This article will help you find several sweeteners that can serve as brown rice syrup substitutes for your recipe. Brown rice syrup is a gluten-free and vegan liquid sweetener made from brown rice. This syrup can be consumed directly or used in baking and cooking. You can get similar results using the best substitutes listed below.
8 Best Brown Rice Syrup Substitutes
1. Honey
Honey is the first thing on the list for liquid sweeteners. This delectable ingredient is completely natural and works well as a stand-in for brown rice syrup in your recipes. It contains a lot of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, and more. It is also rich in antioxidants, which makes it a very healthy alternative. Since honey is sweeter than brown rice syrup, you can add ¾ cup of honey in your recipe for every 1 cup of brown rice syrup as a replacement.
2. Barley Malt Syrup
You can try using barley malt syrup in your recipe instead of brown rice syrup. It is a maltose-rich syrup made from malted barley. It tastes sweeter than brown rice syrup. So, for 1 cup of brown sugar syrup, substitute ¾ cup of barley malt syrup. You can increase the amount depending on your preference. Take note, though, that it is also thicker and darker in appearance. When cooking or baking with this syrup, consider these factors because they may affect your recipe.
3. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is also a popular natural ingredient that is a healthier alternative to brown rice syrup. It has a distinct taste, as well as antioxidants and minerals. You can use ¾ cup of maple syrup for every 1 cup of brown rice syrup needed for your recipe. However, it is recommended you buy 100% pure maple syrup. Avoid buying products labeled as pancake syrup.
4. Corn Syrup
Another substitute you can select is corn syrup. It has a similar sweet taste to brown rice syrup, though its consistency is thinner. You can use light or dark corn syrup, depending on your recipe requirements. Each has a slightly different flavor. Use the same amount of corn syrup as you would normally use brown rice syrup in the recipe.
5. Fruit Juice or Puree
You may opt for fruits as a brown sugar syrup replacement. Fruits are naturally sweet, so you will not need any additional sweeteners when making homemade juices and purees. If you are going to buy fruit juice or puree at the grocery store, avoid those with added sugars.
6. Date Syrup
Date syrup is made from date palm fruit, which you can use in place of brown rice syrup. In your recipe, you can replace a cup of brown rice syrup with 3 teaspoons of date syrup. Some healthy additions you get with this syrup include vitamin A, calcium, manganese, vitamins B6 and K, and more. However, this syrup may not be available in your nearby supermarkets. But it should be available in any Middle Eastern specialty store.
7. Molasses
Molasses also makes our list of brown rice syrup substitutes. It is the thickest and oldest liquid sweetener available. You can get plenty of calcium, iron, and magnesium in this sweetener. In your recipe, use a half-cup of molasses for every cup of brown rice syrup.
8. Table Sugar
You may have some refined white sugar in your kitchen. If so, you can use it instead of brown sugar syrup. It will fit well in many baking recipes.
What Is Brown Rice Syrup
Cooking brown rice with natural enzymes produces brown rice syrup. It is also known as rice syrup, rice malt syrup, or maltose syrup. It has a moderate sweetness and a bit of a nutty flavor. Usually, brown rice syrup is all-natural and organic. It has a high glycemic index and low glucose content. It is gluten-free and contains no fructose.
The Bottom Line
Several ingredients can serve as effective substitutes for recipes that call for brown rice syrup. From honey to maple syrup, you can use many different healthy and delicious options. Take your pick from the list provided above, and you won’t miss out on that sweet, delectable taste!