Does Lyle's Golden Syrup Contain Fish Oil Or Gelatin?

The Victorian artwork on the green and gold tin of Lyle's Golden Syrup has barely changed since 1885, and the syrup's single constituent -- sugar -- is unadulterated by any other ingredients or additives. For over 125 years, golden syrup has been a staple favorite in British kitchens, and its popularity has spread throughout the world. Abram Lyle, the Scot who first discovered that the syrup was so palatable, found a product that has become one of the oldest and most enduring brands in British history.

Vegan and Vegetarian

Golden syrup is completely free of any animal by-products and is safe for vegans and vegetarians. Its only ingredient is sugar, refined into a syrup and re-refined to give the clear golden color and thick, glossy consistency. Whereas sugar refining in other countries often involves the use of bone char to obtain the whitest sugar possible, Dr. Nick Bourne, Technical Manager, Industrial at Tate & Lyle Sugars, confirms that no bone char has been used by the company for over 40 years and that the refining agent they use, a granular, mineral-based carbon, is similar to that used within the water industry.

Simple Sugars

Cane sugar is a disaccharide, comprising a molecule each of the simple sugars fructose and glucose that combine to form sucrose. During digestion, enzymes break down sucrose into its monosaccharide components that are then absorbed immediately into the bloodstream via the intestine. As it passes through the liver, fructose is converted to glucose. The bloodstream carries glucose to all parts of the body to provide energy, particularly in the brain and nervous system, which use glucose exclusively. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen, as an emergency reserve, or is converted to fat.

Watch your Sucrose Levels

The calorific value of golden syrup is 325 kilocalories per 100 grams, which is just under one quarter of a tin of 454 grams, or roughly 16 ounces. Carbohydrate values are 80.5 grams per 100 grams, and fat and protein levels are zero. Although it is fat-free, you should include sugar sparingly in your diet, particularly if your calorie intake is greater than your daily requirements, given that excess glucose is stored in your fat cells. Dental health can also be adversely affected by sucrose; Dr. Graham Mount of UCLA describes the process by which sucrose converts to extracellular polysaccharides that increase the viscosity of plaque in the mouth, preventing salivary protection and providing an environment where acid attacks your teeth. However, a sensible diet and attention to your teeth doesn't mean you can't include golden syrup in your diet.

A Spoonful of Golden Syrup

The thickness of the syrup makes it a challenge to spoon exactly the right amount into a basin. It's also very sticky, and if you use your fingers or another spoon you will get it everywhere, including all over the tin. The best way to transfer golden syrup from the tin is first to fill a cup or a mug with just-boiled water. Dip the bowl of your spoon into the hot water for five seconds, then take it out, shake off the excess water and take your spoonful of golden syrup. It will slide easily off the spoon. For another spoonful, simply repeat the process.