SaurabhSweeteners are used in cocktails or beverages to make them tastier. They can also be added to many recipes to balance the taste and add a specific touch to it.
One popular sweetener is agave nectar – a natural sweetener that is often added to both food and beverages. It has a unique taste that is sweeter than sugar and with similarities to honey. It is made from the agave plant and is popular in Mexico.
It is usually referred to as agave nectar, and it’s very healthy. This liquid sweetener varies in color from light to dark, and from a mild to a very strong taste.
However, what if you are unable to find any agave nectar and you are searching for a substitute that you may already have in your kitchen? Is it possible to make a swap?
You have a choice – pick what’s right for you and what fits your recipe the best. Read on to find out more about each option.
Substitutes for Agave Nectar
We have good news for you! Agave nectar can be replaced with many products that are just as sweet. Some of them have a different consistency, but there is always the option of adding an extra ingredient to get to what you’re aiming for.
1. Honey
We start off with the most common ingredient that you can find all over the world, and that is honey – a very healthy alternative that can be a good substitute for agave nectar. It can be used as a natural sweetener and it fits very well with salty food as well.
Use honey as a substitute in baking, making cakes and other desserts, marinades, and other recipes that require agave nectar. Use one cup of honey for every cup of agave nectar and keep in mind that honey is thicker than agave.
2. Simple syrup
Another product that will make a good alternative – particularly in cocktails – is simple syrup. This is an ingredient that will fit perfectly if you are making margaritas. It is very simple to combine (as the name suggests!).
You can substitute by using equal amounts of sugar and water, which need to be heated until they are dissolved. It’s really easy to make and you can always make more to save for later. Store in your fridge and you can keep it there for a month.
3. White sugar
White sugar is a product that we all have in our kitchen. It does not cost much and you always have it at hand, which makes it a very good substitute for agave nectar. You can always use white sugar to make dressing or sauces, it’s good in baking and is also used in drinks.
Use ⅓ cup of white sugar for every cup of agave nectar in a recipe. Also, another important tip is that when you are using white sugar as a substitute in baking, add an additional half cup of water, milk, or oil so you’ll get the texture you need.
4. Maple syrup
A very popular ingredient that we all know and commonly pour over our food is maple syrup. Mostly used on top of pancakes and also in combination with salty food, this product is delicious and serves as a very good substitute for agave nectar.
You can use it with bacon as well, or with many other salty-sweet meals. Use equal amounts of maple syrup to replace agave nectar. If you want the meal to be sweeter you can always add more of the maple syrup, but try not to overuse.
5. Corn syrup
Another product that will be a good substitute for agave nectar is corn syrup. This is a product that is used basically to make candy. Use a ratio of 1:1 of white sugar and corn syrup when making some candy treats. This type of syrup is boiled.
6. Brown rice syrup
Brown rice syrup is another very good alternative for agave nectar. It has a higher Glycemic Index than the agave nectar, but lower than regular sugar. You can use it as an alternative in all recipes that call for agave nectar.
You can make many hot beverages even tastier and also you can bake with it. When substituting, keep in mind that brown rice syrup is not as sweet as agave nectar, so you can add more according to taste. You can always use double doses of brown rice syrup as a replacement for agave nectar in your recipe.
Sugar-free Substitutes for Agave Nectar
There are many people who do not enjoy sugary products and are looking for something that is free of it. We have put together a list of sugar-free alternatives to agave nectar.
7. Artificial Sweeteners
These are often used in sugar-free sodas. They are a good alternative to agave nectar in beverages or any recipe. Artificial sweeteners are very low in calories. However, they do have an unpleasant aftertaste which means that many people don’t like it, so make sure to use it appropriately.
8. Fruit Syrup
A natural sweetener that is perfect for many recipes, simply take a batch of fruit, blend it, add some water, and you have created the perfect sugar-free syrup. You can add more fruits if you prefer!
9. Coconut Nectar
Another sugar-free option is coconut nectar, which you can easily find in natural food stores. It is a good alternative to agave nectar, as it has light traces of sweetness and is not highly processed. It comes from a coconut tree and is made in a similar way to maple syrup. You can use it to make cakes, muffins, or other baked goods.
10. Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses
Unsulphured blackstrap molasses is a very thick sweetener that has a unique taste. An excellent substitute for agave nectar, it is a very healthy sweetener that has a combination of many minerals that can improve your health. Use in many recipes as an alternative, and make a healthy and delicious meal.
Related questions:
Can agave nectar be substituted with golden syrup?
Yes, it can, but golden syrup has a very mild and buttery flavor. It is made from just water sugar and citric acid. It can be used as a substitute but do not overuse it because it is sweeter than agave nectar (which is why it’s good in recipes like cakes or muffins).
Is agave nectar the same as agave syrup?
There is actually no difference between them. Basically, the only difference is that the organic agave is made from the organic blue agave plant. The process of making both products is the same.
