Are you a fan of golden syrup but find yourself running out or unable to find it at your local supermarket?
Fear not, as there are plenty of alternatives out there to satisfy your sweet tooth.
One such option is rice malt syrup, a fructose-free sweetener made from organic brown rice.
Not only does it offer a similar taste to golden syrup with a subtle sweetness and caramel flavor, but it also has other health benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore whether rice malt syrup can truly replace golden syrup in your favorite recipes.
So, let’s dive in and discover the world of sweet substitutes!
Can Rice Malt Syrup Replace Golden Syrup?
When it comes to replacing golden syrup, rice malt syrup is a great option. It has a similar taste to butterscotch and a caramel flavor, making it a suitable replacement for golden syrup in baking goods, cakes, desserts, and even drinks.
Rice malt syrup is made from organic brown rice and is fructose-free, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. It’s also suitable for vegans, making it an inclusive choice for all dietary needs.
While rice malt syrup may not be as thick as golden syrup, it still has a similar consistency that won’t overpower the other ingredients in your recipe. It’s also easy to use as a replacement, with a 1:1 ratio being suitable in most cases.
What Is Rice Malt Syrup?
Rice malt syrup, also known as rice syrup or maltose syrup, is a natural sweetener derived from brown rice. It is made by cooking brown rice and exposing it to natural enzymes, which break down the rice’s starches into sugars such as maltose, maltotriose, and glucose. The resulting liquid is then boiled and reduced down into a light brown syrup.
The chemical composition of rice malt syrup varies depending on the manufacturer, but it typically contains 65-85% maltose, 10-15% maltotriose, 5-20% dextrose, and only 2-3% glucose. It is protein, fiber, and lipid-free, and contains no fructose or gluten.
In commercial manufacturing of rice malt syrup, bacterial or fungal-based enzyme isolates are used to break down the starch into sugars. Once the enzymes have broken down all the starch, the liquid is drained and an evaporative heating method is used to boil off excess moisture until the desired consistency is obtained.
Rice malt syrup has a high glycemic index (GI) of 98 due to its high maltose content. It has a similar number of kilojoules per 100gms of product when compared to other types of sweeteners such as agave syrup or coconut syrup.
While it may not be as sweet as other types of sweeteners, rice malt syrup has a unique flavor that can be used as a replacement for golden syrup in baking goods and other recipes. It is also a healthier option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake and is suitable for vegans.
Health Benefits Of Rice Malt Syrup
Rice malt syrup has several health benefits that make it a better alternative to golden syrup. For starters, it is made from brown rice, which is highly nutritious and contains essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, and calcium. This makes rice malt syrup a healthier option compared to golden syrup, which has no nutritional value.
Moreover, rice malt syrup has a low glycemic index, which means that it doesn’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This is because it contains complex carbohydrates that are slowly digested and released into the bloodstream over time. This makes it an ideal sweetener for people with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
Additionally, rice malt syrup is suitable for those following a low FODMAP diet, making it an excellent choice for people with fructose intolerance. It is also gluten-free and doesn’t contain any artificial colors or flavors, making it perfect for people who prefer natural nutrition.
Golden Syrup Vs. Rice Malt Syrup: Taste Test
In terms of taste, there are some noticeable differences between golden syrup and rice malt syrup. Golden syrup has a rich, buttery flavor with a strong molasses undertone. It’s also quite sweet, with a thick and sticky consistency. On the other hand, rice malt syrup has a more subtle taste, with a mild sweetness and a slightly nutty flavor. It’s also thinner in consistency compared to golden syrup.
When used in baking, rice malt syrup produces a lighter color and a more delicate flavor profile compared to golden syrup. However, it still adds the necessary sweetness and moisture to the baked goods.
In terms of nutritional value, rice malt syrup is a healthier option compared to golden syrup. It has a lower glycemic index and is fructose-free, making it suitable for people who need to manage their blood glucose levels. Golden syrup, on the other hand, is high in fructose and has a high glycemic index.
Baking With Rice Malt Syrup: Tips And Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for baking with rice malt syrup:
1. Adjust the sweetness: Rice malt syrup is not as sweet as golden syrup, so you may need to adjust the sweetness level of your recipe. You can do this by adding more rice malt syrup or by using another sweetener in combination with it.
2. Use it in place of honey: If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to honey, rice malt syrup is a great option. It has a similar consistency and can be used in place of honey in most recipes.
3. Combine with other sweeteners: Rice malt syrup can be combined with other sweeteners like maple syrup or molasses to create a unique flavor profile. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
4. Be mindful of the glycemic index: While rice malt syrup is fructose-free, it still has a high glycemic index which means it can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Be mindful of this when using it in your recipes.
5. Substitute for other liquid sweeteners: Rice malt syrup can be used as a substitute for other liquid sweeteners like corn syrup or agave nectar. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may need to be adjusted.
Recipes To Try With Rice Malt Syrup Instead Of Golden Syrup
If you’re looking to try out rice malt syrup as a replacement for golden syrup, here are a few recipes to get you started:
1. Rice Malt Syrup Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup rice malt syrup
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and rice malt syrup until light and fluffy.
4. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop the dough by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Rice Malt Syrup Granola
Ingredients:
– 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup rice malt syrup
– 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, and coconut.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice malt syrup, oil, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Spread the mixture out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
7. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
3. Rice Malt Syrup Caramel Sauce
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup rice malt syrup
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat.
2. Cook without stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture turns an amber color.
3. Remove from heat and carefully pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly (the mixture will bubble up).
4. Whisk in the rice malt syrup and salt until well combined.
5. Return to heat and cook for another minute or two until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving over ice cream or other desserts.
These recipes are just a few examples of how rice malt syrup can be used as a replacement for golden syrup in various dishes. Give them a try and see how they turn out!
