Rice malt syrup is a must-have ingredient in many kitchens. Its unique flavor and thick consistency make it ideal for sweetening and binding food, such as desserts, granola bars, and energy balls.
However, some people are looking for a healthier alternative to rice malt syrup. If you're one of them, don't worry — there are plenty of delicious options out there. Read on to learn about seven of the best substitutes for rice malt syrup.
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What Is Rice Malt Syrup?
Rice malt syrup is made from rice that has been fermented and then hydrolyzed to break down the starch into simple sugars. The final product is a thick, sticky liquid with a sweet, molasses-like flavor.
Rice malt syrup is often used as a natural sweetener in recipes for energy bars, granola, cookies, and cakes. It's also a popular ingredient in vegan and gluten-free baking.
Rice malt syrup is high in carbohydrates and calories, but it does not contain any fat or protein. Additionally, it is a source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and iron.
7 Delicious Substitutes for Rice Malt Syrup
If you're looking for a healthy alternative to rice malt syrup, there are plenty of delicious options out there. Here are seven of the best substitutes for rice malt syrup:
1. Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener that is high in carbohydrates and calories. It contains no fat or protein, but it is a source of several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.
Honey is made from the nectar of flowers, which bees collect and process into honey. It has a thick consistency and a sweet, molasses-like flavor.
Like rice malt syrup, honey is high in carbohydrates and calories. However, it also contains trace amounts of minerals and antioxidants. Additionally, honey has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Recommended ratio: 1 cup honey for every 1 cup rice malt syrup
2. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of maple trees. The sap is boiled down to create a thick syrup with a sweet, caramel-like flavor.
Maple syrup is high in potassium and iron, but it also contains several vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Maple syrup is often used as a rice malt syrup alternative in quick recipes and recipes that involve baking. It is also an extremely convenient syrup to use because it is easy to find and available in most grocery stores.
Recommended ratio: ¾ cup maple syrup for every 1 cup rice malt syrup
3. Barley Malt Syrup
Barley malt syrup is a healthy, alternative sweetener made from barley grain. It has a sweet, malty flavor that is similar to rice malt syrup. Barley malt syrup is also a good source of dietary fiber and protein.
Like rice malt syrup, barley malt syrup is a good choice for people with diabetes or other health conditions. It is also gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Barley malt syrup can be used in the same ways as rice malt syrup, including in baking, cooking, and smoothies.
In terms of health benefits, barley malt syrup has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. It has also been shown to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
Recommended ratio: ¾ cup barley malt syrup for every 1 cup rice malt syrup
4. Molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup made from sugarcane or sugar beets. It has a slightly bitter, burnt flavor and is often used in baking or as a flavoring agent.
Molasses is high in calories and sugar, but it also contains several vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Additionally, molasses is a good source of dietary fiber.
Molasses can be used as a rice malt syrup substitute in recipes for baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, and pies. Keep in mind that molasses has a strong flavor, so you may want to use less of it than the recipe calls for. Additionally, molasses should not be given to children under two years old.
Recommended ratio: ½ cup molasses for every 1 cup rice malt syrup
5. Agave Syrup
Agave syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of the agave plant. It has a mild, honey-like flavor and is often used in recipes requiring a liquid sweetener.
Agave syrup is high in fructose, a type of sugar that is metabolized differently than glucose. For this reason, agave syrup may not be suitable for people with diabetes or other health conditions. On the other hand, the low glycemic index of agave syrup means that it may not cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Agave syrup can be used as a rice malt syrup alternative in baking and cooking. It is also a good choice for sweetening beverages, such as coffee and tea.
Recommended ratio: ½ cup agave syrup for every 1 cup rice malt syrup
6. Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. It has a neutral flavor and is often used in baking and candy making.
Corn syrup is high in calories and carbs, but it also contains several vitamins and minerals, including zinc, copper, manganese, and magnesium.
Corn syrup can be used as a rice malt syrup substitute in recipes for baked goods, candy, and other sweet treats. However, it is important to note that corn syrup is not as healthy as other substitutes on this list.
Recommended ratio: 1 cup corn syrup for every 1 cup of rice malt syrup
7. Japanese Kuromitsu Syrup
While not the most widely available rice malt syrup substitute, kuromitsu syrup is a delicious option for those who can find it. Kuromitsu is a type of molasses that is popular in Japan. It has a rich, dark color and a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.
Kuromitsu syrup is made from sugarcane and contains vitamins B1, B2, and C. Additionally, kuromitsu syrup is rich in minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
Like molasses, kuromitsu syrup can be used as a rice malt syrup substitute in recipes requiring a small amount of sweetener. However, the solid and powdery texture of kuromitsu syrup makes it best suited for use as a topping or decoration rather than an ingredient.
Recommended ratio: 1 tablespoon kuromitsu syrup for every 1 cup of rice malt syrup
Final Thoughts
While rice malt syrup is a natural and healthy sweetener, it is not always easy to find. Luckily, there are several delicious substitutes that can be used in its place. The substitutes mentioned above are all-natural, low in calories, and high in nutrients. Make sure to choose one that best suits your needs and preferences.
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