Corn Syrup substitute

Best substitute

Honey

Use the same amount as the corn syrup you are replacing

Best for baking

The best substitutes for corn syrup are honey, maple syrup, or golden syrup, depending on the use.

Other corn syrup substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Maple Syrup
Use the same amount
Natural sweetener with distinctive flavor.
What changes
Similar consistency to corn syrup.
Best for
baking, candy making, glazes, desserts, pecan pie
Taste
maple, slightly different
Texture
similar
Covers
Moisture & hydration
Sweetness
Misses
Thickening — not covered
Prep. Use directly as 1:1 replacement. No other adjustments needed.
Adds maple flavor instead of neutral sweetness. Works well in most recipes.
3Golden Syrup
Use the same amount
British sweetener with caramel-like flavor.
What changes
Similar consistency to corn syrup.
Best for
baking, candy making, glazes, desserts, British recipes
Taste
caramel, slightly different
Texture
similar
Covers
Moisture & hydration
Sweetness
Thickening
Prep. Use directly as 1:1 replacement. No other adjustments needed.
Caramel-like flavor, similar consistency. Popular in British baking.
4Brown Rice Syrup
Use the same amount
Natural sweetener made from brown rice.
What changes
Similar consistency to corn syrup.
Best for
baking, candy making, glazes, desserts, natural recipes
Taste
mild, slightly different
Texture
similar
Covers
Moisture & hydration
Sweetness
Thickening
Prep. Use directly as 1:1 replacement. No other adjustments needed.
Natural alternative with mild flavor. Similar consistency to corn syrup.
5Agave Nectar
Use the same amount
Natural sweetener with neutral flavor.
What changes
Sweeter than corn syrup but similar consistency.
Best for
baking, candy making, glazes, desserts, vegan recipes
Taste
neutral, sweeter
Texture
similar
Covers
Moisture & hydration
Sweetness
Misses
Thickening — not covered
Prep. Use directly as 1:1 replacement. May need to reduce slightly due to sweetness.
Neutral flavor, sweeter than corn syrup. Lower glycemic index than corn syrup.
6Sugar + Water
Use 1 cup sugar + ¼ cup water for every 1 cup corn syrup
Simple substitute that mimics corn syrup's sweetness and moisture.
What changes
Best for
baking, candy making, glazes, desserts, emergency situations
Taste
sweet, neutral
Texture
similar
Covers
Moisture & hydration
Sweetness
Misses
Thickening — not covered
Prep. Mix 1 cup sugar with 1/4 cup water. Heat gently to dissolve if needed.
Basic substitute when corn syrup isn't available. Lacks corn syrup's distinctive properties.

What is Corn Syrup?

Corn Syrup is Sweet, viscous liquid made from corn starch, commonly used in baking, candy making, and as a sweetener.

Cooking tips

Choose your corn syrup substitute based on the recipe's needs
For similar flavor: golden syrup or brown rice syrup work best
For natural alternatives: honey or maple syrup are good options
For emergency situations: sugar + water creates a basic substitute
Corn syrup prevents crystallization in candy making
Corn syrup adds moisture and sweetness to baked goods
Corn syrup can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
Corn syrup works well in pecan pie, caramel, and fudge
Corn syrup can be used to make glazes and frostings
Store corn syrup in a cool, dry place

Frequently asked questions

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?

Yes, honey is a good substitute for corn syrup. It has a different flavor but similar sweetness and can be used in most recipes.

What's the difference between corn syrup and honey?

Corn syrup is made from corn starch and is neutral in flavor, while honey is made by bees and has a floral flavor.

Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup?

Yes, maple syrup can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar sweetness and can be used in most recipes.

Why is corn syrup so popular in cooking?

Corn syrup is popular because it prevents crystallization in candy making and adds moisture and sweetness to baked goods.

Related substitutes

More sweeteners substitutes

Corn Syrup substitute

Other corn syrup substitutes

2Maple Syrup

3Golden Syrup

4Brown Rice Syrup

5Agave Nectar

6Sugar + Water