15-Minute Zero Carb Honey Syrup

Prep: 5 minCook: 8 min1 servingsmediumAmerican
Zero Carb Honey Syrup with Lakanto Sweetener

A keto-friendly honey substitute made by dissolving Lakanto brown sweetener with xanthan gum for body and honey flavoring for authenticity. This quick-cooking syrup mimics traditional honey's viscosity and sweetness without carbohydrates, perfect for drizzling over pancakes, yogurt, or baked goods. Ideal for low-carb dieters, diabetics, or anyone tracking sugar intake. The xanthan gum creates the characteristic thick pour that makes this distinct from simple syrups.

Ingredients

1 servings
  • 1 cup water, none
  • ½ cup Lakanto brown sweetener, none
  • tsp xanthan gum, none
    guar gum0.75:1ketothickener

    slightly less viscous

    Full guide →
  • 1 tbs honey flavoring, none
    maple flavoring1:1ketovegan

    different taste profile

  • salt, none(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine water and sweetener in a small saucepan over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Cook until sweetener dissolves and liquid gently bubbles.

  3. 3

    Lower heat and gradually whisk in xanthan gum, using only the specified amount to avoid over-thickening.

  4. 4

    Stir in honey flavoring and salt if desired.

  5. 5

    Cool completely to room temperature.

  6. 6

    Transfer to a lidded container and refrigerate.

Tips

Tip 1

Resist adding extra xanthan gum during cooking; the mixture continues thickening as it cools to room temperature, achieving honey-like consistency.

Tip 2

Use a whisk to incorporate xanthan gum slowly and evenly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth texture.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in lidded container up to 3 weeks. Mixture may thicken further when cold; warm gently to restore pourable consistency.

Make Ahead

Make up to 5 days in advance. Stir before each use as xanthan gum may settle.

Serve With

Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, oatmeal, or use in beverages. Serve at room temperature or warm.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Add xanthan gum too quickly to avoid clumping and uneven thickening.

Watch

Use precise measurements of xanthan gum to prevent gluey texture.

Watch

Cool completely before storing to achieve proper consistency.

Substitutions

Vegan Options

honey flavoring
maple flavoring1:1ketovegan

different taste profile

General Alternatives

Lakanto sweetener
erythritol1:1ketosugar-free

less browning effect

Full guide →
xanthan gum
guar gum0.75:1ketothickener

slightly less viscous

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular honey flavoring or does it need to be sugar-free?

Any honey flavoring works, but check the label for added sugars if keeping carbs low. Most liquid honey flavorings are carb-free; avoid honey-flavored syrups with actual sugar content.

What if my mixture is too thick after cooling?

Gently warm the syrup and whisk in a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach desired consistency. Reheat to dissolve any lumps, then cool again.

How long can I keep this in the fridge?

Store up to 3 weeks refrigerated. The xanthan gum preserves texture well. Discard if mold or off-odors develop. Freezing not recommended due to xanthan gum's sensitivity to freeze-thaw cycles.