Malt syrup substitutes
Malt syrup substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Molasses
Same amount as the malt syrup
Dark, thick sweetener with robust flavor. Similar consistency and sweetness to malt syrup.
The best substitutes for malt syrup are molasses, brown rice syrup, or honey, depending on the recipe and desired flavor.
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of malt syrup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Molassesbaking | Same amount |
| 2 | Brown rice syrupbaking | Same amount |
| 3 | Honeybaking | Same amount |
| 4 | Maple syrupbaking | Same amount |
| 5 | Golden syrupbaking | Same amount |
| 6 | Barley malt syrupbaking | Same amountWorks |
Molasses
robust, different · similar texture
Dark, thick sweetener with robust flavor. Similar consistency and sweetness to malt syrup.
- Best for
- baking, bread making, desserts, glazes, marinades
Stronger flavor than malt syrup but similar consistency and sweetness.
Brown rice syrup
neutral, different · similar texture
Mild, neutral liquid sweetener with similar consistency to malt syrup. Less sweet than malt syrup.
- Best for
- baking, bread making, desserts, glazes, vegan recipes
Less sweet than malt syrup, so you may need to use more. Neutral flavor.
Honey
floral, different · similar texture
Natural liquid sweetener with floral flavor. Similar consistency to malt syrup.
- Best for
- baking, bread making, desserts, glazes, marinades
Different flavor profile but similar sweetness and consistency.
Maple syrup
maple, different · similar texture
Natural liquid sweetener with distinctive maple flavor. Similar consistency to malt syrup.
- Best for
- baking, bread making, desserts, glazes, pancakes
Distinctive maple flavor but similar sweetness and consistency.
Golden syrup
caramel, different · similar texture
Liquid sweetener with caramel flavor and similar consistency to malt syrup.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, glazes, sauces, candy making
Caramel flavor but similar sweetness and consistency.
Barley malt syrup
similar taste and texture
Very similar to malt syrup, made from the same source. May have slightly different processing.
- Best for
- baking, bread making, desserts, glazes, brewing
Nearly identical to malt syrup. Check ingredients to ensure it's the same product.
Questions
5 questionsCan I use molasses instead of malt syrup?
Yes, molasses is a good substitute for malt syrup. It has a stronger flavor but similar consistency and sweetness, making it work well in most recipes.
What's the difference between malt syrup and molasses?
Malt syrup is made from malted barley and has a malty flavor, while molasses is made from sugar cane and has a more robust, slightly bitter flavor. Both are thick, sticky sweeteners.
Can I use honey instead of malt syrup?
Yes, honey can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar sweetness and consistency for most recipes.
Why is malt syrup so popular in bread making?
Malt syrup is popular in bread making because it helps with yeast activity, adds flavor, promotes browning, and provides natural sweetness without being overly sweet.
Is malt syrup healthier than sugar?
Malt syrup contains some nutrients from barley and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, but it's still a sweetener that should be used in moderation.
Tips for substituting malt syrup
10 tips- Malt syrup adds a distinctive malty flavor to baked goods and breads
- Malt syrup is less sweet than sugar, so you may need to use more in recipes
- Malt syrup works well in both sweet and savory applications
- Store malt syrup in a cool, dry place to prevent crystallization
- Malt syrup pairs well with whole grains, nuts, and warm spices
- For bread making, malt syrup helps with yeast activity and browning
- Malt syrup can be used to make glazes and marinades for meats
- Malt syrup works well in vegan recipes as a natural sweetener
- Malt syrup has a thick consistency that helps bind ingredients together
- Malt syrup can be used to make traditional malted milk and beverages