Out of Rice syrup, one case
Rice syrup substitute - for natural sweetening
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Honey
Same amount as the rice syrup
The best rice syrup substitutes are honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. For granola bars, use honey or maple syrup. For baking, use corn syrup or golden syrup. For vegan recipes, use agave nectar or maple syrup.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- granola bars
One casethe full rice card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of rice syrup | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honeygranola bars | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Maple syrupgranola bars | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Agave nectarvegan recipes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Corn syrupbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Golden syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Honey
different taste, similar texture
Natural sweetener with similar viscosity and sweetness to rice syrup
- Best for
- granola bars, baking, natural sweetening, when you want floral notes
Similar sweetness, natural, adds floral flavor.
Maple syrup
different taste, similar texture
Natural sweetener with similar viscosity and sweetness to rice syrup
- Best for
- granola bars, baking, natural sweetening, when you want maple flavor
Similar sweetness, natural, adds maple flavor.
Agave nectar
similar taste and texture
Vegan sweetener with similar viscosity and sweetness to rice syrup
- Best for
- vegan recipes, baking, when you want neutral flavor
Similar sweetness, vegan, neutral flavor.
Corn syrup
similar taste and texture
Corn-based sweetener with similar viscosity to rice syrup
- Best for
- baking, when you want neutral flavor, budget option
Similar viscosity, neutral flavor, not as natural.
Golden syrup
different taste, similar texture
Inverted sugar syrup with similar viscosity to rice syrup
- Best for
- baking, when you want caramel flavor, British recipes
Similar viscosity, caramel flavor, not as natural.
How it behaves in this recipe
Rice syrup is valued for its natural sweetness and mild flavor that doesn't overpower other ingredients. It's particularly popular in health-conscious baking and granola bars. The best substitutes maintain the natural sweetness and appropriate viscosity for binding ingredients.
Tips for substituting rice syrup
5 tips- For granola bars, honey or maple syrup work best as they bind ingredients well
- Rice syrup is less sweet than sugar, so adjust other sweeteners accordingly
- In baking, rice syrup adds moisture and chewiness to cookies and bars
- For vegan recipes, agave nectar is the best substitute for rice syrup
- Rice syrup has a mild, caramel-like flavor that's hard to replicate exactly
Notes on rice syrup
- Date syrup for a different natural sweetness
- Coconut nectar for a tropical twist
- Molasses for a deeper, more complex flavor
- Stevia for a zero-calorie option
Questions
5 questionsWhat is rice syrup?
Rice syrup is a natural sweetener made from fermented rice. It has a mild, caramel-like flavor and is less sweet than sugar.
Is rice syrup healthier than sugar?
Rice syrup is considered a more natural sweetener, but it's still a sugar and should be consumed in moderation. It has a lower glycemic index than white sugar.
Can I use honey instead of rice syrup?
Yes, honey is a good substitute for rice syrup. It has similar sweetness and viscosity, but will add a floral flavor to your recipe.
What's the best substitute for rice syrup in granola bars?
Honey or maple syrup work best in granola bars as they bind ingredients well and have similar viscosity to rice syrup.
Is rice syrup vegan?
Yes, rice syrup is vegan as it's made from fermented rice without any animal products.