Corn Syrup Substitutes

For baking, you may use an equal amount of brown rice syrup in place of corn syrup. It has a sweet, nutty flavor, and is healthier than corn syrup.

Corn syrup is a popular sweetener that is made from cornstarch. Commonly used in the United States, corn syrup is available in different types. They include light and dark versions, and high fructose corn syrup. Even dehydrated form of this sweetener is available in the market.

Dark corn syrup is dark brown, whereas light corn syrup is almost clear. The flavor of light corn syrup is milder than the dark variety.

The main advantage of corn syrup is that it does not crystallize, as it contains invert sugars. Apart from imparting sweetness, corn syrup helps to retain moisture in food items.

It is the most preferred sweetener for sauces, candies, fudge, frosting, pecan pie, and a host of other food items. You can use its substitutes, if corn syrup is not easily available in your region. Such alternatives may also prove handy for those, who are averse to this sweetener. Given below are some of the common alternatives to corn syrup.

If you are looking for an alternative for light corn syrup, you may use granulated white sugar dissolved in some hot water. For a cup of light corn syrup, use 1¼ cups of sugar dissolved in ¼ cup of hot water. You may also boil the sugar solution for a few minutes, and add three to four drops of lemon juice before use.

If your recipe calls for liquids other than water, use any of them instead. In order to replace dark corn syrup, use granulated brown sugar and water. Sugar solution is an ideal corn syrup replacement, as both are mild in flavor.

When compared to light corn syrup, golden syrup is slightly thicker, and has a golden color. You can substitute corn syrup with an equal amount of golden syrup, which is ideal for baked goods and desserts. Golden syrup is also perfect for replacing corn syrup in frosting. While corn syrup has a very mild flavor, golden syrup is slightly stronger.

It is slightly sweeter than corn syrup, and has a distinct flavor. Honey can be used as a replacement for light corn syrup in some beverages. It can also be used for baking cookies and bread. If you use honey for preparing caramel, the end product may become softer, and it may not set properly. Like corn syrup, honey too retains moisture in the food item.

Unlike corn syrup, molasses has a characteristic flavor. You can prepare a substitute for dark corn syrup by mixing three parts of light corn syrup with one part of dark molasses.

However, avoid using equal amount of molasses, as a replacement for dark corn syrup; because dark molasses has a very strong flavor. You may replace light corn syrup with an equal amount of light molasses.

If you want a cup of corn syrup, use half a cup of agave nectar instead. Make sure to increase the amount of liquids (not more than ⅓ cup) in the recipe. Otherwise, add ⅓ cup of water or any other liquid, according to the recipe. You may use light agave syrup for replacing light corn syrup.

These are some of the sweeteners that can be used as substitutes for corn syrup. Among them, granulated sugar is highly preferred, as it has a mild flavor that goes well with almost all dishes. Even golden syrup is ideal, as it has a milder flavor, when compared to molasses and honey. However, keep in mind that substitutes may alter the flavor and texture of the end product. So use them wisely.