I was in the middle of making my famous malt syrup cookies when I realized I was out of malt syrup. I didn’t want to have to stop and run to the store, so I started looking for substitutes.
I experimented with a few things and found seven great substitutes that will work just as well or better than malt syrup in your recipes.
Let’s get started!
Substitutes for Malt Syrup:
- Honey
- Sugar
- Molasses
- Brown rice syrup
- Maple syrup
- Korean rice syrup
- Maltose
Honey
Honey can be used as a substitute for malt syrup in cases where you are looking for a gluten-free option with a similar texture and color.
Honey is thick and viscous, like malt syrup, and it has a sweeter flavor. It is also easily available in most grocery stores.
When substituting honey for malt syrup, keep in mind that you may need to use less honey than you would malt syrup, as it is sweeter. We recommend that you start with half the amount called in the recipe and then adjust the quantity accordingly.
You may also need to heat the honey to get it to the same consistency as malt syrup.
However, note that honey doesn’t give the same flavor as malt syrup.
Sugar
Sugar is the most obvious substitute for malt syrup and is by far the easiest to find. You can use either brown or white sugar, depending on the color you want your finished product to be.
Keep in mind that sugar is much sweeter than malt syrup, so you’ll need to use less of it. Ideally, you should half the amount of syrup called for in the recipe and add that much sugar.
There are a few benefits to using sugar as a substitute for malt syrup. It is less likely to caramelize, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a light-colored final product. It also dissolves more easily than malt syrup, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a smooth final product.
However, keep in mind that sugar doesn’t have the same complex flavor as malt syrup, so your finished product will be missing some of the depth of flavor that malt syrup would provide.
Molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that is a by-product of the sugar refining process. It can be used as a sweetener or as an ingredient in baked goods, and it is also highly nutritious. It is rich in iron, calcium, and other minerals, and it also contains vitamins B6 and B12.
Blackstrap molasses is the most nutrient-dense variety of molasses, and it is also the darkest and strongest-tasting. We personally love using it as a substitute for malt syrup.
Molasses is sweeter than malt syrup, so you may need to use less of it to achieve the same level of sweetness. It will also add more moisture to your baking than malt syrup, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly.
The color of molasses is also similar to that of malt syrup, so it will not affect the appearance of your baked goods.
Brown rice syrup
Brown rice syrup is a great substitute for malt syrup, particularly if you are looking for a gluten-free option. It is made from, you guessed it, brown rice. Brown rice is cooked down and then mixed with enzymes that break down the starches into sugars. These sugars are then filtered out and the liquid is evaporated to create the final product – brown rice syrup.
Brown rice syrup is completely natural and less sweet than other options on the market. It also has a distinct flavor that can enhance the flavor of baked goods and other recipes.
When substituting brown rice syrup for malt syrup, remember you’ll have to use more than the amount of malt syrup in the recipe. This is because it is less sweet. In fact, it’s half as sweet as sugar.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup is a delicious natural sweetener that can be used as a substitute for malt syrup.
It comes from the sap of maple trees, and there are different grades depending on when the sap is collected. For instance, Grade A Maple syrup has a darker color and stronger flavor.
Like malt syrup, maple syrup also has a distinctively nutty taste that can add an interesting flavor dimension to recipes. When using it as a substitute, use the same amount of maple syrup as you would malt syrup.
Thanks to its many health benefits, maple syrup is a great choice for those looking for a healthy alternative to sugar. It contains high levels of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also provides important minerals such as zinc and manganese.
Korean rice syrup
Korean rice syrup, or “jocheong”, is a thick, sweet syrup made from steamed and fermented rice. It has a rich, earthy flavor and is often used as a sweetener in Korean cooking.
Korean rice syrup can be used as a substitute for malt syrup in many recipes. It is also sweet and viscous, making it a good replacement for malt syrup in recipes that call for a thick, sweet syrup.
When substituting Korean rice syrup for malt syrup, use the same amount of Korean rice syrup as you would malt syrup. You can find Korean rice syrup in Asian markets or online.
Maltose
Maltose is a very common sugar substitute and can be used as a replacement for malt syrup in many cases. It is also an excellent source of energy for the body and can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
Maltose can be used as a malt syrup substitute in baking, cooking, and frosting. It can also be used to sweeten hot drinks, such as coffee and tea.
However, like all sugars, make sure you consume maltose in a very limited amount.
FAQs
What is malt syrup?
Malt syrup is made from malt, which is germinated barley. The malt is then dried, ground, and mixed with hot water to create a sweet liquid that is used as a sugar substitute or flavoring agent.
What are malt syrup substitutes?
There are many substitutes available, including molasses, brown rice syrup, maple syrup, and maltose. Each has its own unique properties that can add flavor and sweetness to baked goods and other recipes.
What are the differences between malt syrup and maltose?
Malt syrup and maltose are both sugar substitutes, but they have different properties.
Malt syrup is made from malt, which is germinated barley. The malt is then dried, ground, and mixed with hot water to create a sweet liquid that is used as a sugar substitute or flavoring agent.
Maltose is a very common sugar substitute and can be used as a replacement for malt syrup in many cases. It is also an excellent source of energy for the body and can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Malt syrup is a key ingredient in many recipes, but it can be difficult to find and expensive. Luckily, malt syrup substitutes are available in a variety of forms, each with its own unique properties.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative to malt syrup or need a substitute that is less sweet, there is an option out there for you. With a little bit of experimentation, you’re sure to find a malt syrup substitute that meets your needs.
Thanks for reading!