MOO Month 2026 No. 4 MOO Corn Syrup Substitute

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Make Your Own with Pantry Staples
Corn syrup isn’t something you’ll casually grab off Australian supermarket shelves.
But thanks to the vastness of the internet, so many American recipes — from pecan pie to marshmallows to caramel sauces — list it as a key ingredient.
You could hunt it down at an imported foods store or order it online…
Or you can MOO it.
This simple substitute uses everyday pantry ingredients and costs a fraction of the imported version — with no questionable additives.

Why This Is a MOO Win
✔ Pantry-based ingredients
✔ No specialty shopping
✔ No artificial extras
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Works in any recipe calling for corn syrup
Plus, it stores well — so you can make it once and use it when needed.

Ingredients
450g white sugar
170ml water
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (no substitute for this)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
A pinch of salt

Method
Step 1:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, cream of tartar, lemon juice and salt.
Step 2:
Stir until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and allow the syrup to simmer steadily for 15–20 minutes, until it thickens and drips slowly from a spatula.
To test:
Place a small drop on a cold plate and refrigerate for 10 minutes. If it’s thick when cold, it’s ready.
For precision, the syrup should reach 110°C (230°F) on a candy thermometer.
Step 3:
Remove from heat and place the saucepan into a bowl of cold water to cool quickly. Once completely cool, use as directed in your recipe.

Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.
This recipe makes approximately 1⅓ cups of MOO Corn Syrup.

Another ingredient you don’t need to rely on specialty shops for.
Another recipe you can make with confidence.
Another example of how MOO Month builds real kitchen independence.
Simple ingredients.
Real savings.
Better control.
That’s the Cheapskates way.