Honey and barley malt syrup are two liquid sweeteners, each with their own unique properties. Honey, a deliciously sweet and viscous substance, is meticulously produced predominantly by honey bees. It serves as nourishment for bee colonies, as bees gather and refine the sugary secretions of plants or the honeydew of aphids to create this golden elixir. Barley malt syrup is an unrefined sweetener derived from sprouted, malted barley. With a composition of approximately 65 percent maltose, 30 percent complex carbohydrates, and 3 percent storage protein, it offers a different flavor profile and nutritional makeup.
Each sweetener brings something to the table, but is one better? Let’s check them out.
Comparing Barley Malt Syrup vs Honey
| Barley Malt Syrup | Honey | |
| Substitution ratio | 1:1 | 1:1 |
| Gluten-free? | No | Yes |
| Keto-friendly? | No | No |
| Paleo-friendly? | No | Raw and unpasteurized in moderation |
| Common Allergens | Gluten, barley | Honey, certain pollens |
| Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed) | 2 years | Indefinite |
| Best for baking | Bagels, dark seed breads | A wide variety of cakes, flaky pastries, and sweet treats |
Differences Between Barley Malt Syrup And Honey
Honey contains sugars such as fructose and glucose, along with water, vitamins, and minerals. The flavor and composition of honey vary depending on the type of flowers that bees pollinate.
With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey is a delectable treat and a versatile remedy. It is used orally to soothe coughs and topically to aid in wound healing and treat burns. Stored below its melting point, honey remains a liquid but thickens gradually with decreasing temperature.
On the other hand, barley malt syrup is a flavorful liquid sweetener that serves as an alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. It contains fructose, glucose, and a significant amount of maltose. The syrup is commonly used in the bread and baked goods industry for browning and enhancing flavor and in cereal production to add a distinct malt flavor.
One notable difference between the two sweeteners lies in their production. Honey is a natural product created by bees, while barley malt syrup is derived from the process of malting barley and extracting its maltose content.
Taste and Culinary Uses
Honey, with its diverse flavor profile, extends beyond mere sweetness. Derived from different nectar sources, honey exhibits a delightful array of notes, including floral, smoky, spicy, or earthy undertones. This adds depth and complexity to dishes incorporating honey. Whether used in cooking or baking, it lends subtle richness to casseroles, sauces, and dressings, enhancing their overall character.
Barley malt syrup has a mild, sweet flavor and a consistency resembling molasses. It shines as an ingredient in bagels, breads, and malted milk drinks. An excellent addition to yeasted bread like pumpernickel or rye, barley malt syrup plays a crucial role in the leavening process while contributing to the overall flavor profile. Great over cereal or pancakes, it can be used to create delicious treats like popcorn balls and caramel corn. When added to recipes, it adds moisture and imparts a distinctive taste to spice cakes, gingerbread, muffins, and dark breads. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted or baked sweet potatoes and winter squash, elevating their natural flavors.
Are Barley Malt Syrup and Honey Substitutes for Each Other?
Yes, barley malt syrup and honey can be substituted for each other. You can replace 1:1, but the texture may differ slightly as barley malt syrup is thicker.
Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits
Honey (1 tbsp.):
- Calories: 60
- Total carbs: 17 g
- Sugars: 17 g
- GI: 58
Barley malt syrup (1 tbsp.)
- Calorie: 60
- Total carbs: 15 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- GI: 42
Honey and barley malt syrup offer potential therapeutic benefits due to their respective phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Honey contains bioactive molecules like flavonoids and polyphenols, acting as antioxidants. Meanwhile, barley malt syrup is rich in antioxidants, notably polyphenols, which provide health benefits such as anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and anti-allergy properties. Both are relatively high calorie.
Diet Suitability
It is important to note that honey is not considered vegan due to its origin and production process, where bees collect nectar from flowers, partially digest it, and store it in beeswax honeycombs within their hives. Honey is rich in sugars and carbohydrates, can disrupt ketosis, and is generally not allowed on the keto diet. However, honey aligns with the principles of a paleo lifestyle as it is considered a whole food. It is worth mentioning that pasteurized honey, which undergoes heat processing, is not paleo.
Barley malt syrup is also not suitable for specific diets. While it is vegan, in the context of a paleo diet, barley malt syrup is not allowed due to its high carbohydrate content and potential inflammatory properties. Moreover, if you are following the Whole30 program, which requires the elimination of all sweeteners, including honey, barley malt syrup is also not approved.
How to Store Barley Malt Syrup and Honey
To maintain the freshness of honey, storing it in sealed glass jars with airtight lids is advisable, protecting it from air exposure when not in use. Avoid using non-food plastic or metal containers for honey storage, which can lead to oxidation. For optimal preservation of barley malt syrup, keep the jars in a cool and dry location, and during warmer months, refrigeration is recommended. In case the syrup solidifies, simply place the jar in a pot of warm water (not boiling) until it regains its fluidity.
Price and Availability
The price of honey begins at $2.96 per pound and has the potential to rise significantly.
For barley malt syrup, costs range from 8 USD and beyond. Barley malt syrup can also be tricky to find, and online retail is probably your best bet.
Environmental Impact
When considering the environmental impact of sweeteners, honey emerges as a highly sustainable option in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike other agricultural practices, beekeeping for honey production doesn’t involve using heavy machinery or fertilizers. With a simple process of bringing honey from hive to cupboard, it becomes a natural choice and a low-impact one. On the other hand, the sustainability of barley malt syrup for vegans depends on the production process. While the syrup itself is plant-based, concerns arise due to the potential use of animal-derived substances like bone char or isinglass in filtration and clarification. However, many brands are dedicated to vegan-friendly production methods that utilize alternative techniques without animal products.
Barley Malt Syrup vs. Honey: The Ultimate Verdict
Honey and barley malt syrup are good sweeteners, but honey is easier to find, and I enjoy the flavor more. Plus, it works in a wider variety of dishes and can substitute barley malt for most things. That being said, barley malt syrup is a great vegan choice and has numerous health benefits too. All in all, it really depends on your preferences and dietary needs.
FAQs
The flavor of this syrup is bold, and although you can draw similarities to molasses, it doesn’t possess the same level of dominance. It has a rich, dark hue and a similar thickness and stickiness. When compared to molasses, honey, maple syrup, or agave, barley malt shows a less pronounced sweetness.
Malt falls under the classification of added sugar. Excessive consumption of this substance can pose risks to one’s health, potentially leading to chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Barley malt possesses a significant amount of maltose, a sugar akin to fructose. So, yes!
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