Date syrup substitutes
Date syrup substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Honey
Same amount as the date syrup
Natural sweetener with similar thick consistency and sweetness.
The best substitutes for date syrup are honey, maple syrup, molasses, or agave nectar depending on the dish.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of date syrup | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honeybaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Maple syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Molassesbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Agave nectarbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Brown rice syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Golden syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Honey
different taste, similar texture
Natural sweetener with similar thick consistency and sweetness.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, glazes
Similar thick consistency and natural sweetness.
Maple syrup
different taste, similar texture
Natural sweetener with similar thick consistency and sweetness.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, glazes
Similar thick consistency and natural sweetness.
Molasses
different taste, similar texture
Thick, dark sweetener with similar consistency and rich flavor.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, glazes
Similar thick consistency and rich flavor.
Agave nectar
different taste, similar texture
Natural sweetener with similar thick consistency.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, glazes
Similar thick consistency but different flavor.
Brown rice syrup
different taste, similar texture
Natural sweetener with similar thick consistency.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, glazes
Similar thick consistency but different flavor.
Golden syrup
different taste, similar texture
Thick, sweet syrup with similar consistency.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, glazes
Similar thick consistency and sweetness.
Questions
4 questionsWhat is date syrup?
Date syrup is a natural sweetener made from dates. It has a rich, caramel-like flavor and thick consistency, making it great for baking and desserts.
Is date syrup healthier than regular sugar?
Date syrup is considered a natural sweetener and contains some nutrients from dates, but it's still high in sugar. It should be consumed in moderation like other sweeteners.
Can I use date syrup in baking?
Yes, date syrup can be used in baking, though you may need to adjust liquid ingredients slightly due to its thicker consistency compared to regular sugar.
What dishes use date syrup?
Date syrup is commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts, energy bars, and as a natural sweetener in baking. It's also great for glazes and sauces.
Tips for substituting date syrup
6 tips- Date syrup has a rich, caramel-like flavor
- Great for baking and desserts
- Natural sweetener with no refined sugar
- Pairs well with nuts, chocolate, and spices
- Can be used as a glaze for meats and vegetables
- Store in cool, dry place