Lyle's Golden Syrup, manufactured by the British sugar company Tate & Lyle, has just been honored by the Guinness Book of World Records with the title of world's oldest brand. The sweet syrup is a byproduct of sugar refining and was first put into the distinctive green and gold tin in 1885. The packaging and the syrup have remained almost completely unchanged since that time. The product is found in more than 85% of British households and is popular in countries all over the world.
In the US, the syrup is found at some specialty stores, but is not terribly easy to come by. It has the consistency of corn syrup, but a much more unique flavor that carries over into whatever it is used to sweeten. There are any number of recipes that the syrup can be used in, but treacle tart and ANZAC biscuits are two that are well loved world wide.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-30-2006 @ 5:21PM
Fazal Majid said...
I find that hard to believe. Beretta was established in 1526 and still sells products under the same brand. In foods, Maille mustard has been sold in France since 1747. I am sure there are other brands that are even older.
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10-01-2006 @ 12:33AM
RWD fan said...
Even John McCann Steel Cut Oats, of Ireland, have awards dating back to 1876 on the can. I find this claim to be a little weak myself.
Good call on Beretta Fazal
/92FS INOX owner
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10-01-2006 @ 2:24AM
rainey said...
In Los Angeles I get it at Cost Plus stores. If there aren't Cost Plus stores in your area, check wine & beer making stores. I don't know what fermenters do with it, but the wine making store near me always stocks it.
I use it in bread and the fabulous Nutty Tray Bake http://www.slashfood.com/2006/02/21/food-porn-nutty-tray-bake/ recipe that Andrew Barrow posted some time ago.
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10-01-2006 @ 5:25AM
Alyx said...
What about Coleman's mustard? It says 1814 on the tin I bought last week, and the tin design doesn't seem to have changed any more than the design of the syrup tin has.
Golden syrup is lovely, though, especially in steamed sponge puddings and flapjacks.
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10-02-2006 @ 5:30AM
Wenhaston Blackheath said...
This BBC item says that it's 'Britain's oldest brand', not the world's...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5388020.stm
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10-02-2006 @ 11:50AM
Chris said...
I used to eat this stuff when I was a kid straight from the tin when my mum wasn't looking. She always wondered why some days she had to peel me off the ceiling.
Another memorable one was convincing my mum to make me a syrup toasted sandwich in our Breville Toastie maker. When it came out the inside was akin to magma, and removed a layer of skin off the inside of my mouth, but when it cooled it was worth it!
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10-02-2006 @ 1:26PM
MJ said...
This syrup is a childhood dream.Hard to find now unless you go to a speciality shop.Also love kings syrup and dont forget sourgum molassas! Lets hear form the south on the last one, too long to explain what it is! But all are great on pancakes and biscuits and to bake with........its endless!
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10-02-2006 @ 1:26PM
MJ said...
Thanks # 3 didnt see yours will look for this there. Would love to have it again.world market may have it too. My favorite place to be! Harods my favorite place to soo be!
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11-30-2006 @ 3:54PM
Marilyn King said...
Where can I buy Lyle's golden syrup in San Diego, CA?
It's in a Dec. Gourmet mag cookie recipe.
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12-08-2006 @ 1:47PM
martin said...
There is a great 'white lie' that adults tell children about Lyle's Golden Syrup -- take a look at the picture of the can above then read...
http://www.mwnch.co.uk/2006/11/09/food-fables/
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