• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About

Gusto Meadow

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
×
Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

Sweeten Recipes: 5 BEST Rice Syrup Substitutes

The closest alternatives to BEST Rice Syrup are Corn Syrup, Maple Syrup, Honey, Simple Syrup, and Barley Malt Syrup.

Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is a type of liquid sugar made from corn starch.

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

Rice syrup has snagged its spot in our kitchens, right?

It's that sweet hug in a jar we reach for when we're jazzing up our morning pancakes or giving a batch of cookies that golden touch.

But, hold up, what if you swing open the cabinet and - gasp - you're out?

Sweeten Recipes: 5 BEST Rice Syrup Substitutes Save for Later!

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • The 5 Best Substitutes for Rice Syrup
    • 1 - Corn Syrup
    • 2 - Maple Syrup
    • 3 - Honey
    • 4 - Simple Syrup
    • 5 - Barley Malt Syrup
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The 5 Best Substitutes for Rice Syrup

If you're looking for a rice syrup substitute, you have a few options - and for protein swaps in recipes, see eggs substitutes in meatballs guide.

Here are the five best substitutes for rice syrup.

1 - Corn Syrup

Sweeten Recipes: 5 BEST Rice Syrup Substitutes Save for Later!

Corn syrup is a type of liquid sugar made from corn starch.

It shares many properties with other types of liquid sugar, such as honey and molasses.

Corn syrup is used in a variety of food products, including candy, baked goods, and soft drinks.

It has a mild sweetness and a thick, sticky consistency.

Corn syrup can be used as a substitute for rice syrup in recipes - see creamed corn substitutes list for similar swaps.

When substituting corn syrup for rice syrup, use the same amount of corn syrup as you would rice syrup.

However, keep in mind that corn syrup is less sweet than rice syrup, so you may need to add extra sweetness to your recipe.

Also, corn syrup has a higher viscosity than rice syrup, so it will make your recipe thicker.

2 - Maple Syrup

Sweeten Recipes: 5 BEST Rice Syrup Substitutes Save for Later!

Maple syrup is a delicious, all-natural sweetener that can be used in a variety of ways.

It has a unique taste and texture that sets it apart from other sweeteners, making it a great choice for those who are looking for something special.

Maple syrup is also very versatile and can be used as a substitute for rice syrup in many recipes - check maple syrup substitutes list for alternatives.

When substituting maple syrup for rice syrup, it is important to keep the following things in mind:

  • The flavor of maple syrup is much stronger than that of rice syrup, so you will need to use less of it.
  • Maple syrup is thicker than rice syrup, so it may not work as well in thin or runny recipes.
  • Maple syrup is sweeter than rice syrup, so you may need to adjust the number of other sweeteners used in the recipe.

With these tips in mind, you can experiment with using maple syrup in place of rice syrup in your favorite recipes.

You may be surprised at how well it works.

3 - Honey

Sweeten Recipes: 5 BEST Rice Syrup Substitutes Save for Later!

Honey has been used as a sweetener for thousands of years, and it is still one of the most popular sweeteners today.

Honey is made by bees from the nectar of flowers, and it has a unique taste and texture that sets it apart from other sweeteners.

Honey is also a healthy alternative to sugar, and it has many benefits.

For example, honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and it can also help to boost your immune system.

Honey is also a good substitute for rice syrup - and it pairs nicely with savory dishes like honey sriracha chicken side dishes.

Rice syrup is made from rice starch, and it is often used as a sweetener in baking recipes.

However, rice syrup can be difficult to find, and it can be expensive.

Honey is a good alternative to rice syrup because it has a similar sweetness and it is easier to find.

Honey can be found in most grocery stores, and it is usually less expensive than rice syrup.

4 - Simple Syrup

Sweeten Recipes: 5 BEST Rice Syrup Substitutes Save for Later!

Simple syrup is a sweetener that is made by dissolving sugar in water.

It is often used in cocktails and desserts, and it can also be used to sweeten tea or coffee.

The simple syrup has a milder flavor than sugar, and it also has a smoother texture.

You can substitute simple syrup for rice syrup in a recipe, but you may need to use less simple syrup since it is sweeter than rice syrup - or compare cane syrup substitutes for sweeteners when adjusting sweetness.

To use the simple syrup as a substitute for rice syrup, simply add the same amount of simple syrup as you would rice syrup to the recipe.

You may need to experiment with the amount of simple syrup to get the desired sweetness.

5 - Barley Malt Syrup

Sweeten Recipes: 5 BEST Rice Syrup Substitutes Save for Later!

Barley malt syrup is a thick, dark brown liquid made from sprouted barley.

It has a strong, malty flavor and is often used in baking or as a sweetener for coffee and tea.

Although it is not as sweet as cane sugar, it can be used in equal amounts as a substitute for rice syrup in recipes.

When substituting barley malt syrup for rice syrup, you may need to adjust the amount of other liquid ingredients in the recipe to account for its thickness.

However, its rich flavor and unique sweetness make it a delicious addition to any baked goods recipe.

Culinary substitutions often overlap across starches and syrups. Culinary Enhance: 5 BEST Substitutes for Glutinous Rice highlights close swaps. 5 BEST Substitutes for Sweet Rice Flour lists alternatives useful when recipes call for similar textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for BEST Rice Syrup?

Corn Syrup, Maple Syrup, Honey, Simple Syrup, and Barley Malt Syrup. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for BEST Rice Syrup.

What can I use if I run out?

Yes, and the results are often hard to tell apart. Corn Syrup is the go-to replacement.

For variety, Maple Syrup adds its own twist to the dish.

Can you combine two substitutes for a closer match?

Sometimes. Blending two partial substitutes - one for flavor and one for texture - gets closer to the original.

This works best when neither alone fully replicates what you need.

Can the substitute be used raw as well as cooked?

Not always. Some substitutes are processed or have a strong raw flavor that disappears with heat.

Check whether the original is typically used raw before assuming the substitute will work the same way.

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

More Substitutes

  • The 5 Best Substitutes for Ramps: Enhance the Recipes
  • The 5 Best Substitutes for Oil in Pancakes & Waffles
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Flax Seeds
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Aluminium Foil

Primary Sidebar

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.

Our Story →

Related Posts

  • A photograph of a meticulously styled collage showcasing six vibrant pesto pasta dishes arranged on neutral ceramic plates and rustic white wood. Each plate features a distinct recipe including classic basil pesto pasta, roasted veggie pesto penne, sun-dried tomato pesto twists, and creamy avocado pesto spaghetti; each adorned with fresh pine nuts, basil leaves, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A semi-transparent forest green banner at the center displays bold white text that reads “21”, followed by emerald green text with a white outline that says “PESTO PASTA RECIPES”, and smaller pale yellow subtext that reads “FRESH & FLAVORFUL”. Soft, diffused natural light illuminates the scene, creating inviting shadows and highlighting the rich textures and vibrant colors of the pasta and toppings.
    21 Fresh and Flavorful Pesto Pasta Recipes
  • Sheet pan vegetable fajitas a bright t qigzx
    21 Delicious Sides Built Entirely from Frozen Vegetables
  • A photograph of a meticulously arranged collage featuring six vibrant low-carb pasta dishes, each showcasing unique vegetable-based alternatives like zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, and hearts of palm. The dishes are elegantly presented on a variety of surfaces including cool marble, warm light wood, and textured slate, adorned with fresh herbs, grated parmesan, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to enhance their visual appeal. Centrally placed on the collage is a semi-transparent dark green banner displaying the text “19” in bold white, followed by “LOW-CARB PASTA ALTERNATIVES” in leafy green with a soft outline, and the subtle subtext “TASTES GREAT” in pale gray. Soft, natural lighting highlights the textures and colors of the dishes, creating an inviting and appetizing composition.
    19 Low-Carb Pasta Alternatives That Actually Taste Great
  • Quinoa salad with lemon dressing a bri g
    21 Grain and Seed Sides with Simple Dressing
  • A photograph of a vibrant collage showcasing six decadent mac and cheese dishes, each with distinct and enticing features. The dishes range from skillet bakes with crispy bacon to elegant ramekin portions drizzled with truffle oil, all boasting creamy centers and golden breadcrumb toppings with impressive cheese pulls. Centered within the collage is a rectangular banner with bold white text reading “20” followed by “MAC & CHEESE RECIPES” in golden-orange outlined text and smaller off-white text “NEXT LEVEL”, all displayed on a semi-transparent smoky gray strip. The background features a mix of dark slate, checkered linens, and rustic wood textures, bathed in warm, inviting studio lighting.
    20 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Take It to the Next Level
  • A photograph of a vibrant collage showcasing six hearty, cheesy stuffed shell casseroles arranged on a rustic wooden table. Each casserole is baked to a golden perfection, generously overflowing with ricotta, spinach, marinara, or savory meat sauces, highlighting visible bubbling cheese and fresh herbs. A central banner displays the text "17" in bold white, followed by "STUFFED SHELL PASTAS" in deep red with a cream outline, and "FEED A CROWD" in smaller golden beige lettering, all presented on a semi-transparent warm charcoal strip. Soft, diffused lighting illuminates the scene, emphasizing the rich textures and inviting aromas of the delicious pasta dishes.
    17 Stuffed Shell Pasta Bakes That Feed a Crowd

Join 5,000+ Home Cooks

Fresh Recipes Weekly

Easy dinner ideas, smart substitutes, and kitchen tips — every Thursday morning.

Subscribe Free →

Dinner Picks

  • A photograph of a vibrant collage featuring six bubbling baked pasta dishes arranged artfully on a rustic wooden table. Each dish—baked ziti, spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, buffalo chicken pasta bake, baked Alfredo penne, veggie lasagna, and cheesy taco pasta—is showcased in varying states of baking, revealing golden-brown cheese, crispy edges, and saucy layers, accented by scattered fresh herbs. Centered across the collage is a semi-transparent charcoal banner displaying the text “30” in bold white font, followed by “BAKED PASTA RECIPES” in deep red with a light cream outline, and “CROWD-PLEASERS” in smaller gold-toned text below. Warm, ambient lighting highlights the comfort and indulgence of each dish, with soft shadows emphasizing the textures and creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
    30 Baked Pasta Recipes That Are Pure Crowd-Pleasers
  • A photograph of a vibrant collage featuring six distinct vegetarian pasta dishes, each presented on different textured surfaces like rustic wood, aged stone, and crisp white tile. In the center, a semi-transparent charcoal strip displays the text "15" in bold white followed by "VEGETARIAN PASTA RECIPES" in deep olive green with a dark outline, and below that, “EVEN MEAT EATERS WILL DEVOUR” in smaller golden beige subtext. The dishes themselves range from creamy mushroom stroganoff to spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, accented with fresh herbs, melted cheese, golden breadcrumbs, and antique silverware; diffused, warm-toned lighting enhances the indulgent, family-friendly feel of the scene. Soft shadows and subtle highlights accentuate the textures and colors, making the dishes appear both comforting and visually appealing.
    15 Vegetarian Pasta Recipes Even Meat Eaters Will Devour
  • A photograph of a vibrant collage showcasing six distinct shrimp pasta dishes, each presented on unique surfaces like deep slate, weathered wood, and textured blue ceramic. Each plate features a different pasta style – creamy Cajun, lemon garlic orzo, shrimp Alfredo, tomato basil linguine, and Thai-inspired peanut noodles – all artfully garnished with fresh parsley, chili flakes, and lemon slices, emphasizing the bold flavors. A semi-transparent dark navy strip sits at the center, displaying the text “18” in bold white, followed by “SHRIMP PASTA RECIPES” in coral-red with a charcoal outline, and concluding with “TO TRY TONIGHT” in pale aqua subtext. Soft, diffused natural light highlights the bright colors and varied textures of the dishes, creating an appealing, mouthwatering aesthetic.
    18 Flavor-Packed Shrimp Pasta Recipes to Try Tonight
  • A photograph of a vibrant, overhead collage showcasing six distinct Instant Pot chicken dishes, meticulously styled for a warm and inviting aesthetic. Each dish is presented on a unique surface – rustic wood, pastel tiles, and slate – with complementary linen napkins, fresh herbs, and wooden utensils enhancing their appeal; recipes include creamy Alfredo chicken pasta, sticky honey garlic thighs, shredded buffalo chicken, lemon herb chicken, tortilla soup, and classic chicken and rice. A semi-transparent dark gray banner at the center prominently displays "20" in bold white bubble-style font, followed by "INSTANT POT CHICKEN RECIPES" in teal-blue with a charcoal outline and smaller lemon yellow subtext that reads “FOR BUSY NIGHTS”. Soft, warm lighting highlights the textures and colors of each dish, creating a cohesive and appetizing presentation.
    27 Easy Pasta Dishes You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

Browse by Topic

  • Ingredient Substitutes340
  • Side Dishes186
  • Comparisons124
  • Taste Guides89
  • Shelf Life72

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Services
  • Disclosure

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2026 GustoMeadow