Liquid Malt Extract

Shop liquid malt extract (LME) for home brewing, from light and amber malt extract syrups to dark, wheat and Maris Otter varieties. Choose Muntons malt extract in 1.5kg tins or selected 25kg bulk packs, plus Mangrove Jack's Light LME in a 1.2kg pouch. Use liquid malt extract for extract brewing recipes or as a malt-rich addition to beer kits.

Choose the Right Liquid Malt Extract

• Light LME: a versatile base for pale ales, golden ales and other lighter beer styles. Compare Muntons Light 1.5kg with Mangrove Jack's Light 1.2kg.
• Medium or amber LME: suitable when you want a deeper colour and a more pronounced malt profile. Browse Medium and Amber extracts.
• Dark LME: for darker beers such as porters, stouts and dark ales, often blended with lighter extract. See Muntons Dark 1.5kg.
• Wheat LME: a practical choice for wheat beer recipes. Check the wheat liquid malt extract ingredients and allergens.
• Maris Otter LME: gives a character associated with traditional English ale malt; compare Muntons Maris Otter Light Malt Extract.
• Hopped LME: contains hop-derived character or bitterness and is not interchangeable with unhopped extracts in every recipe. See Muntons Hopped Light.

Liquid Malt Extract vs Dried Malt Extract

LME is a thick syrup containing some water, while dried malt extract (DME, also called spraymalt) is a powder. They can both be used to brew beer, but they are not interchangeable gram for gram. Check your recipe's target gravity and adjust quantities for the product you choose. For a full comparison and our powdered range, visit the malt extract collection or read our liquid versus dried malt extract guide.

Using LME in Beer Kits and Extract Brewing

Liquid malt extract can contribute fermentable sugars, malt flavour and body to a beer kit, or form the base of a full extract recipe alongside hops and beer yeast. Follow the specific kit or recipe instructions for how much extract to add. Stir syrup into warm water or wort off direct heat to help it dissolve without scorching. Our extract brewing guide explains the wider brewing process.

Liquid Malt Extract FAQs

What is liquid malt extract?

Liquid malt extract is concentrated malt wort supplied as a syrup. It provides malt sugars and flavour, reducing the need to mash grain when making extract beer.

Does liquid malt extract go bad?

Use the best-before date and storage instructions on the pack. LME can darken and change flavour with time, especially when stored warm. If a pack is damaged, swollen or shows signs of contamination, do not use it.

How long does liquid malt extract last once opened?

Follow the manufacturer's guidance, reseal tightly and use promptly to preserve quality. Avoid introducing moisture or unclean utensils into the remaining syrup.

Can I use liquid malt extract instead of brewing sugar?

Often, but the result will differ in flavour, body and fermentability. Do not substitute equal weights automatically; follow the relevant beer kit or recipe guidance.

Do I need to boil liquid malt extract?

That depends on the recipe. Some unhopped extract beers require a boil for hop additions, while pre-hopped ingredient kits may only require dissolving the extract in hot water. Follow the instructions and avoid scorching.

For equipment and complementary ingredients, browse beer brewing equipment, hops and brewing yeast.