Barley Malt Extract Syrup

TLDRLast updated 3 October 2026

Barley malt extract syrup is low FODMAP at 12 g. Fructans are moderate at 16 g and high at 35 g. These amounts apply to the syrup preparation, not barley grain or malted drink powder.

Serving sizes for barley malt extract syrup

The listed amounts are 12 g low, 16 g moderate and 35 g high. Measure the syrup itself rather than the volume of a diluted drink or sauce.

Avoid
1 tablespoonabout 35 g

Tested serving sizes

Tested serving sizes for Barley Malt Extract Syrup and their Gut Friendly rating
ServingAmountMain FODMAPRating
1 tablespoon35 gFructans 0.3 gAvoid
⅓ tablespoon12 gFructans 0.08 gLow
16 g16 gFructans 0.1 gModerate

Breakdown for 1 tablespoon

0gFructose
0gLactose
0.3gFructans
0gGOS
0gSorbitol
0gMannitol
1 tablespoonabout 35 g

Is barley malt extract syrup low FODMAP?

Fructans are the group that increases at the larger listed portions; the other listed groups remain low. The 12 g low reference is described as one-third of a tablespoon, while the 35 g reference is high. Weighing the syrup avoids relying on spoon sizes. Rice malt syrup is a separate sweetener despite sharing 'malt' in its name.

Barley Malt Extract Syrup and IBS: what to know

In malt-flavoured drinks or baking, the ingredient name can hide how much syrup is included in one serving. Record the amount in the portion you actually eat, along with the other ingredients. A low FODMAP rating describes the syrup at that weight and does not establish individual IBS tolerance or the rating of a finished loaf or drink.

Gut-friendly ways to eat barley malt extract syrup

Weigh the sticky syrup directly into a mixing bowl before adding other ingredients. For a glaze, estimate portions from the amount used and the food actually served, allowing for extra glaze added at the table. In a shared bake, divide the syrup among the pieces being served and assess the flour and fillings independently. Maple syrup needs its own portion check as a substitute.

Frequently asked questions

How much barley malt extract syrup is low FODMAP?

The listed low amount is 12 g. The 16 g reference is moderate and the 35 g reference is high in fructans.

Is rice malt syrup the same as barley malt syrup?

No. They are separate catalogue entries with their own portions. Do not transfer the barley malt amount to rice malt syrup.

Can this guide rate malted drink powder?

No. A drink powder can contain other ingredients and uses a different preparation. Check the exact powder separately.

How do I count barley malt syrup in bread?

Divide the syrup in the recipe by the portions actually eaten. This calculates the syrup contribution, not the FODMAP rating of the whole bread.

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Sources and editorial notes

Published and maintained by Gut Friendly. This guide has not been independently reviewed by a dietitian. Serving information comes from our food catalogue. Where references are listed, they explain the research and preparation differences. Check the original source for current portions.

Gut Friendly provides general information, not medical advice.