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Refiner's Syrup

Also known as: refinery syrup, golden syrup

Moderate concern

Refiner's syrup is essentially an added sugar (a blend of sucrose, glucose, and fructose). It is safe at typical exposure but contributes to total added-sugar intake, which major health authorities recommend limiting to under 10% of daily calories due to associations with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

What it is

A thick, amber syrup of inverted sugar produced as a byproduct of refining cane or beet sugar.

Used as a sweetener, humectant, and browning agent in baked goods, confectionery, and sauces.

Why it's flagged

Counts as added sugar
High glycemic impact
Excess intake linked to weight gain and metabolic disease

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

Conventional food (added sugar)

European Union — EFSA

Authorised conventional food

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