Simple Syrup vs Sugar: The Ultimate Verdict

Sugar refers to a variety of sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates used in food. It encompasses simple sugars, known as monosaccharides, such as glucose and sucrose, consists of glucose and fructose, and is derived from sugar cane or sugar beet. 

Simple syrup is just sugar dissolved in warm water! While you can make simple syrup with all different kinds of sugars, it is most often made with plain old trusty table sugar. So is this liquid, dissolved sugar, better than the regular granulated stuff? Let’s find out.

Comparing Simple Syrup vs Sugar

	Simple Syrup	Sugar
Substitution ratio	1.5:1	1:1.5
Gluten-free?	Yes	Yes
Keto-friendly?	No	No
Paleo-friendly?	No	No
Common Allergens	Sugarcane	Sugarcane
Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed)	1 month	2 plus years
Best for baking	Cocktails	Cakes, pastries, and desserts

Differences Between Simple Syrup And Sugar

Sugar is a term referring to sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates commonly used in food. Simple sugars, known as monosaccharides, include glucose, fructose, and galactose. The well-known ‘sugar’ we use, sucrose, is a combination of glucose and fructose derived from sugar cane or sugar beet. Sucrose in the form of table sugar is granulated and acts as a preservative, texture modifier, fermentation substrate, flavoring and coloring agent, and bulking agent.

The main difference between sugar and simple syrup is that one is a solid, and one is a liquid. Simple syrup is made by dissolving sugar in water. It is a liquid sweetener that evenly distributes sweetness in beverages, regardless of temperature. Simple syrup plays a vital role in many iced drinks and cocktails, such as sparkling beet lemonade or a whiskey sour.

Taste and Culinary Uses

Sugar is widely regarded as the benchmark for sweetness, boasting a clean and delightful taste that lingers just long enough. It hits your taste buds quickly, leaving behind no secondary or aftertaste. The perception of sweetness, however, can be influenced by factors such as concentration, temperature, pH level, and interactions with other ingredients. Picture the difference between dissolving a sweetener in plain water versus iced tea, hot coffee, lemonade, yogurt, cereal, or fruit. Beyond its unmatched flavor profile, sugar serves multiple roles in food and beverages. In baking, it adds color and acts as a preservative, flavor enhancer, and bulking agent. Sugar increases viscosity in sauces, syrups, and beverages, creating a thicker consistency and a more satisfactory mouthfeel.

Simple syrup can be found in a wide range of applications. From cocktails like the mojito and old-fashioned to lemonade, coffee, iced tea, and desserts. As it has the same sweetness profile and taste as granulated sugar, it helps elevate beverages’ sweetness without overpowering the other flavors and textures.

Are Simple Syrup and Sugar Substitutes for Each Other?

When substituting granulated white sugar for simple syrup, remember that one teaspoon of granulated sugar is approximately equivalent to 1.5 teaspoons of simple syrup. If your recipe requires a teaspoon of simple syrup, consider using about two-thirds of a teaspoon of granulated sugar. But, they usually do not make good substitutes for each other unless in a hot drink. This is because granulated sugar does not dissolve properly in cold beverages, and simple syrup adds too much liquid to baked goods and changes their properties.

Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits

• Two teaspoons of table sugar, also known as granulated sugar or sucrose, have the following nutritional values:
  • 30 calories
  • 8 grams of total carbohydrates
  • 8 grams of sugars
  • The glycemic index (GI) is 65
• Two tablespoons of simple syrup have these nutritional details:
  • 80 calories
  • 19 grams of total carbohydrates
  • 19 grams of sugars
  • The glycemic index (GI) is equivalent to that of cane sugar, which is 65

Sugar acts as a rapid energy source (glucose) for the body. Glucose is vital for the function of cells, tissues, and organs. Both sugar and simple syrup should be consumed in moderation, though, as they are high in calories and can lead to adverse health effects. Studies have shown that regularly consuming processed sugars may increase the risk of developing diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

Diet Suitability

Both simple syrup and white sugar obtain their clear, clean color through a refining process commonly involving bone char, which renders it non-vegan. They also do not align with keto, paleo, or Whole30 dietary preferences. For Whole30 followers, all sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, agave, coconut sugar, and stevia are excluded, while fruit juice is allowed as a sweetener alternative.

How to Store Simple Syrup and Sugar

For optimal storage, sugars are best kept at room temperature in an airtight container. However, simple syrup should always be stored in the fridge or freezer due to its high water content, which can attract unwanted entities. Rich simple syrup, containing double the amount of sugar, has a longer shelf life.

Price and Availability

Sugar can be found for as low as 25 cents per pound, while the price of simple syrup varies based on the brand and type if you are purchasing it premade. If you make it yourself, it depends on how much sugar you use to make it, but it works out about the same price as table sugar. 

Environmental Impact

The burning of sugarcane has a detrimental impact on the environment, primarily through air pollution. When the leafy parts of sugarcane are burned, it releases various toxic and hazardous substances that significantly affect air quality. Some examples of these substances include nitrates, carbon compounds, and sulfates. These emissions contribute to the problem of climate change. If this concerns you, try alternative forms of sugar in baking or simple syrup, such as coconut sugar. 

Simple Syrup vs. Sugar: The Ultimate Verdict

If I make cocktails, then simple syrup wins every time. I can’t stand having my drink and getting a big lump of half-dissolved crunchy sugar, and simple syrup means that this never happens! But for any kind of baking, regular sugar is the best, as simple syrups liquid component means it evaporates and messes with the texture of your baked goods. 

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