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Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

Sweeten Recipes: 5 BEST Golden Syrup Substitutes

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Swap BEST Golden Syrup with Brown Rice Syrup, Light Corn Syrup, Agave Nectar, Honey, and Maple Syrup.

Brown Rice Syrup

Brown Rice Syrup is a sweetener made from brown rice.

For cooking, Light Corn Syrup also works well - adjust the amount to taste.

Got a craving for something sweet but golden syrup's run out?

No sweat, we've got the scoop on the top five swaps you can try. Cooking and baking are all about improvising, right?

Sometimes, you find yourself staring at that recipe, the golden syrup bottle mockingly empty. We've been there too.

That's where these lifesavers step in. From the trusty honey to the surprising corn syrup, we're here to guide you through swapping with ease.

what is golden syrup Save for Later!

Table of Contents

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  • The 5 Best Substitutes for Golden Syrup
    • 1 - Brown Rice Syrup
    • 2 - Light Corn Syrup
    • 3 - Agave Nectar
    • 4 - Honey
    • 5 - Maple Syrup
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The 5 Best Substitutes for Golden Syrup

You have several options if you're looking for a golden syrup substitute.

Here are the five best substitutes for golden syrup:

1 - Brown Rice Syrup

brown rice syrup Save for Later!

Brown Rice Syrup is a sweetener made from brown rice.

It is gluten-free and has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, making it a popular choice for people with celiac disease or diabetes.

Brown rice syrup is made by cooking brown rice in water and then straining it to remove the hulls and germ.

The resulting liquid is then boiled down until it thickens into a syrup.

Brown rice syrup has a mild, nutty flavor and can be used in baking or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.

It is also a common ingredient in granola bars and energy bars.

2 - Light Corn Syrup

light corn syrup Save for Later!

Light corn syrup is a clear, odorless, and sweet liquid made from corn starch that has been processed to convert some of its glucose into fructose.

It is used in food production as a sweetener, thickener, and moisture retention agent.

Because light corn syrup does not crystallize like sugar, it is often used in candies and frostings that need to retain their smooth texture.

It can also be used to prevent fruit from sinking in cakes and to add Shine to fruits and vegetables.

Although light corn syrup is not as sweet as sugar, it is less expensive and has a longer shelf life.

As a result, it is commonly used in various foods, including cereals, desserts, condiments, and even some savory dishes.

3 - Agave Nectar

agave nectar Save for Later!

Agave Nectar is a natural sweetener made from the juice of the agave plant.

It has a similar sweetness to honey, with a slightly floral flavor.

Because it is low on the glycemic index, it is often used as a sugar replacement for diabetics and people watching their weight.

Agave nectar is also a popular vegan substitute for honey.

It can be used in baking or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, and more.

You can even add it to cocktails and other drinks for a touch of sweetness.

Agave nectar is a versatile sweetener that can be used in all sorts of recipes.

Give it a try in your next baking project or breakfast dish.

4 - Honey

honey Save for Later!

Honey is a sweet, sticky substance produced by bees from the nectar of flowers.

It has been used as food and medicine for centuries, and it is now enjoyed all over the world.

Honey is made up of sugars, including fructose and glucose, which are broken down by enzymes in the bee's stomach.

This process makes honey more digestible than other sugars and gives it antibacterial properties.

Honey is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it also contains antioxidants that can help to protect against cell damage.

There are many different types of honey, depending on the flowers that the bees have visited.

Manuka honey, for example, is prized for its healing properties, while blossom honey has a delicate floral flavor.

5 - Maple Syrup

maple syrup Save for Later!

Pure maple syrup is often thought of as a pancake topping or an ice cream flavoring.

However, this flexible sweetener can be used in a variety of ways.

Maple syrup is made from the sap of sugar maple, red maple, or black maple trees.

The sap is collected and then boiled down to concentrate the sugar.

The result is a dark, amber-colored syrup with a distinctively sweet flavor.

Maple syrup can be used in place of sugar in coffee or tea or added to yogurt or oatmeal to boost sweetness.

It can also be used in baking or to make glazes for meat and vegetables. And, of course, it's delicious on pancakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for BEST Golden Syrup?

Brown Rice Syrup, Light Corn Syrup, Agave Nectar, Honey, and Maple Syrup. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for BEST Golden Syrup.

Is there a good swap for this ingredient?

You have several options. Brown Rice Syrup matches the original closely, while Light Corn Syrup brings a slightly different character.

Either works at a 1:1 ratio.

Are there any substitutes that are easier to find?

Yes. Check your grocery store's international or health food aisle for widely available options.

Many substitutes are pantry staples that are easier to source than the original.

What dishes work best with a substitute?

Forgiving dishes - soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces - are the best starting point. They mask small texture or flavor differences better than dishes where the ingredient is the star.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

Hi, I'm Andrew

Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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