What else can I use as a binding agent?

March 4, 2009 3:57 PM

What can I use instead of honey, as a binding agent, when making my own version of these Eat Natural bars?

I'm trying to cut down on the amount of sugar in the recipe, and I'm not particularly fond of honey anyway. Golden syrup is obviously a no-no.

I'm in the UK, but either a brick-and-mortar supplier or something from the web is fine. I did try maple syrup one time, but I seem to recall not liking it very much.

Given that I'd rather use something unprocessed, what ingredient could I use in it's place to hold the bar together?

posted by Solomon to food & drink (13 comments total)

Agave nectar works well as a substitute for honey.
posted by phunniemee at 3:59 PM on March 4

Brown rice syrup?
posted by mynameisluka at 4:00 PM on March 4

Brown rice syrup or sorghum syrup might do well.
posted by wowbobwow at 4:07 PM on March 4

I was going to suggest marshmallow syrup, but it's at least as high calorie as honey.

How about sweet sorghum? It has an interesting flavor.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 4:09 PM on March 4

Yup. Brown rice syrup. I've used this successfully myself, and it's what used in CLIF bars.
posted by smalls at 4:51 PM on March 4

Date paste might work, if you give up on the sugar and just want a delicious binder.
posted by The corpse in the library at 5:18 PM on March 4

You could try barley malt syrup (aka liquid malt extract).
posted by cog_nate at 5:19 PM on March 4

Carob molasses
posted by hortense at 6:24 PM on March 4

Here is another recommendation for brown rice syrup!

In case you need a recipe, this is a good one that is easily adaptable to what you will be able to easily find in the UK.
posted by apricot at 6:39 PM on March 4

how about malt??
posted by annie1 at 8:21 PM on March 4

treacle
posted by Taurid at 8:27 PM on March 4

Blackstrap molasses
posted by BinGregory at 9:24 PM on March 4

Date paste sounds good (I love dates), but I'll have a look for the rice syrup first.

Thanks guys.
posted by Solomon at 12:50 AM on March 5