Collection: Malt Extract

Q: Liquid or dried malt extract, which should I use?

Both give the same result. Liquid extract is cheaper per litre of beer and easier to dissolve; dried extract keeps longer once opened, weighs less and is easier to measure for yeast starters. Roughly 1.2kg of liquid extract equals 1kg of dried.

Q: Can I replace the sugar in a beer kit with malt extract?

Yes. Replace 1kg of brewing sugar with a 1.5kg can of liquid malt extract or 1kg of dried malt extract for more body, better head retention and a fuller malt flavour.

Q: How much malt extract do I need for 23 litres?

For an all-extract beer of around 4.5 to 5% ABV you need roughly 3 to 3.5kg of liquid malt extract, or 2.5 to 3kg dried, in 23 litres.

Q: Does malt extract go off?

Unopened liquid extract keeps for around 12 to 18 months in a cool cupboard and darkens with age. Dried extract lasts longer but absorbs moisture, so reseal it tightly.

Malt extract is one of the most versatile ingredients in home brewing, providing a convenient and consistent source of fermentable sugars without the need for a full all-grain mash. At BrewCo UK we stock liquid and dried malt extract in every colour from extra light to dark, for extract brewing, recipe kits, and boosting home brew beer kits for extra strength and body. Whether you're a beginner simplifying your brew day or an experienced brewer building a recipe, malt extract delivers reliable results every time.

Liquid malt extract (LME) is easy to measure and dissolves quickly in hot water. Our 1.5kg cans of Thomas Coopers Light, Amber, Dark and Wheat malt extract are the classic way to upgrade a beer kit — swap the 1kg of sugar for a can and you'll get better body, head retention and a much fuller flavour. Mangrove Jack's Pure Liquid Malt Extract is made from 100% malted barley and available in 1.2kg and 1.5kg pouches. Brewing in volume? We also carry Cedarex liquid malt extract in 25kg tubs.

Dried malt extract (DME) offers a longer shelf life and slightly higher fermentable content by weight, and is ideal for yeast starters and priming. Choose from Handcraft Supplies Light, Medium, Dark and Wheat 1kg bags, or the Muntons Spraymalt range in 500g packs — including hopped light spraymalt for extra bitterness in kit beers.

Malt extract is also widely used to raise the original gravity of kit beers, improve head retention, and add complexity to the finished flavour. Use our ABV calculator to see how much a can of extract will lift your final strength, or try the Beer Recipe Generator to build a full extract recipe with hops and yeast from stock. Browse the full range below and order today for fast UK delivery.

Malt extract FAQs

Liquid or dried malt extract — which should I use?

Both give the same result in the glass. Liquid extract is cheaper per litre of beer and easier to dissolve; dried extract keeps longer once opened, weighs less to post, and is easier to measure in small amounts for yeast starters. Roughly 1.2kg of LME equals 1kg of DME.

Can I replace the sugar in a beer kit with malt extract?

Yes, and it's the single biggest improvement you can make to a kit beer. Replace 1kg of brewing sugar with a 1.5kg can of liquid malt extract or 1kg of dried malt extract. You'll get more body, better head and a maltier, less thin flavour.

How much malt extract do I need for 23 litres?

For an all-extract beer of around 4.5–5% ABV you need roughly 3–3.5kg of liquid malt extract (or 2.5–3kg dried) in 23 litres. A 1.5kg can added to a standard 1.5–1.8kg beer kit gives a similar strength.

Does malt extract go off?

Unopened liquid extract keeps for around 12–18 months in a cool cupboard; it darkens with age but stays usable. Dried extract lasts longer but is hygroscopic — reseal it tightly or it will turn into a solid block.