What can I substitute for date syrup?

Running low on date syrup? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

date syrup — ingredient substitution guide — Photo by Radwan Menzer on Pexels

About date syrup

Date syrup is a thick, dark liquid sweetener made by cooking and pressing whole dates into a concentrated syrup. It carries a rich, caramel-like flavour with deep molasses notes and a natural fruity sweetness. Widely used in Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, it functions as a natural alternative to refined sugars in both cooking and baking.

Best substitute

molasses

Molasses shares a similarly deep, dark, slightly bitter sweetness and comparable thick consistency, making it the closest flavour match. It works well in baked goods, marinades, and dressings where the robust flavour is welcome.

Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of date syrup

bakingmarinadesdressingssaucesdelicate flavourslight-coloured dishes

Alternative

pure maple syrup

Maple syrup offers a similarly complex natural sweetness and pourable consistency, though its flavour is lighter and more distinctly maple rather than fruity-caramel. It substitutes well in most applications without overpowering other ingredients.

Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of date syrup

bakingdressingsdrizzlingporridgemarinadesauthentic Middle Eastern flavour

What is date syrup called in other countries?

Country	Name
Australia	date syrup
IL	silan
IQ	dibs
United Kingdom	date syrup
United States	date syrup

Common names for date syrup

silandibsdate molassesdate nectardate honey

Related ingredients

white sugar

3 substitutes available

brown sugar

2 substitutes available

caster sugar

1 substitute available

honey

2 substitutes available

icing sugar

1 substitute available

jaggery

5 substitutes available

Alternative

honey

Honey is a widely available liquid sweetener with a floral complexity that can stand in for date syrup in most recipes. It is slightly less thick and lacks the dark fruity depth, but performs well structurally in baked goods and sauces.

Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of date syrup

bakingdressingsdrizzlingglazesvegan recipesdeep molasses flavour

Alternative

pomegranate molasses

Pomegranate molasses shares the thick consistency and tart-sweet complexity of date syrup and is common in the same Middle Eastern culinary traditions. Its tanginess adds an extra dimension, so it works best in savoury dishes and dressings rather than sweet baking.

Use ¾ tbsp for every 1 tbsp of date syrup to account for higher acidity

savoury saucesdressingsmarinadesMiddle Eastern dishessweet bakingneutral flavour profiles

Alternative

brown rice syrup

Brown rice syrup is a mild, lightly sweet syrup with a subtle caramel note and a thick, sticky texture similar to date syrup. It lacks the fruity depth and complexity but works reliably as a neutral-tasting liquid sweetener in baking and cooking.

Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of date syrup

bakinggranolavegan recipessaucesrich flavour applicationsdrizzling over desserts