What is Fibre Syrup? | Bridget's Healthy Kitchen
You've probably heard about it or seen it used in recipes, but what exactly is it?
Well, it's a syrup that's made from beneficial, low-calorie prebiotic dietary fibre that's used as a sugar substitute due to its natural sweetness. It can be used as a versatile baking ingredient or a healthier alternative to honey and other sweet syrups because it won't spike your blood sugar levels. Fibre syrup is perfect for drizzling on Pancakes, Waffles or Nice Cream (healthier ice cream).
Not only is fibre syrup a great alternative to sweet syrups, but as it's also a prebiotic dietary fibre, it's an essential ingredient for our digestive health[1]. Prebiotics pass through the gastrointestinal tract undigested and end up in the large intestine, and becomes food for the beneficial bacteria that live in our gut.
However, not all fibre syrups are made equal. Some fibre syrups are made from a plant fibre called isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO) and have added ingredients such as malt extract and stevia. IMO has been found to raise blood sugar levels[2]. Therefore, it's recommended that people with diabetes be careful when using Fibre Syrup that contains isomalto-oligosaccharide and other added ingredients. Always read the labels when purchasing.
What do I look for when purchasing Fibre Syrup?
It's best to look for a fibre syrup that's pure and has no added ingredients such as sweeteners and maple - yes, some fibre syrups contain the thing you're trying to replace!
A Fibre Syrup that's purely made from ingredients naturally high in prebiotics is always going to be best for you.
For example, chicory root is packed with prebiotic fibre inulin and is slightly sweet in flavour, making it a popular ingredient to make Fibre Syrup.
Possible side effects
As Fibre Syrup is, well, fibre, you may experience gas, abdominal discomfort, cramping, diarrhoea and bloating when eaten in excess.
Keep in mind: The recommended daily intake of fibre for women is 25 grams and 38 grams for men.
It's best not to rely on only one source for your fibre intake. It would be best to aim for a wide variety of fibre-rich vegetables, whole grains, fruits and nuts.
Where to buy Fibre Syrup?
Here at Bridget's Healthy Kitchen, we're serious about providing the highest quality health products on the market, and our Sweet As Fibre Syrup is no exception.
Our fibre syrup is made from 100% pure prebiotic chicory inulin fibre[3], which has been linked to providing a few health benefits. These benefits include promoting healthy digestion and relieving constipation[4], improving blood sugar control[5] and supporting weight loss[6].
If you're in the market for fibre syrup that's not made from isomalto-oligosaccharide and is a pure, healthy alternative to honey, maple and agave, then check out our Sweet As Fibre Syrup.
Or, if you're looking for more of a table sugar alternative, check out our Pure As Inulin Powder.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to provide medical advice. All information, content, and material in this blog post are for entertainment only. Our content is not intended to serve as a replacement for a qualified doctor or healthcare provider's consultation, diagnosis, and medical treatment.
6 comments
Hi Anne,
We’re so excited to have you on board! Welcome to the beginning of your new health journey.
As fibre syrup is a prebiotic fibre, we don’t recommend substituting it with anything else, as all other syrups are very sugary and will spike your glucose. We recommend holding off until you receive your product. We promise it will be worth it ;)
I am so excited to have joined up to your site. I have purchased a number of e-books and am chomping at the bit to get started on some of the recipes. However, Fibre Syrup is in a number of the recipes I have looked at and I am wondering, while I wait a week or more the Fibre Syrup I have ordered on-line to be delivered, is there anything I can use as a substitute??
Hi Geraldine,
Yes, Fibre Syrup can be used in all sorts of different recipes, including marinades, stir fries and desserts.
Can you use it in marinades? Can it be heat/cooked?
Hi Rachelle,
In short, we don’t recommend substituting fibre syrup for honey.
This is because although honey is a “natural product”, it has the same effect on the body as sugar. When consumed, honey raises your blood glucose and causes you to hold on to fat, plus it’ll put you on the sugar roller coaster. Fibre Syrup does not do this; instead, it feeds your healthy gut bacteria as a dietary fibre.
I cant find fibre syrup for the licorice recipe, so could I use honey instead?