Zero Waste, Zero Toxicity | Simple Syrups
Hello Everyone,
In today’s episode we will be discussing simple syrups.
Non-Toxic Simple Syrups You Can Actually Trust
When it comes to sweetening coffee, tea, cocktails, or even desserts, simple syrup is a go-to ingredient. But here’s the catch: most store-bought syrups are loaded with artificial colors, artificial flavors, high-fructose corn syrup, and preservatives that don’t exactly align with a wellness-focused lifestyle.
That’s why I’ve put together a short, trustworthy list of non-toxic syrup brands that skip the questionable additives and focus on whole, quality ingredients. These options taste incredible, are easy to find online, and let you enjoy sweetness without compromise.
What Makes a Syrup “Non-Toxic”?
When choosing syrups, I look for:
No artificial colors or dyes (like Red 40 or Yellow 5)
No artificial flavors — only natural extracts or whole spices
No high-fructose corn syrup — sweetened with organic cane sugar, maple, or other natural sweeteners
No chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate paired with ascorbic acid
Transparent ingredient lists you can actually pronounce
Bonus: Glass packaging to avoid potential leaching from plastic
My Top Non-Toxic Syrup Brand Picks
Transcendence Coffee
Known for globally inspired flavors like gulab jamun (cardamom, rose, saffron), Transcendence Coffee uses whole spices and organic pure cane sugar without preservatives or chemical additives. Their syrups are small-batch and big on authentic flavor.
Pink House Alchemy
Handmade in Arkansas, Pink House Alchemy is all about botanical-forward flavors—think lavender, hibiscus, and cardamom. Their syrups are free of artificial ingredients and strike the perfect balance between artisanal and accessible.
Surrup.
This minimalist brand focuses on short ingredient lists and small-batch quality. With a simple base of pure cane sugar, water, and natural flavors, Surrup avoids artificial colors and heavy processing while offering excellent shelf stability.
Pratt Standard
Based in Washington, DC, Pratt Standard specializes in cocktail-style syrups made with whole botanicals and natural sweeteners like cane sugar or demerara. Their True Grenadine is made from real pomegranate juice—no dyes, no HFCS, just rich, authentic flavor.
Demerara sugar is a minimally processed, large-crystal cane sugar with a light golden color and a subtle caramel or toffee-like flavor. It’s less refined than white sugar, so it retains a touch of natural molasses. Many small-batch syrup makers (like Pratt Standard) prefer it because it gives drinks richer depth without overpowering sweetness.
Caribe & Co.
Caribe & Co. captures the flavors of the Caribbean in vibrant, clean syrups made with organic cane sugar and natural fruit or spice infusions. With tropical profiles like sorrel, tamarind, and passionfruit, they deliver a taste of island culture without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Final Thoughts
A clean syrup doesn’t just taste better—it supports a healthier, more mindful lifestyle. By choosing brands that value ingredient integrity, you can still enjoy all the flavor you love without the extra chemicals you don’t. Whether you’re elevating your morning latte, mixing an evening mocktail, or sweetening a dessert, these non-toxic syrups have you covered.
💡 Pro Tip: Even when buying from trusted brands, always skim the ingredient list—transparency is part of the flavor.
