1 tablespoon (medium) of Simple Syrup (20 g) has 52 calories. That works out to 260 calories per 100 g. It contains 13 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

What is Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is a pourable sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, usually with gentle heat. It is a familiar bar ingredient because it blends smoothly into drinks where granulated sugar might not dissolve well. The proportions can vary, so some versions are thinner and others more concentrated.

Its taste is cleanly sweet and its texture ranges from light to slightly viscous. In cocktails, lemonade, iced tea and other cold drinks, a small pour adds sweetness evenly; it is also brushed or drizzled onto cakes and used in desserts. Nutritionally, it is essentially carbohydrate, with no protein or fat. If you want a less-sweet drink, start with a little and adjust to taste, or pair it with citrus, herbs or tart fruit.

Simple Syrup Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

260

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

65g

· 24% DV

Protein

· 0% DV

Fat

· 0% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 100% · Protein 0% · Fat 0%

Simple Syrup Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin A

0µg · 0% DV

0mg · 0% DV

Minerals

Calcium

1mg · 0% DV

Iron

0mg · 0% DV

Magnesium

0mg · 0% DV

Zinc

0mg · 0% DV

How Nutritious Is Simple Syrup?

Nutrient density

Low

1/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

14/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Simple Syrup Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

High

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

High

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Simple Syrup

To burn the 260 calories in 100 g:

🚶

64min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

27min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

35min

Cycling

🏊

30min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Simple Syrup Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Simple Syrup Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Simple Syrup Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

— Not suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Simple Syrup Fat Profile

SATURATED

MONOUNSATURATED

POLYUNSATURATED

Compare Simple Syrup

🍶vs🍬

Simple Syrup vs Rose Turkish delight70 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍶vs🍯

Simple Syrup vs Caramel sauce60 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍶vs🍫

Simple Syrup vs Dark chocolate280 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍶vs🍮

Simple Syrup vs Höşmerim60 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Simple Syrup

🍬

Rose Turkish delight

330 kcal

🍯

Caramel sauce

320 kcal

🍫

Dark chocolate

540 kcal

🍮

Höşmerim

320 kcal

🍫

Chocolate sauce

210 kcal

🍬

Fruit Leather

320 kcal

🍬

Pistachio Turkish Delight

370 kcal

🍮

Kazandibi

145 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Syrup

How do you make simple syrup?

Make simple syrup by warming sugar and water together, stirring until the sugar dissolves. You do not need a prolonged boil; boiling it down can evaporate water and make the syrup thicker than intended.

What is the ratio of sugar to water for simple syrup?

Classic simple syrup uses equal volumes of sugar and water. For a thicker syrup, use more sugar; a concentrated syrup can be useful in cocktails, but it is also more prone to crystallizing as it cools.

Does simple syrup need to boil?

No, simple syrup does not need to boil. Warm it just enough for the sugar to dissolve, then take it off the heat; a hard or prolonged boil can change its concentration and make it thicker.

Why does simple syrup crystallize?

Simple syrup can crystallize when too much water evaporates or undissolved sugar crystals seed the mixture. Stir until the sugar dissolves, avoid scraping dry crystals from the pan’s sides, and do not simmer it longer than necessary.

How should you store simple syrup, and how long does it last?

Store simple syrup in a clean, tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Its keeping time varies with concentration and handling, so discard it if it turns cloudy, develops mold, bubbles unexpectedly, or smells fermented.

Can simple syrup replace granulated sugar in baking?

Not as a direct swap in most baking recipes. Simple syrup adds liquid as well as sweetness, which can change the texture and structure of cakes or cookies; use a recipe designed for syrup or adjust its other liquids.

What drinks can you sweeten with simple syrup?

Simple syrup works well in iced coffee, lemonade, tea, and cocktails because it blends smoothly into cold liquids. Add a little at a time and taste, since it sweetens without the graininess that undissolved sugar can leave.

How do you make flavored simple syrup?

Add ingredients such as citrus peel, vanilla, or spices while the simple syrup is warm, let them infuse, and strain before using. Refrigerate syrups made with fresh fruit or herbs, since those additions can shorten their storage life.

What is the difference between simple syrup and rich simple syrup?

Rich simple syrup contains more sugar relative to water, so it tastes sweeter and has a thicker texture than standard simple syrup. Cocktail recipes may use it when they need concentrated sweetness without adding as much liquid.

Can you freeze simple syrup?

Yes, you can freeze simple syrup in a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator and stir before using; discard it if its smell or appearance changes after thawing.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 27, 2026