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Nerdy Science in the Kitchen

Golden Syrup Substitute

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Golden syrups are actually very common in households. They are usually used for recipes, sauces, and even as a drizzle.

But there may come a time when you’ve run out and forgotten to go to the store. Today, I will talk about golden syrup substitutes that are just as good, what to look for, the 6 best alternatives, and more.

golden syrup substitute

Top 3 Golden Syrup Substitute Choices

Here are our top pics for the best quality, overall well-roundedness, and the best bang for your buck.

Best Quality Golden Syrup

Nature Nate’s 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey

Nature Nate’s 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey; 32oz. Squeeze Bottle; Award-Winning Taste
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You can not beat honey when it comes to a golden syrup substitute because it’s just as thick as the syrup itself. Nature Nate’s is of high quality and can be used in many recipes or even used as a drizzle that calls for golden syrup.

Best Overall Choice

Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Light Corn Syrup

Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Light Corn Syrup, 11.2 oz
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With taste, the Wholesome Sweetener’s corn syrup tastes very similar to golden syrup. It even has a hint of vanilla to improve the taste and can be used in anything that calls for golden syrup.

Best Value for Your Money

Steen’s 100% Pure Cane Syrup

Steen's 100% Pure Cane Syrup, 16fl. oz
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There are 16 fluid ounces in this bottle by Steen’s, so you definitely get good value for money. It also tastes good and can be used for anything that would have called for golden syrup.

Things to Look For

The following is what I used to determine is the best golden syrup substitute. I have made sure that every single product listed in the roundup below matches the following:

Preservative Free

If you are going to use a golden syrup substitute, it should be preservative-free. That means natural and has no extra fillers in it.

You also might want to find something that is low in or has no high fructose corn syrup or could work as a corn syrup substitute in any recipe that calls for it.

Quality

Just like the preservatives, I also wanted to make sure these were high-quality substitutes because some are a little more expensive than others.

Cost

I have compiled some higher-cost golden syrup alternatives to lower-cost to fit all budgets in the roundup below.

To figure out what you should look for in golden syrup substitutes, please refer to the guide below to help you determine which one may be best for you.

6 Best Golden Syrup Substitutes

1. Nature Nate’s 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey

Nature Nate’s 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey; 32oz. Squeeze Bottle; Award-Winning Taste
View on Amazon

I have started the list of golden syrup substitutes with Nature Nate’s honey because it’s the most common replacement for golden syrup. This honey comes in a 32-ounce bottle, but there’s also a choice of getting the 32-ounce pouch as well.

Compared to the other sweeteners on this list, it’s one of the more natural replacements for golden syrup and will work great in any recipe.

Pros

  • Closest replacement to golden syrup
  • Natural
  • Has a pouch option

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some users have said it isn’t raw or unfiltered as Nature Nate’s claimed

2. Butternut Mountain Farm Pure Vermont Maple Syrup

Butternut Mountain Farm Pure Vermont Maple Syrup, Grade A, Amber Color, Rich Taste, All Natural, Easy Pour Jug, 32 Fl Oz, 1 Qt
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When you think of real maple syrup, you probably think of Canada. But this maple syrup from Vermont is just as good.

It has an amber color (the second lightest on the maple syrup color grade) so it can definitely be used as a golden syrup substitute. The syrup comes in a 1-quart bottle (32 fl ounces) and also has a 16-ounce bottle available if you need a smaller size.

The syrup is substantially sourced, so you know you are getting 100% Pure Vermont maple syrup. It is natural, just like Nature Nate’s honey, and is an excellent substitute for golden syrup.

Time to bring out that old pecan pie recipe!

Pros

  • Made in Vermont
  • 2 different size options
  • Amber color

Cons

  • Users have said they have received expired or moldy product

3. Keystone Pantry Organic Brown Rice Syrup

Keystone Pantry Organic Brown Rice Syrup – 23 OZ Bottle – Vegan and Gluten Free – HFC, Corn Syrup Substitute – 1 BOTTLE
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You’d probably never thought to use brown rice syrup as a substitute for golden syrup. It works well, especially the brown rice syrup from Keystone Pantry.

The brown rice syrup is organic and Kosher certified. It also comes in a 23 oz bottle.

Is it healthier than the Butternut Mountain maple syrup? Yes, because it has a significantly lower amount of calories because of the lower sugar content, making it a great maple syrup substitute.

Pros

  • Low calorie
  • Organic and Kosher Certified
  • Vegan Friendly

Cons

  • Not as sweet as the other sweeteners that are mentioned on the list

4. Golden Barrel Bulk Unsulfured Blackstrap Molasses

Golden Barrel Bulk Unsulfured Blackstrap Molasses Jug (128 Fl Oz)
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You would typically use molasses in bbq sauce, but you can also use it in another that requires golden syrup. The Golden Barrel molasses comes in a 128 fluid-ounce bottle, so there is plenty to go around.

It is unsulfured as well, so that means it’s completely preservative-free. This syrup has a 3-year shelf life, which is pretty impressive.

It will also taste better good and will save you the time of having to make your own homemade golden syrup with brown sugar.

Pros

  • Sweet enough to use as a golden syrup replacement
  • Unsulfured
  • 3-year shelf life

Cons

  • It says on the label that it can cause cancer

5. Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Light Corn Syrup

Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Light Corn Syrup, 11.2 oz
View on Amazon

Corn syrup is typically used in pecan pies but it can also be used in other baked goods or sauces that you’d use golden syrups in. The Wholesome Sweetener Organic Light Corn Syrup has a hint of vanilla in it as well.

It comes in an 11.2 oz bottle and the manufacturer claims to be climate pledge friendly. It’s also low in sugar compared to Steen’s Pure Cane Syrup, so if you need to watch your sugar you’ll appreciate this golden syrup substitute.

Like honey, it’s also the closest you’ll get to golden syrup.

Pros

  • Low in sugar
  • Hints of vanilla
  • Climate Pledge Friendly

Cons

  • Can be expensive for what you get

6. Steen’s 100% Pure Cane Syrup

Steen's 100% Pure Cane Syrup, 16fl. oz
View on Amazon

Finally, Steen’s 100% Pure Cane Syrup made the list for golden syrup substitutes because it’s sweet enough to be added to anything that needs the sweetness where you might not want to use regular corn syrup. There are 16 fluid ounces in this bottle.

It is natural and organic just like all the other golden syrup alternatives on this list. However, compared to the Wholesome Sweetener Corn Syrup, it has significantly more white sugar since it’s made of pure sugar cane so it’s something to watch out for if you are trying to watch out for trying to reduce your sugar intake.

Pros

  • Pure and Natural
  • Good value for money
  • Can be used in baking and cooking

Cons

  • Some users have reported that it tastes like sugar water (simple syrup)

What to Look for in Golden Syrup Substitutes

You’ve run out of golden syrup or maybe you just want a healthier alternative. Whichever the reason, here’s what to look for in golden syrup substitutes:

Quality

When searching for a golden syrup substitute, you want to make sure it’s good quality. Of course, it’s easy to just buy the cheapest alternative, but it’ll often taste like watery syrup. So you’ll want to search for a high-quality alternative.

Cost

Golden syrup alternatives can range from $5 to over $20 depending on the quantity that you get.

Versatility

When searching for the golden syrup alternative, you’ll want to make sure that it compliments the dish you are going to be using it in.

FAQ

Are Golden Syrup and Corn Syrup the same?

While they are similar in color and taste, no they are not the same. Corn syrup is not as thick (think of it as sugar water) as golden syrup is.

It also doesn’t have as much flavor (that is my opinion) as golden syrup does. Golden Syrup is usually thicker and has that nice caramelized buttery taste.

What is the best golden syrup substitute?

In my opinion, it would be light corn syrup. Honey would be my #2 because of the consistency, but as far as taste is concerned, it’s the light corn syrup, which will fit into any recipe very well.

What can I use golden syrup alternatives in?

You can use the golden syrup alternative in any baked goods, or as a syrup for waffles, pancakes, ice cream, and more.

They can be used as sweeteners or sauce toppings or drizzles in any sweet recipe.

What kind of golden syrup alternatives are available?

These are the best golden syrup alternatives in my opinion:

  • Light Corn Syrup
  • Brown Rice Syrup
  • Pure Cane Syrup
  • Molasses
  • Agave Nectar
  • Honey

However, there are also black treacle and agave syrup as well for the alternatives.

Wrapping Up

That just about wraps up on the golden syrup substitutes.

If you are looking for something that’s closer to golden syrup consistency, you’ll love Nature’s Nate Honey.

But if you want something that almost tastes like golden syrup, the Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Light Corn Syrup, can act as an alternative in any recipe calling for high fructose corn syrup or dark corn syrup.

But perhaps if you are looking to save money and want a good alternative, you’ll like Steen’s 100% Pure Cane Syrup.

Finding the best substitute for golden syrup does not have to be hard anymore now that you have this guide to help you to find the best one for your tastes whether you’re using it as a drizzle over pancakes, ice cream, or in your favorite recipe.

Kitchen Professor author
About the Author: Brock Yates

Because Brock is the tallest member of the team at 6 foot 5 inches, when he’s not thinking about food, he’s eating his favorites: pizza, burgers, tacos and burritos. He's always experimenting with the latest kitchen gadgets and exploring new techniques in the kitchen.

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