Are you a bit of a sweet tooth? If so, you might be familiar with simple syrup and barley malt syrup. Simple syrup, also known as “sugar syrup,” is a liquid form of sugar that easily blends into cold drinks like cocktails, iced tea, and lemonade. It can also be used to sweeten fruits and baked goods. On the other hand, barley malt syrup is an unrefined sweetener extracted from sprouted, malted barley. With its distinctive “malty” flavor and dark brown appearance, barley malt syrup offers a unique alternative for those looking for a different kind of sweetness. This article will compare these two sweeteners to see which one comes out on top. So, let’s dive in!
Comparing Barley Malt Syrup vs Simple Syrup
| Barley Malt Syrup | Simple Syrup | |
| Substitution ratio | 1 tbsp barley malt: ¾ tbsp simple syrup | 1 tbsp simple syrup: ¾ tablespoon barley malt |
| Gluten-free? | No | Yes |
| Keto-friendly? | No | No |
| Paleo-friendly? | No | No |
| Common Allergens | Barley | Depends on ingredients |
| Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed) | 2 years | 1-6 months |
| Best for baking | Cereals, bagels, and nicely browned baked goods | Cocktails and flavored iced drinks |
Differences Between Barley Malt Syrup And Simple Syrup
Before we talk about basic simple syrup, it’s important to recognize that there are multiple varieties on the market with many different ingredients. There are notable distinctions between all-natural simple syrup and commercial alternatives. In its purest form, basic simple syrup is crafted by combining equal parts of pure cane sugar and water. However, many commercial options deviate from this ratio, utilizing artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose as substitutes or even incorporating high-fructose corn syrup instead of sugar.
Simple syrup offers a liquid sweetening that is highly versatile in cold and warm beverages. It blends effortlessly into cocktails, iced tea, coffee, lemonade, and other chilled drinks. This liquid sweetener outperforms regular sugar when blending with cold beverages due to its fluid consistency.
For those seeking an alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, barley malt syrup fits the bill. Derived from the malting process of barley, this flavorful liquid sweetener contains fructose, glucose, and a substantial amount of maltose. It adds a distinctive malt flavor and enhances browning in bread and baked goods. It is particularly favored in the cereal production industry for its unique taste contribution.
Taste and Culinary Uses
Classic simple syrup offers a sweet yet one-dimensional flavor profile, primarily distinguished by the choice of sugars used. On the other hand, flavored simple syrups provide a wide array of taste options. Infusing ingredients during boiling or cooling can create vanilla, ginger, mint, cinnamon, or lemon-flavored syrups. These concoctions find frequent application in specialty cocktails, flavored iced teas, sodas, and both hot and iced coffees. They are particularly popular in coffee shops, enhancing the taste of various coffee drinks and milk steamers. They can also serve as delicious toppings for fruit, baked goods, and even ice creams.
Barley malt syrup is an excellent liquid-sweetening alternative with a sweet taste akin to molasses. It lends itself well to bagels, breads, and malted milk drinks. In yeast-based breads like pumpernickel or rye, barley malt syrup contributes to the leavening process and adds a distinctive flavor to the final product.
Are Barley Malt Syrup and Simple Syrup Substitutes for Each Other?
You can directly replace simple syrup with barley malt syrup, using slightly less simple syrup as it is sweeter. Another option is to create barley malt simple syrup by combining a cup of syrup with a cup of water.
Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits
Simple syrup (2 tbsp)
- Calories: 80
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Sugars: 19 g
- GI: around 65
Barley malt syrup (1 tbsp)
- Calories: 60
- Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- Glycemic Index: 42
Barley malt syrup and simple syrup offer different health benefits. Barley malt syrup provides a quick energy boost in the form of glucose and contains maltol, which is believed to have anti-tumor properties. Simple syrup can provide a burst of energy due to its high sugar content but offers little else in terms of nutrition.
Diet Suitability
First, let’s talk about simple syrup. Depending on the type of sugar used, it may or may not be considered vegan-friendly. The original simple syrup is not suitable for a keto diet. The original simple syrup is not paleo, either. However, alternatives are available in the form of paleo-friendly simple syrup, which you can either make or purchase. Simple syrup is not approved for the Whole30 program.
Now, let’s shift our focus to barley malt syrup. While it is considered vegan, it may not suit individuals following a keto or paleo diet. This is primarily due to its high carbohydrate content and inflammatory properties. In the context of a paleo diet, sweeteners like raw honey or maple syrup are preferred over barley malt syrup.
Lastly, if you are adhering to the Whole30 program, which involves the elimination of all sweeteners, barley malt syrup is not approved. The objective of the Whole30 program is to reset your eating habits and promote the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods.
How to Store Barley Malt Syrup and Simple Syrup
To store simple syrup, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. Store barley malt syrup in a cool and dry place, but consider refrigerating it during warmer months. If the syrup solidifies, gently warm the jar in warm water until it regains its fluidity.
Price and Availability
The price of simple syrup varies depending on its size and type, typically ranging from $4.00 and up. Barley malt syrup tends to be more expensive, starting at $8 and potentially exceeding that. It may be challenging to find barley malt syrup, but your best bet is to search for it on online retailers.
Environmental Impact
Sugar-based syrups, commonly derived from sugarcane or sugar beets, pose challenges to sustainability. By obtaining these ingredients through agriculture practices that are responsibly managed, syrup manufacturers can contribute towards the reduction of deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation. Supporting fair trade and local farmers further strengthens the sustainability of the supply chain. So, if purchasing simple syrup at the store, check that it is an environmentally friendly brand!
When it comes to barley malt syrup, it is a similar story – the environmental implications can vary depending on the brand. Many brands prioritize vegan-friendly, ethical, and sustainable production methods. Choosing such brands can contribute to a more sustainable approach to sweeteners in terms of environmental conservation.
Barley Malt Syrup Vs. Simple Syrup: The Ultimate Verdict
I prefer simple syrup for cocktails as it doesn’t have a malty flavor that can overpower the drink. Health-wise, barley malt syrup is probably better with its nutrients, but the taste can really take things over. So for the superior sweetener I pick simple syrup just due to its taste versatility.
FAQs
Malt extract and malt syrup possess nuanced distinctions. Malt extract boasts a more pronounced malty taste, crafted solely with malted barley grains. For malt syrup, during the syrup-making process, additional grains are introduced post-germination, resulting in a slightly milder flavor profile.
Drizzle it over breakfast cereals and pancakes, mix it into popcorn and caramel corn, and incorporate it into spice cakes, gingerbread, and muffins. Explore its delightful pairing with dark breads like pumpernickel, and savor its taste in baked beans. Lastly, experience the deliciousness it brings to roasted or baked sweet potatoes and winter squash.
Malting is a multi-step process. First, the grains are soaked, commonly referred to as steeping. Following this, the grains are given the chance to germinate and sprout. Lastly, the barley takes on its distinctive color and taste through heat or kilning.
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