Syrups, corn, dark
Whole food · Sweets
Photo: Wikipedia
Dark corn syrup is a thick, viscous sweetener with a deep amber color and a distinct, slightly tangy, caramel-like flavor. It's essentially corn syrup with added molasses or caramel color and flavoring, giving it a richer profile than light corn syrup. Nutritionally, it's a concentrated source of carbohydrates, providing 286 calories and nearly 78 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 100% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love dark corn syrup for its unique, deep flavor that enhances candies, glazes, and baked goods with a subtle caramel note. Its viscosity and ability to inhibit sugar crystals make it indispensable for creating smooth textures in confections like pecan pie and fudge.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Due to its extremely high sugar content, it can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes and is not suitable for those managing diabetes or reducing added sugars. To counteract this, use it sparingly as a flavoring agent rather than a primary sweetener, and always pair it with protein or healthy fats (like nuts or dairy) to slow sugar absorption.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from simple carbohydrates
- Helps prevent sugar crystallization in candies and baked goods
- Adds moisture and chewiness to baked goods
- Imparts a distinct, complex caramel flavor
- Acts as a liquid sweetener for easy mixing
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Dark corn syrup gets its color and deeper flavor from the addition of molasses, caramel color, or both, making it a distinct product from its lighter counterpart.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 22.0 g |
| Energy | 286 kcal |
| Energy | 1195 kj |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Ash | 0.40 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 77.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 77.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 18.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.37 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 8.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 11.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 44.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 155 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.04 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.10 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 2.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.02 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.01 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 13.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Syrups, malt — USDA does not publish this profile for Syrups.
| Tryptophan | 0.07 g |
| Threonine | 0.21 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.21 g |
| Leucine | 0.38 g |
| Lysine | 0.27 g |
| Methionine | 0.11 g |
| Cystine | 0.07 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.26 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.17 g |
| Valine | 0.30 g |
| Arginine | 0.28 g |
| Histidine | 0.13 g |
| Alanine | 0.27 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.56 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.0 g |
| Glycine | 0.25 g |
| Proline | 0.46 g |
| Serine | 0.23 g |
FAQ
What's the difference between dark and light corn syrup?
Dark corn syrup contains molasses or caramel color, giving it a darker hue and a more robust, caramel-like flavor compared to the milder, purely sweet taste of light corn syrup.
Can I substitute dark corn syrup for other sweeteners?
It can often replace light corn syrup 1:1 but will add a darker color and richer flavor. For granulated sugar, substitution is more complex as corn syrup is a liquid and affects moisture and texture.
Is dark corn syrup gluten-free?
Most commercial brands are gluten-free as they are made from corn, but it's always best to check the label for any potential cross-contamination or additives if you have severe gluten sensitivity.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.86 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 77.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 3.52 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.