Honey is a pretty popular pantry item, but have you heard of corn syrup solids? Corn syrup solids are derived from liquid corn syrup through dehydration, resulting in a powdery form of glucose. Honey, on the other hand, is a sweet, thick liquid made by honeybees.
It’s important to consider the differences between corn syrup solids and honey when deciding which one is better for your cooking needs. So, let’s look at those differences to determine which sweetener is ultimately superior.

Comparing Corn Syrup Solids vs. Honey
Corn Syrup Solids | Honey | |
Substitution ratio | n/a | n/a |
Gluten-free? | Yes | Yes |
Keto-friendly? | No | No |
Paleo-friendly? | No | Raw and unpasteurized in moderation |
Common Allergens | Corn | Honey, pollen |
Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed) | 2 years | Indefinite |
Best for baking | Commercially produced sweet foods | Flaky, sweet pastries and moist cakes |
Differences Between Corn Syrup Solids And Honey
Honey and corn syrup solids are two commonly used sweeteners, but they have distinct differences. Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees and offers several health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is derived from the nectar of flowers that bees pollinate, resulting in various honey varieties. Honey primarily consists of sugars like fructose and glucose, along with carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water.
In addition to its use as a sweetener, honey is valued for its medicinal properties. It can be used orally to alleviate coughs and topically to treat burns and promote wound healing. Due to its composition and natural origins, honey is regarded as a healthier alternative to processed sweeteners.
On the other hand, corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn, a natural grain product. It can come in different forms, such as corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup solids, or crystalline fructose. Corn syrup solids are derived from liquid corn syrup by removing most of its water content, resulting in a powdered or granular form of glucose.
While corn syrup can be considered natural since it originates from corn, it lacks the beneficial properties found in honey. Corn syrup is commonly used in the food industry as a sweetening agent, especially in creating dry products like powdered drink mixes and pharmaceutical products.
Taste and Culinary Uses
When it comes to sweetness, honey takes the crown with its rich and diverse flavor profile. Beyond its sweetness, honey can surprise you with an array of flavors, ranging from floral and fruity to smoky and spicy, depending on the nectar source.
In the culinary world, honey is a culinary chameleon, capable of enhancing both sweet and savory dishes. It’s great for enriching casseroles, sauces, dressings, and glazes for roast meats and marinades for grilled vegetables.
On the other hand, corn syrup solids offer a different kind of sweetness with their distinctive taste and solubility. While they may not provide the same depth of flavor as honey, they have their value due to their sweet taste and good solubility in water. They can be a suitable substitute for sucrose in various recipes.
The culinary uses of corn syrup solids are numerous. Beverage powders, ice cream, baby food, dessert sauces, cereal bars, fruit preparations – the list goes on!
Are Corn Syrup Solids and Honey Substitutes for Each Other?
Corn syrup solids and honey do not make suitable substitutes for each other. Honey has a unique flavor and texture that corn syrup solids cannot replicate.
Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits
- Name: Honey
- Serving size: 1 tbsp.
- Calories: 60
- Total carbs: 17 g
- Sugars: 17 g
- GI: 58
- Name: Corn syrup solids (1 ounce)
- Calories: 109
- Total carbs: 27 g
- Sugars: 10 grams
- GI: 100
Honey possesses potential therapeutic properties due to its phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant characteristics. It contains bioactive molecules such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. These properties make honey a potentially valuable addition to disease treatment. Corn syrup solids do not offer essential nutrients. They are categorized as “empty” calories, providing high-calorie content but lacking essential nutritional value.
Diet Suitability
Honey, a food produced by insects, is not considered vegan due to its origin and production process. Bees collect nectar from flowers, partially digest it, and regurgitate it in their hives, where worker bees store it in beeswax honeycombs. This honey serves as a long-lasting food source for the hive, especially during winter. Although honey is a natural sweetener rich in sugars and carbohydrates, consuming it can disrupt ketosis and is therefore not allowed on the diet. On Whole30, adherents must cut out all sweeteners, including honey.
Unadulterated raw honey aligns with the principles of a paleo lifestyle as it is considered a whole food. In contrast, pasteurized honey undergoes heat processing, making it less recommended in a paleo-oriented diet. So, check the labels if you are following a paleo diet; you may be able to have a little honey.
Corn syrup is vegan, but corn syrup solids are not keto-friendly. Similarly, corn syrup solids are not suitable for a paleo diet. If you are on the Whole30 diet, say goodbye to sugar, sweeteners, corn syrup, beet sugar, agave syrup, maple syrup, and coconut sugar, in any form, for the next 30 days.
How to Store Corn Syrup Solids and Honey
The recommended storage method for honey is to keep it in sealed glass jars with an airtight lid, preventing exposure to air when not in use. Storing honey in non-food plastic or metal containers is not advisable as it may lead to oxidation.
As for corn syrup solids, they come in sealed packaging to ensure freshness and purity. To maintain its crystalline state, it is best to store them in a cool and dry place.
Price and Availability
Honey prices start at $2.96 per pound and can vary significantly. On the other hand, corn syrup solids become more cost-effective when bought in bulk; however, if you’re only looking to purchase a pound or so, anticipate spending around $10.
Environmental Impact
When it comes to food production and its greenhouse gas emissions, honey stands out as a low-impact option. Beekeeping, unlike other farming practices, does not rely on heavy machinery or fertilizers. The process of bringing honey from the hive to your cupboard is relatively simple, making honey a sustainable and natural choice.
On the other hand, corn syrup has a significant environmental impact. Its production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and the cultivation of corn for syrup often involves monocultures. These monocultures can deplete soil nutrients and cause erosion, while the pesticides used in their growth pollute soil and groundwater.
Corn Syrup Solids vs. Honey: The Ultimate Verdict
I try to avoid any highly processed sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup solids. It’s a lot of sugar and calories for little nutrition. Natural sweeteners like honey are a better choice, and they have the added benefit of contributing to sustainability efforts. Honey wins this round!
FAQs
An equal amount of honey can often replace corn syrup in numerous recipes, but the health benefits won’t be the same.
No, they are not. They’re classified as an added sugar that can potentially lead to obesity and heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your added sugar intake to 6 teaspoons if you identify as female and 9 teaspoons if you identify as male.
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