What's the Best Substitute for Malt Syrup?
Whether you're out of Malt Syrup or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Thick, sticky sweetener made from malted barley with a distinctive malty flavor, commonly used in baking and brewing In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for malt syrup are molasses, brown rice syrup, or honey, depending on the recipe and desired flavor.
Best Substitutes for Malt Syrup
Molasses
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- bread making
- desserts
- glazes
- marinades
Description
Dark, thick sweetener with robust flavor. Similar consistency and sweetness to malt syrup.
Stronger flavor than malt syrup but similar consistency and sweetness
Brown Rice Syrup
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- bread making
- desserts
- glazes
- vegan recipes
Description
Mild, neutral liquid sweetener with similar consistency to malt syrup. Less sweet than malt syrup.
Less sweet than malt syrup, so you may need to use more. Neutral flavor.
Honey
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- bread making
- desserts
- glazes
- marinades
Description
Natural liquid sweetener with floral flavor. Similar consistency to malt syrup.
Different flavor profile but similar sweetness and consistency
Maple Syrup
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- bread making
- desserts
- glazes
- pancakes
Description
Natural liquid sweetener with distinctive maple flavor. Similar consistency to malt syrup.
Distinctive maple flavor but similar sweetness and consistency
Golden Syrup
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- desserts
- glazes
- sauces
- candy making
Description
Liquid sweetener with caramel flavor and similar consistency to malt syrup.
Caramel flavor but similar sweetness and consistency
Barley Malt Syrup
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- bread making
- desserts
- glazes
- brewing
Description
Very similar to malt syrup, made from the same source. May have slightly different processing.
Nearly identical to malt syrup. Check ingredients to ensure it's the same product.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Malt Syrup, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking 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
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications