolonged period. The high sugar concentration prevents microbial growth. Once opened, it should be refrigerated to extend shelf life. The longevity makes it feasible to purchase in bulk.
How is tapioca syrup used?
Tapioca syrup has widespread uses as an ingredient and additive in the food industry. Some of the main applications include:
Baking
In baked goods like cakes, cookies and bars, tapioca syrup helps retain moisture, prevent staling and improve shelf life. The syrup binds ingredients, provides sweetness and contributes to a chewy texture. It can replace corn syrup in many baking recipes.
Confections
Tapioca syrup is valued in candy making for its ability to prevent sucrose crystallization in products like caramels, fudge and taffy. It helps achieve a smooth, velvety texture in sugar confections.
Frozen desserts
Added to ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt, tapioca syrup helps control ice crystal formation. By binding water, it produces a smoother, creamier texture in frozen desserts.
Fruit fillings & jams
The thick viscosity of tapioca syrup makes it useful for creating fruit fillings and jams. It can provide body and texture, as well as acting as a gelling agent to help fruit fillings set.
Cereal and nutrition bars
Tapioca syrup is commonly used as a binder in chewy cereal and nutrition bars. Along with holding ingredients together in the bar matrix, it contributes a sweet flavor.
Sauces and glazes
In sauces like hoisin and sweet & sour, tapioca syrup can provide body, shine and viscosity. It also works well in sweet glazes for meats like ham.
Beverages
The neutral flavor allows tapioca syrup’s sweetness to be used in drinks like coffees, teas and cocktails without masking flavours. Bubble tea is a classic example where tapioca pearls and syrup are used.
Low moisture products
For dried fruit, fruit leathers and other low moisture foods, tapioca syrup binds the limited water present to improve texture.
| Use | Function |
|---|---|
| Baked goods | Moisture retention, texture, prevent staling |
| Confections | Control crystallization, provide velvety texture |
| Frozen desserts | Bind water, improve creaminess |
| Fruit fillings & jams | Add body, act as gelling agent |
| Cereal & nutrition bars | Bind ingredients, provide sweetness |
| Sauces & glazes | Add viscosity, shine and body |
| Beverages | Sweeten without altering natural flavors |
| Low moisture products | Bind limited water to improve texture |
How to substitute tapioca syrup in recipes
In many recipes, tapioca syrup can directly replace corn syrup or other liquid sweeteners in a 1:1 ratio. However, because it is less sweet than sucrose, some adjustments may be needed.
Here are some tips for substituting tapioca syrup in recipes:
– For every 1 cup of corn syrup, substitute 1 cup of tapioca syrup
– Since it is less sweet than sugar, add 1/4 to 1/3 more tapioca syrup than the amount of sugar called for
– Add a small amount of additional sugar to balance sweetness
– For baked goods, tapioca syrup may contribute extra moisture so reduce other liquids slightly
– Because of viscosity differences, heating tapioca syrup gently may be needed for good pourability
– Expect softness and chewiness in texture which can be offset by extra flour or starch
– For candies and jellies, use a candy thermometer as usual for end point temperature
– Adding a touch of lemon juice can assist gelling if needed
With some minor adjustments, tapioca syrup can be easily incorporated into recipes as a replacement for standard sweeteners. Experimentation with amounts may be needed based on the specific recipe. Start by substituting in a 1:1 ratio then tweak as necessary.
Is tapioca syrup healthy?
Like most sweeteners, tapioca syrup should be used in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. However, it does have some advantages compared to sugar:
Lower glycemic impact
With a glycemic index of around 70, tapioca syrup has less of an effect on blood sugar than regular table sugar. This makes it a better option for people with diabetes.
Prebiotic fiber
The resistant starch in tapioca syrup may provide prebiotic benefits by encouraging growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.
No added fructose
Tapioca syrup only contains glucose units, not fructose. This may give it an advantage over high fructose corn syrup which some try to avoid.
Natural source
Being plant-derived, tapioca syrup is a less processed option than refined white sugar. However, it undergoes multiple steps to extract and concentrate the starch.
Nutrient profile
Tapioca syrup lacks the vitamins and minerals provided by whole foods. It is considered a source of energy but does not offer much additional nutritional value.
May promote dental cavities
Like any sugar, frequent consumption of tapioca syrup can put teeth at risk of dental decay. Sticky syrups may also cling to teeth. So enjoy treats made with it in moderation.
Overall, tapioca syrup falls in the category of natural sweeteners that offer some advantages over highly refined sugars. But it should still be used judiciously as part of a wholesome diet. Those with health conditions like diabetes should consult their doctor about appropriate use of tapioca syrup.
Where to buy tapioca syrup
Tapioca syrup can be purchased from some grocery stores, whole food markets and online retailers. Here are some places to find it:
Natural food stores
Well-stocked natural food stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts often carry tapioca syrup in the baking section or aisle with other sweeteners. Smaller co-ops may offer it as well. Check near the honey, maple syrup and molasses.
Online stores
Large online retailers like Amazon stock various brands of tapioca syrup that can be shipped directly to your home. Smaller specialty online stores focused on baking supplies also tend to carry it.
Asian grocery stores
Since tapioca is commonly used in Asian cooking, Asian supermarkets are a good place to find tapioca syrup. Check the aisles with Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian ingredients.
Restaurant supply stores
Commercial kitchen supply stores used by restaurants and bakeries often stock tapioca syrup for bulk purchase. This is a convenient way to buy larger quantities if desired.
Specialty baking stores
Retailers specializing in baking and cake decorating supplies may offer tapioca syrup for purchase by hobby bakers and dessert makers. This allows you to avoid ordering online.
Direct from manufacturers
Some tapioca syrup producers sell their products directly through their company websites. This allows you to order it straight from the source.
With its neutral flavor and moisture retention properties, tapioca syrup is a useful alternative sweetener for recipes, food manufacturing and beverages. Experiment with substituting it for common sugars or corn syrup to take advantage of its benefits.
