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Corn syrup substitute

Sugar and sweeteners · Checked against 4 sources · Updated November 4, 2026

Quick answer

Replace 1 cup of corn syrup with 1 cup of granulated sugar plus a quarter cup of the recipe's liquid. Dissolve the sugar fully. Honey also swaps 1 for 1. Candy recipes behave differently without corn syrup, because it prevents sugar crystals.

How much do you need?

Fractions work: 1 1/2, ¾, 0.5. The amounts below update as you type.

Show only options that are

What to use

  1. Sugar and liquid

    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup 59 ml water or the recipe's liquid
    How
    Dissolve over low heat.
    Best for
    Baking and sauces.
    What changes
    Grittier if not fully dissolved.
    Skip it when
    Candy and caramel.

  2. Honey

    • Dairy-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • 1 cup 340 g honey
    Best for
    Baking.
    What changes
    Stronger flavor, browns faster.
    Skip it when
    Babies under 12 months.

Diet labels describe the ingredients as normally made. Check packages for gluten and allergens. Some refined sugar is filtered with bone char, which matters if you eat vegan.

Which swap for which job

UsePickWhy
Pecan pieHoney or sugar and liquidBoth set.

Do not substitute here

  • Hard candy. Sugar and water. They crystallize.

Questions

Is corn syrup the same as high-fructose corn syrup?

No. They are different products.

Sources

Ratios come from these sources, in our words. Where they disagree, we say so or pick the amount that matches tested results. Ratios are a starting point. Taste and adjust.