Rice malt syrup substitutes
Rice malt syrup substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Brown rice syrup
Same amount as the rice malt syrup
Very similar to rice malt syrup, made from the same source. May have slightly different processing but nearly identical.
The best substitutes for rice malt syrup are brown rice syrup, honey, or maple syrup, depending on the recipe and desired flavor.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of rice malt syrup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown rice syrupbaking | Same amountWorks |
| 2 | Honeybaking | Same amount |
| 3 | Maple syrupbaking | Same amount |
| 4 | Agave syrupbaking | Same amount |
| 5 | Golden syrupbaking | Same amount |
| 6 | Corn syrupbaking | Same amount |
Brown rice syrup
similar taste and texture
Very similar to rice malt syrup, made from the same source. May have slightly different processing but nearly identical.
- Best for
- baking, Asian cooking, desserts, glazes, vegan recipes
Nearly identical to rice malt syrup. Check ingredients to ensure it's the same product.
Honey
floral, different · similar texture
Natural liquid sweetener with floral flavor. Similar consistency to rice malt syrup.
- Best for
- baking, Asian cooking, 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 rice malt syrup.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, glazes, pancakes, Asian-inspired dishes
Distinctive maple flavor but similar sweetness and consistency.
Agave syrup
neutral, similar · similar texture
Natural liquid sweetener with mild, neutral flavor. Similar consistency to rice malt syrup.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, glazes, vegan recipes, Asian cooking
Mild flavor and similar sweetness. Good for natural recipes.
Golden syrup
caramel, different · similar texture
Liquid sweetener with caramel flavor and similar consistency to rice malt syrup.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, glazes, sauces, candy making
Caramel flavor but similar sweetness and consistency.
Corn syrup
neutral, similar · similar texture
Liquid sweetener with neutral flavor and similar consistency to rice malt syrup.
- Best for
- baking, candy making, desserts, glazes, sauces
Neutral flavor and similar consistency. Not as natural as rice malt syrup.
Questions
5 questionsCan I use brown rice syrup instead of rice malt syrup?
Yes, brown rice syrup is essentially the same as rice malt syrup. They're made from the same source and have nearly identical characteristics.
What's the difference between rice malt syrup and honey?
Rice malt syrup has a mild, neutral flavor and is made from rice, while honey has a floral flavor and is made by bees. Both are natural liquid sweeteners but have different characteristics.
Can I use maple syrup instead of rice malt syrup?
Yes, maple syrup can work as a substitute, though it has a distinctive maple flavor. It provides similar sweetness and consistency for most recipes.
Why is rice malt syrup so popular in Asian cooking?
Rice malt syrup is popular in Asian cooking because it has a mild, neutral flavor that complements Asian ingredients, and it's made from rice which is a staple grain in Asian cuisine.
Is rice malt syrup healthier than sugar?
Rice malt syrup contains some nutrients from rice and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, but it's still a sweetener that should be used in moderation.
Tips for substituting rice malt syrup
10 tips- Rice malt syrup has a mild, neutral flavor that won't overpower other ingredients
- Rice malt syrup is less sweet than sugar, so you may need to use more in recipes
- Rice malt syrup works well in both sweet and savory applications
- Store rice malt syrup in a cool, dry place to prevent crystallization
- Rice malt syrup pairs well with Asian flavors, ginger, and sesame
- Rice malt syrup is popular in vegan and natural cooking
- Rice malt syrup can be used to make glazes and marinades for Asian dishes
- Rice malt syrup works well in both hot and cold applications
- Rice malt syrup has a thick consistency that helps bind ingredients together
- Rice malt syrup can be used to make traditional Asian sweets and desserts