What is Liquid Glucose in the UK? A Complete Guide

December 18, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 80% of food products in the UK contain some form of sweetener, and a thick, clear syrup known as liquid glucose in the UK is a common one found in many baked goods and sweets. This guide will demystify this essential pantry staple for home bakers and confectioners across the country.

Quick Summary

Liquid glucose, often called glucose syrup, is a viscous sweetener derived from starch and used to prevent sugar crystallisation, add moisture, and enhance texture in baking and confectionery applications in the UK.

Key Points

What is it: Liquid glucose, or glucose syrup, is a thick, clear sweetener made from starch hydrolysis.
UK availability: Commonly sold in UK supermarkets like Tesco and Morrisons under the name glucose syrup.
Functional uses: Prevents sugar crystallisation in sweets and controls moisture in baked goods.
Texture control: Creates smooth ice cream, pliable fondant, and glossy glazes.
Corn syrup difference: While corn syrup is a type of glucose syrup, UK liquid glucose can be sourced from various starches like wheat or rice, not just corn.
Easy handling: For easier dispensing from a tube, warm it in hot water before use.

Liquid glucose, commonly referred to as glucose syrup in the UK, is a multi-functional ingredient essential for many professional and home kitchens. This concentrated, clear, and thick syrup is more than just a sweetener; it acts as a stabiliser, humectant, and texture enhancer. It's made by breaking down starch from plants like wheat, corn, rice, or potatoes through a process called starch hydrolysis. These properties make it excellent for creating glossy icings, smooth ice creams, and chewy sweets.

What is Liquid Glucose (Glucose Syrup)?

Liquid glucose is a solution of nutritive saccharides made by hydrolysing starch. This process uses acids and enzymes to convert starch into a concentrated, viscous liquid, primarily composed of glucose molecules, unlike the disaccharide sucrose (table sugar). The syrup's viscosity and sweetness depend on the extent of hydrolysis, measured by its Dextrose Equivalent (DE). In the UK, it's most commonly known and sold as "glucose syrup".

What's the Difference Between Liquid Glucose and Corn Syrup in the UK?

It's easy to confuse liquid glucose with corn syrup, especially when following recipes from North America. The key difference is the source of the starch. While all corn syrup is a type of glucose syrup, not all glucose syrup is corn syrup. The table below highlights the main differences:


Feature	Liquid Glucose (UK) / Glucose Syrup	Corn Syrup (Typically US)
Starch Source	Can be derived from various sources, including wheat, corn, rice, or potatoes.	Made specifically and exclusively from corn starch.
Sweetness	Generally less sweet than corn syrup due to the composition of sugar molecules.	Can be sweeter than glucose syrup, particularly High Fructose Corn Syrup.
Texture	Known for its thick and viscous consistency.	Can be slightly less viscous than glucose syrup, depending on the type.
Availability in UK	Widely available in UK supermarkets and baking stores, often sold under the name 'Glucose Syrup'.	Less commonly sold directly as 'Corn Syrup' in regular UK supermarkets.

The Primary Functions of Liquid Glucose in Baking

Liquid glucose's properties make it invaluable in baking and confectionery.

Prevents Sugar Crystallisation: Its most crucial role is preventing sugar crystals from forming, leading to smooth textures in items like fudge and caramel.
Improves Texture: It ensures smooth frozen desserts and pliable fondants and ganaches.
Retains Moisture: As a humectant, it helps baked goods stay soft and fresh.
Extends Shelf Life: Its moisture-retaining and preservative qualities contribute to a longer shelf life.
Adds Shine: It provides a professional sheen to icings and glazes.

Common UK Uses of Liquid Glucose

Confectionery

It's vital for achieving the right texture in sweets like marshmallows, toffee, caramel, and provides elasticity in fondant.

Frozen Desserts

Adding glucose syrup to ice cream helps prevent ice crystals, resulting in a smoother, more scoopable product.

Preserves

In jams and jellies, it stops sugar from crystallising as they cool, ensuring a clear and smooth finish.

Glazes and Icings

It improves the texture and adds a glossy finish to royal icing and ganache.

Finding Liquid Glucose and its Substitutes in the UK

Where to buy liquid glucose

You can find liquid glucose (as glucose syrup) in the baking aisle of major UK supermarkets like Tesco and Morrisons, often from brands like Dr. Oetker in tubes. For larger amounts or gluten-free options, explore online specialty baking stores.

Substitutes for liquid glucose

If you need a substitute, honey or agave syrup can sometimes work in equal amounts, though their flavour will differ. A simple sugar syrup (sugar dissolved in water) can also be used, particularly to help prevent crystallisation. You can find various baking ingredients at trusted online retailers like Sous Chef UK.

How to use it

To make it easier to handle from a tube, warm it in hot water for a few minutes. Using a hot metal spoon also helps prevent sticking when measuring.

Conclusion

Liquid glucose is a key ingredient in UK baking and confectionery, offering benefits beyond sweetness. It's crucial for preventing sugar crystallisation, managing moisture, and enhancing texture and shelf life. Known often as glucose syrup and sourced from various starches, it's distinct from the corn-specific syrup common in the US. Understanding how to use this versatile syrup will improve your confectionery creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

In baking, liquid glucose is used to prevent sugar crystallisation, keep cakes and pastries moist, and improve the texture of icings and glazes, giving them a professional gloss.

No, they are not the same thing, although all corn syrup is a type of glucose syrup. In the UK, liquid glucose is a broader term for syrup made from various starches, such as wheat or potatoes, whereas corn syrup is specifically derived from corn.

Yes, you can substitute honey for liquid glucose, but you should be aware that honey has a more distinct flavour and can be sweeter, which may alter the final taste of your recipe.

You can find liquid glucose, often labelled as glucose syrup, in the baking aisle of most major UK supermarkets, including Tesco and Morrisons, and from specialised online baking suppliers.

The main benefit is preventing the formation of large sugar crystals, which ensures a smooth, non-grainy texture in confections like fudge, caramels, and hard candies.

It helps prevent the development of large ice crystals during freezing, resulting in a smoother, creamier texture and a softer, more scoopable consistency.

Yes, liquid glucose is typically suitable for both vegetarians and vegans as it is derived from plant starches. However, it's always best to check the specific product's label.