Brown Rice Syrup: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking and Baking with It

by Joost Nusselder Updated:  June 26, 2022

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Brown rice (malt) syrup, also known as rice syrup or rice malt, is a sweetener derived by culturing cooked rice starch with saccharifying enzymes to break down the starches, followed by straining off the liquid and reducing it by evaporative heating until the desired consistency is reached.

The enzymes used in the saccharification step are supplied by an addition of sprouted barley grains to the rice starch (the traditional method) or by adding bacterial- or fungal-derived purified enzyme isolates (the modern, industrialized method).

It’s a great alternative to sugar because it has a low glycemic index, contains natural sugars, and is vegan-friendly. Plus, it’s a great thickening agent for sauces and gravies. It can also be used as a meat substitute and a versatile ingredient in baking.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use it in all your favorite recipes.

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Why Brown Rice Syrup is the Perfect Natural Sweetener for Your Dishes

Brown rice syrup is a type of natural sweetener that is produced by breaking down the sugars in brown rice starch. It is made by cooking brown rice with natural enzymes to break down the starches into smaller sugars, which are then strained and boiled down to create a syrup. The resulting product is a thick, amber-colored syrup that is similar in taste and texture to honey or maple syrup.

How to Incorporate Brown Rice Syrup into Your Cooking

1. Use as a Natural Sweetener

Brown rice syrup is a great alternative to regular sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. It contains glucose and maltose, which are natural sugars found in rice. It has a mild sweetness, similar to that of maple syrup, making it perfect for those who prefer a lower level of sweetness in their food. Here are some ways to use it as a natural sweetener:

• Pour it over pancakes or waffles instead of maple syrup
• Add it to your morning oatmeal or yogurt for a natural sweetener
• Use it in baking recipes as a substitute for sugar or honey

2. Use as a Vegan Alternative

Brown rice syrup is a great vegan alternative to honey, which is produced by bees. It is also a good alternative to regular sugar, which is often processed using animal bone char. Here are some ways to use it as a vegan alternative:

• Use it as a sweetener in vegan baking recipes
• Add it to your vegan smoothies or shakes for a natural sweetener
• Use it to sweeten your vegan coffee or tea

3. Use as a Thickening Agent

Brown rice syrup can be used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking. It is a great alternative to cornstarch or flour, which can add additional calories and carbs to your food. Here are some ways to use it as a thickening agent:

• Add it to your sauces or gravies to thicken them up
• Use it in your pie fillings to help them set
• Add it to your soups or stews to give them a thicker consistency

4. Use as a Meat Substitute

Brown rice syrup can be used as a meat substitute in some recipes. It is a good choice for those who are looking to reduce their meat consumption or who are following a vegan or vegetarian diet. Here are some ways to use it as a meat substitute:

• Use it as a marinade for tofu or tempeh
• Add it to your stir-fry for a slightly sweet flavor
• Use it in your veggie burgers or meatloaf recipes as a binder

5. Use as a Versatile Ingredient

Brown rice syrup is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of recipes. It offers a lot of benefits, including a lower glycemic index than regular sugar and a higher fructose content than other natural sweeteners. Here are some additional ways to use it in your cooking:

• Use it to sweeten your homemade granola or trail mix
• Add it to your smoothie bowls for a nice flavor boost
• Use it to sweeten your homemade salad dressings

When using brown rice syrup in your cooking, make sure to store it properly. It can be stored at room temperature for up to six months, or in the refrigerator for up to a year. If you find that your brown rice syrup has become too thick, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out. And if you’re looking to buy brown rice syrup, make sure to check your local health food store or online retailer. While it can be slightly more expensive than traditional sweeteners, it is certainly worth the investment for those who prefer a natural and healthy alternative.

Is Brown Rice Syrup a Healthy Substitute for Sweeteners?

Compared to other sweeteners, brown rice syrup has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This makes it a smart choice for people who need to maintain a balanced energy profile. Brown rice syrup is also an excellent source of essential carbohydrates that the body needs for energy production.

Explains the Key Points

In summary, brown rice syrup is a natural and healthy substitute for other sweeteners. It can be utilized in a variety of recipes and has a low glycemic index. However, it is important to use it in moderation and to keep in mind that it is still a sweetener. When used in combination with other healthy foods, brown rice syrup can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Brown Rice Syrup vs Corn Syrup: What’s the Difference?

The primary difference between brown rice syrup and corn syrup is the way they are produced. Brown rice syrup is made from a natural staple food, while corn syrup is made from a highly processed form of cornstarch. Here are some other differences to consider:

• Brown rice syrup has a lower glycemic index than corn syrup, meaning it won’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
• Brown rice syrup has a more complex flavor profile than corn syrup, with a rich, dark flavor that is lighter than molasses.
• Brown rice syrup is not as sweet as corn syrup, so it may need to be adjusted or mixed with other sweeteners to achieve the desired sweetness in a recipe.
• Brown rice syrup contains more fructose than corn syrup, which is a natural sugar found in fruits and honey. This can be a great alternative for people who want a natural sweetener that is not as highly processed as corn syrup.
• Corn syrup is typically found in a lot of processed foods, while brown rice syrup is generally only found in health food stores or specialty shops.

How to Use Brown Rice Syrup as a Substitute for Corn Syrup

If you’re looking to use brown rice syrup as a substitute for corn syrup in a recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Brown rice syrup is not as sweet as corn syrup, so you may need to use a bit more to achieve the same level of sweetness.
• Brown rice syrup is thicker than corn syrup, so you may need to add a drop or two of water to thin it out if you’re using it in a recipe that calls for a more liquid sweetener.
• Brown rice syrup has a different flavor profile than corn syrup, so it may not be the best choice for every recipe. However, it can be a great alternative in recipes where you want a more natural sweetener with a complex flavor profile.
• Brown rice syrup can be used as a substitute for corn syrup in a 1:1 ratio, but keep in mind that the end result may have a slightly different flavor and texture.

Other Sweetener Substitutes

If you’re looking for other sweetener substitutes, here are a few options to consider:

• Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that is great for adding sweetness and flavor to recipes. It can be used as a substitute for corn syrup in a 1:1 ratio.
• Agave: Agave is a liquid sweetener that is derived from the agave plant. It has a similar sweetness level to corn syrup and can be used as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio.
• Molasses: Molasses is a byproduct of the sugar refining process and has a rich, dark flavor that is similar to brown rice syrup. It can be used as a substitute for corn syrup in a 1:1 ratio.
• Malt syrup: Malt syrup is a sweetener that is made from sprouted barley. It has a unique flavor that is great for adding depth to recipes. It can be used as a substitute for corn syrup in a 1:1 ratio.

Conclusion

Brown rice syrup is a great natural sweetener that can be used in cooking in place of sugar or honey. You can use it to sweeten smoothies, pancakes, oatmeal, and more. It’s also a great vegan alternative to honey and a great thickening agent for sauces and gravies. Plus, it has a milder flavor than molasses and a more complex flavor than corn syrup.

So, don’t be afraid to give it a try!

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.