Golden Syrup — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 6, 2024
Golden syrup nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 310 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 78 g | 28.36% |
| Fiber | 0 g | - |
| Sugars | 78 g | 156% |
| Glycemic Index | 60 | - |
| Protein | 0 g | - |
| Sodium | 70 mg | 3.04% |
| Total Fat | 0 | - |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Golden syrup facts & tips
Health benefits
- Provides quick energy due to its high sugar content, making it useful for a rapid energy boost.
- Enhances flavor in a variety of dishes and baked goods, making them more enjoyable and palatable.
- Versatile sweetener, suitable for use in baking, cooking, and as a topping for foods.
Health risks
- High sugar content which can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of diabetes when consumed frequently.
- High calorie content which can contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently or in large quantities, particularly as a sweetener in desserts or beverages.
- Low nutrient density as golden syrup offers minimal vitamins or minerals, providing mainly sweetness and calories.
- Potential for overconsumption due to its sweet and palatable nature, leading to excessive calorie and sugar intake if not mindful of portion sizes.
How to choose golden syrup
Golden syrup should have a smooth, thick consistency and a deep amber color, indicating it is concentrated and of high quality. The syrup should pour easily without crystallizing.
Avoid golden syrup that is overly stiff or has crystallized, as this can indicate it has been stored for too long or at incorrect temperatures. Containers that are sticky or not properly sealed should also be avoided, as they may lead to spoilage or contamination.
How to store golden syrup
Golden syrup should be kept in a cool, dry environment, ideally in a sealed container. Correct storage helps preserve its freshness and texture for up to 1-2 years when unopened.
Moisture exposure can lead to crystallization. Keep it away from heat sources and humid areas. A tightly closed container ensures the syrup remains smooth and usable, preventing it from hardening or developing a grainy texture. Once opened, it is best to use it within 6 months.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Golden syrup can last for 1-2 years unopened when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be consumed within 6 months. Proper storage helps maintain its consistency and flavor, making it perfect for baking and cooking.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover golden syrup can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, golden syrup adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to dishes like desserts, baked goods, pancakes, and marinades. It can be used as a sweetener in cakes, cookies, and puddings, or drizzled over porridge or yogurt.
Beyond cooking, golden syrup has several creative uses. It can be used in DIY beauty treatments, such as mixing it with oats or sugar to create a moisturizing body scrub. Golden syrup can also be used in craft projects, such as making edible decorations for cakes or creating homemade treats like toffee or fudge. Additionally, golden syrup can be used as a base for making homemade cough syrups, where its soothing properties help to coat the throat and relieve irritation. While golden syrup is primarily a culinary ingredient, its versatility allows for creative applications in beauty and crafting.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
Learn more about golden syrup
Can golden syrup replace molasses?
Golden syrup can be used as a substitute for molasses in some recipes, but it has a much lighter flavor and color. Molasses has a deeper, more robust, and slightly bitter taste, while golden syrup is milder and sweeter. If using golden syrup instead of molasses, it may slightly alter the final taste and color of baked goods.
Are golden syrup and corn syrup the same?
No, golden syrup and corn syrup are not the same, although they have similar textures. Golden syrup is made from cane sugar and has a rich, caramel-like flavor, while corn syrup is derived from corn starch and has a more neutral sweetness. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, golden syrup has a more distinctive taste.
Are golden syrup and maple syrup the same?
No, golden syrup and maple syrup are different products with distinct flavors. Golden syrup is made from sugar cane and has a thick, caramelized sweetness, while maple syrup comes from tree sap and has a more complex, earthy flavor. They can be substituted in some cases, but the flavor profiles will not be identical.
Are golden syrup and treacle the same?
No, golden syrup and treacle are not the same, though they are both sugar-based syrups. Golden syrup is lighter in color and has a sweeter, milder taste, while treacle is darker and has a more intense, slightly bitter flavor. Black treacle (similar to molasses) is not a direct substitute for golden syrup due to its stronger taste.
Can golden syrup be used instead of corn syrup?
Yes, golden syrup can often be used as a substitute for corn syrup in recipes, especially in baking and desserts. However, golden syrup has a richer caramel flavor, whereas corn syrup is more neutral. In recipes where the flavor difference matters, such as in making candies, the substitution may slightly alter the taste and texture.
Can golden syrup replace honey?
Golden syrup can be used as a substitute for honey in many recipes, though the flavor is different. Honey has floral and complex notes, while golden syrup has a pure, caramelized sweetness. It works well in baking and as a drizzle, but the final taste may be slightly altered when replacing honey with golden syrup.
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Listonic Team
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Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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