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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

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

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