What is yacon syrup?
Yacon syrup is a natural sweetener pressed from the root of the yacon plant (Smallanthus sonchifolius), an Andean tuber native to Peru. The juice is gently reduced into a thick, amber-honey syrup that tastes like a softer molasses-caramel hybrid.
It's been used by Andean families for centuries. In the last decade, it has become a quiet favorite of keto eaters, diabetes-friendly cooks, and anyone looking for a clean-label alternative to maple syrup or honey.
Where does yacon syrup come from?
Yacon grows in the Andean highlands of Peru between 1,800 and 3,500 meters of altitude. The altitude, the volcanic soil, and the mild mountain climate produce yacon naturally rich in prebiotic FOS (fructooligosaccharides).
At Yakonow, we hand-harvest from small family farms in the Peruvian highlands, then press and bottle the syrup at our FDA-compliant facility in Texas. Single ingredient. No additives. Read more about the source here.
Yacon syrup health benefits
1. Low glycemic index
Yacon syrup has a glycemic index of approximately 1, compared to maple syrup at GI 54, honey at GI 58, and white sugar at GI 65. That's 30 to 50 times lower impact on blood sugar.
2. Naturally rich in prebiotic FOS
Yacon is one of the highest natural sources of FOS, prebiotic fibers that support beneficial gut bacteria. Peer-reviewed research has documented yacon's prebiotic properties.
3. Single ingredient · clean label
If you read labels, you know how rare it is to find a sweetener with one ingredient. Yacon is just yacon.
What does yacon syrup taste like?
Smooth, warm caramel-molasses notes. Less sweet than maple syrup, naturally rich, slightly nutty.
How to use yacon syrup
- Pancakes, waffles, oatmeal · drizzle 1-2 tbsp
- Coffee, lattes, tea · 1 tsp instead of sugar
- Yogurt, granola, smoothies · 1 tsp natural sweetener
- Baking · replace sugar 1:1
- Dressings + glazes · balances acidity
Heat-stable up to 350°F. Browse our recipes here.
Where to buy yacon syrup
You can buy Yakonow Premium Pancake Syrup directly on this site. One bottle is 6oz, lasts a 2-person household 3-4 weeks. Shop single bottle or grab a multi-pack.
— Celeste, Founder · Yakonow · Texas