What is Brown Rice Syrup?
There are several ways you can sweeten a recipe, but which one to choose and why? We are going to take a look into one of those options and some of the ways it compares to other choices on the market today. This article will cover how to substitute brown rice syrup for other sweeteners, reasons you may decide to choose it.
What is brown rice syrup?
Understanding what brown rice syrup is may seem complicated, but one of its desirable qualities is its simplicity of ingredients and production. Brown rice syrup is a sweetener made from brown rice, enzymes and water. To make the syrup brown rice is cooked and then exposed to enzymes that breakdown the starches into smaller sugars. This liquid is then filtered to remove any remaining solids or impurities to create a thick, golden syrup.
Brown Rice Syrup vs Honey
Brown rice syrup is often referred to as “vegan honey” due to its similar characteristics and because it is not the product of an animal or insect. Brown rice syrup and brown rice malt syrup make excellent substitutes for honey. The consistency, color, flavor notes and delicate sweetness are almost seamless in their likeness.
Brown Rice Syrup Uses
Brown rice syrup has many uses, such as a sweetener for coffee, tea, on pancakes, in baked goods or ice cream. Brown rice syrup is also frequently used by food makers when producing such goods as granola bars, loose granola, cereals, ice cream, meat products, and salad dressings. One of the more common uses is as a substitute for other sweeteners.
Substitute for other sweeteners
Brown rice syrup makes an excellent substitute for many other sweeteners. Depending on the type of sweetener the ratio may vary. Below is a chart showing conversions and the attributes of brown rice syrup vs other sweeteners.
| Sweetener | Amount | Brown Rice Syrup Amount | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honey | 1 cup | 1 1/4 cup | Similar consistency; vegan; no fructose |
| Corn Syrup | 1 cup | 1 cup | Increases browning; finer texture; gives brownies a denser fudgy texture; no fructose |
| Barley Malt | 1 cup | 1 1/4 cup | Less sweet; same consistency; more subtle flavor that won’t compete with other flavors |
| Maple Syrup | 1 cup | 1 1/4 cup | No fructose; milder flavor; better for baked goods; less sweet |
| Refined Sugar | 1 cup | 1 cup | Vegan; not refined; liquid consistency; adds a toasty, nutty flavor; no fructose |
| Agave Nectar | 1 cup | 2 cups | No fructose; less processed |
Why use brown rice syrup?
There are a few key reasons you may choose brown rice syrup. Vegans may choose BRS because it is made from grains and not from any animal or insect product or by-product. Brown rice syrup is not as sweet as many other sweeteners, it is also absent of any fructose. Brown rice syrup is also not refined or highly processed. Lastly, the taste of brown rice syrup is rather subtle, toasty, nutty, and reminiscent of caramel or butterscotch. The flavor profile may suite your tastes or be the best choice for the recipe you are going to prepare.
Is brown rice syrup low FODMAP?
FODMAP is a dietary system that is utilized by healthcare professionals to assist patients who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). According to the Cleveland Clinic there are three basic steps involved in the FODMAP dietary protocol. First, is the elimination or restriction step during which all high FODMAP foods are eliminated for a period of time. Second, each food previously restricted is then reintroduced one at a time for a three-day period while tracking any IBS symptoms that occur. The third and final set is the personalization of your diet according to the results of the first two steps. While brown rice syrup is not specifically listed here, rice malt syrup is listed as low FODMAP.
There are a many blogs and websites that make claims regarding sweeteners that are low FODMAP, but these are personal websites and not recommended for use in medical or dietary treatment guidance. The best choice is to consult your doctor or nutritionist and work with them to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
Brown Rice Syrup Recipes
Sweet Treats
It is a natural fit to use brown rice syrup in a dessert recipe and we love a nice, sweet treat. We just added some new ones that we think you will love!
Savory Dishes
One of the great things about brown rice syrup is its versatility. The nutty, toasty flavor notes and the light sweetness translate very well in savory recipes too. Check out our new spin on the old fashioned “Honey Mustard Dressing” we dressed it up vegan style and added chickpea miso with our new Miso Mustard!
