Does simple syrup contain dairy or gluten?

No. Simple syrup is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free. It is classified as Pareve (neutral) in Kosher dietary laws.

Is simple syrup good for weight loss?

No. It is a concentrated source of sugar calories with no satiating nutrients. It is not conducive to weight loss diets.

Where can I buy simple syrup?

You can find simple syrup in the cocktail mixer aisle of major grocery stores, liquor stores, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is simple syrup safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe, but it is high in sugar. It is often used in pediatric medicine to mask flavors, but it should be given in moderation to avoid tooth decay and sugar crashes.

Is simple syrup Kosher?

Yes, simple syrup is generally considered Kosher. Based on a detailed analysis of its standard ingredients—cane sugar, water, citric acid, and sodium benzoate—there are no inherent animal-derived components or processing agents that would violate Kosher dietary laws. This makes it a safe sweetener for those adhering to Kosher standards.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is Kosher, we must look at the source and processing of every single ingredient. For standard simple syrup, the formula is quite basic, which works in its favor.

First, we have Water and Cane Sugar. Water is naturally Kosher (Pareve). Cane sugar is also Pareve, but there is a historical nuance: in the 19th century, some cane sugar was processed using bone char filters. However, in modern manufacturing and for standard simple syrup products, this is exceedingly rare. Most commercial cane sugar is filtered using granular carbon or ion-exchange resins, making it universally acceptable.

The preservatives Citric Acid and Sodium Benzoate are the next points of investigation. Citric acid is derived from the fermentation of carbohydrates (usually corn or molasses) by fungi, specifically Aspergillus niger. Since this is a microbial process involving no animal products, it is Pareve. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic salt derived from benzoic acid, which is also manufactured synthetically or derived from plant sources. Neither contains dairy, meat, or insect derivatives.

Finally, simple syrup is a liquid. For a processed liquid to be Kosher, it must not be processed using equipment that previously handled non-Kosher foods. While cross-contamination is a theoretical risk in any facility, simple syrup is typically produced in facilities that handle high volumes of sugar and water, minimizing the risk of meat or dairy contamination.

Nutritional Value

While simple syrup passes the Kosher test with flying colors, its nutritional profile is a different story. It is essentially liquid sugar. A standard tablespoon contains roughly 50-60 calories, all of which come from carbohydrates in the form of sucrose.

There is zero fat, zero protein, and no significant vitamins or minerals. Because it is a refined sweetener, it causes a rapid spike in blood glucose levels. For those monitoring their sugar intake for health reasons or managing conditions like diabetes, simple syrup should be used sparingly. It fits into a Kosher diet easily, but it does not align with low-carb or low-sugar diet limits.