Quick Answer: What Are The Best Substitutes For Barley Malt Syrup?
Barley Malt syrup is a thick, syrupy sweetener often used in baked goods, such as cookies, brownies, and cakes. To substitute Barley Malt syrup, you may replace it with Korean rice syrup, brown rice syrup, coconut syrup, maple syrup, agave syrup, golden syrup, etc. Honey, sugar, and molasses will also work great as the substitutes for Barley Malt syrup.
Barley malt syrup is a great ingredient that can be used in many recipes- if you can find it! You can usually pick it up from natural food stores or health food stores, or you can order it online.
Even so, you might not be able to get hold of easily, especially if you are in a rush to get what you need for a particular recipe.
Don’t worry- there are lots of alternatives to barley malt syrup that work well in a variety of recipes. We have listed the top 10 barley malt syrup substitutes for you to try next time you are struggling to get your hands on barley malt syrup.
We have also given some advice on how to use these alternatives.
What Is Barley Malt Syrup?
Barley malt syrup is a natural sweetener that is made from malted barley grain. As cooking trends move away from processed white sugar towards more natural options, it has become more and more popular.
As well as being sweet – though not as sweet as some other syrups – it also has nutty flavour notes. This makes it a great thing to use to flavour beer.
Barley malt syrup has a thick and sticky consistency and is dark in color. However, it can also be bought in a powdered form.
The rich, nutty flavour of barley malt syrup makes it a great ingredient to be used in recipes for spiced cakes and gingerbread. It can also be used as a glaze for meat or roasted vegetables.
Barley malt syrup is made by sprouting the barley and heating the sprouts slowly until they form a syrup. Barley sprouts contain an enzyme called amylase which is what makes barley malt syrup sweet.
Quick Table: Barley Malt Syrup Alternatives
| Substitutes | Calories (Per 100 Grams) |
| Sugar | 387 |
| Molasses | 290 |
| Honey | 304 |
| Korean Rice Syrup | 289 |
| Brown Rice Syrup | 316 |
| Agave Syrup | 310 |
| Maple Syrup | 260 |
| Coconut Syrup | 354 |
| Golden Syrup | 319 |
| Maltose | 386 |
| Corn Syrup | 286 |
| Black Treacle | 290 |
Barley malt syrup is vegan so is suitable for use in vegan recipes. It does not meet all dietary requirements as it contains gluten.
1. Sugar
The most commonly available and perhaps the most obvious alternative to barley malt syrup is sugar. You can get it from almost any convenience store or food shop, and the chances are that you already have some in your cupboard!
You can use white or brown sugar to replace barley malt syrup, but if you want to recreate the nutty flavour then brown sugar would be best.
You will need to use half the amount of sugar as barley malt syrup, and keep in mind that it is not as raw and natural as barley malt syrup or some of the other ingredients on this list.
Too much sugar can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, inflammation in the body, diabetes and liver disease. Sugar is also very addictive.
How To Substitute
Brown sugar is the best alternative to Barley Malt. Using about ⅓ cup of sugar instead of malt syrup gives the same texture and flavor to the recipe. You can add some amount of water.
2. Molasses
A lot of people get molasses and barley malt syrup mixed up because they are very similar, but they are not the same thing. However, they have enough in common that you can use them in place of each other in many recipes.
It works especially well in recipes for breads and baked goods.
Molasses, also called black treacle, is a product of the process of refining sugar cane or sugar beets into sugar. As a general rule, molasses is twice as sweet as barley malt syrup so you need to use half as much.
However, there are three different types of molasses which vary in sweetness. Blackstrap molasses is the most similar to barley malt syrup as it is thicker, darker and less sweet than the others. You can also get light molasses and dark molasses.
How To Substitute
Molasses is an excellent substitute for various dishes and comes good for barley malt syrup. It is the most common thing that people often confuse and compare for two similar equivalents to use in bagels and baked goods.
3. Honey
As you probably know, honey is collected from bee colonies. It gets its sweetness from fructose and glucose. Honey has been used to sweeten recipes for centuries and it is an ideal alternative to barley malt syrup.
Honey is also cheaper than barley malt syrup, so you can switch it out by choice if you want your recipe to be more budget friendly. It is widely available so you shouldn’t have any issues getting hold of it to use in your cooking or baking.
Barley malt syrup contains gluten, so if you need to make your recipe gluten-free then you can use honey instead. In any baked desserts and sweet treat recipes that use barley malt syrup, you can use honey instead.
Just remember that honey is twice as sweet as barley malt syrup so you will need to use half as much or your food will be too sweet.
Honey has a similar consistency to barley malt syrup but is lighter in color with a warm orange or yellow hue depending on the variety.
How To Substitute
It is a great cost effective solution to barley malt syrup. With honey syrup, the consistency and flavor of light honey is adjusted without any other ingredients to be added.
4. Korean Rice Syrup
Korean syrup is closely related to barley malt syrup because it is made from barley malt powder and rice.
It has the same level of sweetness as barley malt syrup, as it also gets its sweetness from amylase, so if you use Korean rice syrup as a substitute then you won’t need to make any adjustments to the recipe.
Korean rice syrup is used in Korean cuisine to glaze and sweeten food. It has a thick, sticky consistency and a sweet yet earthy flavour. You can taste the grain more in this syrup than in barley malt syrup.
How To Substitute
To finish glaze, the indispensable part of any sweet dish in Korean recipe, the korean rice syrup is an excellent substitute for barley malt syrup. It gives a flavorful taste and great texture to the recipe.
5. Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup is a gluten free and vegan alternative to barley malt syrup. It is also quite low in calories, so is a fairly healthy substitute. It is less sweet than barley malt syrup, so you will need to use more of it to achieve the same results.
Because it is less sweet, you can also use it in savoury dishes. It is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, and is used in some households as a table sweetener.
Brown rice syrup is made by cooking rice then exposing it to enzymes that break down the starches into smaller sugars, resulting in a thick syrup. It is quite high in calories with very little nutrients, so you won’t want to eat too much of it in one go.
How To Substitute
With a slight less taste, the brown rice syrup can be a great substitute for barley rice. It helps make the dough sticky and it is easier to work with its consistency level.
6. Agave Syrup
Agave syrup, also known as agave nectar, is a popular ingredient in vegan cooking. Due to its growing popularity, it is becoming more readily available in supermarkets, grocery stores and even some smaller stores.
It works really well in baked desserts and can be used in the same quantities as barley malt syrup. Agave is a type of plant, and the syrup is made from it’s nectar. It is fairly new to the United states, but has been used in Mexican cooking for centuries.
The sugars in agave plants are also used to make tequila. Whilst the agave plant has some health benefits, these are usually lost in the process of refining the sugar.
How To Substitute
The agave syrup is a better substitute for barley malt syrup. It gives a sweet flavor to the recipe making it perfect for spreading on the bagels. The very sweet taste is best suited for people who love sweet flavoring.
7. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that is made from the sap from maple trees. The sap contains starch that the trees save up during the colder months when there is less sunlight available to convert into energy.
Holes are drilled into the tree trucks and the sap is tapped out. The sap is then heated to evaporate the water, leaving behind a thick syrup.
Some cheaper maple syrup products are diluted and sweetened with processed sugar, so it is better to pay a bit more for a good quality maple syrup. Maple syrup has a rich, nutty flavour and a similar level of sweetness to barley malt syrup.
It is runnier than barley malt syrup, but you should still be able to substitute it for the same amount in most recipes without facing any issues. It has a warm, brown color and has a very distinctive smell
How To Substitute
Because of its flavorful and deep nutty flavor, maple syrup is similar to malted barley syrup in sweetness. There is a slight difference in consistency between maple syrup and barley malt syrup.If you want to use maple syrup instead of barley malt syrup, you can substitute the quantity provided.
8. Coconut Syrup
Coconut syrup is a natural sweetener made from the nectar of coconut palm flowers. The nectar is processed in a similar way to the sap from maple trees in the production of maple syrup.
The nectar is collected in containers, usually made from bamboo, and evaporated in a controlled environment until it reaches the consistency of syrup.
This is a popular choice in vegan recipes as well as with people who like to use all organic ingredients. It is not particularly easy to get hold of, but if you can find it then you will love the sweet and nutty flavour it gives to your recipes like cakes, biscuits.
It can also be used as a topping for pancakes or ice cream, or to flavour and sweeten coffee. Coconut syrup is also used in some cocktails and alcoholic beverages.
How To Substitute
Substitute barley malt syrup for coconut syrup, to make a traditional-style honey sweetened tea. Substitute barley malt syrup for coconut syrup in the recipe for a dark, satisfying coffee-flavored latte.
9. Golden Syrup
Golden syrup is a very sweet alternative to barley malt syrup that has a buttery, caramel taste that will add a lovely flavour to your recipes. It is known for its amber color and is made by refining sugar cane or sugar beet juice into sugar.
It is possible to make your own golden syrup by treating a sugar solution with acid- you can do this using sugar, lemon juice and water. However, it is difficult to get the consistency just right so it is easier to use store bought golden syrup.
Golden syrup is used in many recipes for pies, tarts, and cookies, and is a key ingredient in flapjacks. Remember that golden syrup is much sweeter than barley malt syrup, so you won’t need to use as much.
How To Substitute
Barley malt syrup is a form of barley malt that has been fermented and then distilled. It is used as a sweetener, thickener, and as a flavoring agent in baked goods, and can also be used to enhance the flavor of a dish.
10. Maltose
Maltose is found in wheat, barley, cornmeal and some other grains. It is sweeter than barley malt syrup but not as sweet as sugar, and it can be used as a replacement for barley malt syrup in many recipes.
It is considered healthier than sugar because it doesn’t contain fructose. It works well in sweet recipes, as well as in bread and beers.
How To Substitute
With sweet and neutral flavor, Maltose is a great substitute option with barley malt syrup. It adds a beautiful color to the dish so you have to use it in less quantity as required.
11. Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is a type of syrup made from the starch of corn, and has a relatively high level of glucose. It is used as a sweetener in processed foods, and is also an important ingredient in many recipes.
Corn syrup is often used in food as a thickener, especially for sauces and gravies.
Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. Corn syrup is commonly used as a food additive and a humectant.
It is often used as a substitute for sugar, in some types of jam, jelly, syrup, and other recipes. Corn syrup is also used as an artificial sweetener in the form of high-fructose corn syrup.
How To Substitute
Corn syrup is more similar to maltose than malt syrup, and is therefore more similar to what barley malt syrup would taste like. To make the substitution, mix equal parts corn syrup and water and use this mixture in place of the malt syrup.
12. Black Treacle
Black Treacle is a dark and delicious, earthy syrup. The darker and richer the treacle, the more the sweet, viscous flavor will linger.
Black Treacle is the perfect accompaniment to tea and will transform any morning brew into something magical.
A deliciously thick and sticky glaze that makes the perfect addition to your sugar cookies, buns, and cinnamon buns.
The ingredients are heated and then thickened with a little cornflour, water, and sometimes butter. The sauce can be eaten as is or can be used as a glaze or a condiment.
How To Substitute
Black treacle has a darker colour and more pronounced flavour than barley malt syrup. It is also a little more expensive than barley malt syrup. Substituting barley malt syrup with black treacle is a good way to make brownies and other desserts healthier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barley Malt Syrup The Same As Malt Syrup?
Barley malt syrup is a sweetener made from barley malt, made from malted barley. Malt syrup is a common sweetener that is made from malted barley. Malt syrup has a sweeter flavor than barley malt syrup.
Is Barley Malt Suitable For People With Diabetes?
Barley malt is a byproduct of the brewing process, which adds sweetness and foam to beer. It is also a good source of fiber and protein. People with diabetes are encouraged to eat barley malt because it has a low glycemic index.
What Does Barley Syrup Taste Like?
Barley syrup is an essential ingredient in many different types of desserts. It is also a sweetener in many foods, including pastries, pieces of bread, jams, syrups, and some alcoholic beverages.
The taste of barley syrup can be described as having a rich, full, slightly sweet flavor similar to honey.
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