Agave nectar is a commonly used liquid sweetener that is extremely sweet, but fairly neutral in flavour. It has received a lot of attention over the years for being a natural ingredient that is healthy and diabetic-friendly. Agave nectar is a great option for sweetening food. There are a lot of alternatives you can use in place of agave nectar if it has run out or if you simply prefer another alternative. Below are some of the best alternatives to consider when it comes to substituting agave nectar. Take note that you can replace agave nectar with almost anything that is sweet and if your alternative has a different consistency, then you may want to compensate it with an extra ingredient.
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Honey
Honey is one of your best substitutes when it comes to substituting agave nectar. It is an attractive option for people that can use agave nectar but also want a natural sweetener. Honey is a versatile option that is excellent at balancing out salty food plus you can use honey in baking, in desserts, as well as in marinades. However, in some dishes you may notice a subtle honey undertone, if that is not a problem with you then honey is your best bet. When you decide to use it, add one cup of honey for every one cup of agave nectar. The texture of honey is much thicker and more viscous, and that may make it a little more tricky to work with in your meals.
Simple Syrup
Another perfect substitute for agave nectar is syrup. Syrup is one of your best alternative options for a perfect cocktail. There are a lot of cocktails that call for agave syrup, and the most popular being a margarita. A syrup is a handy substitute that is easily accessible, and affordable plus it is simple to make. Simply mix equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat it up until it has dissolved. Although it may be a bit of extra work you can make a decent-sized batch and store it in the refrigerator for a month, and use it as required.
Maple Syrup
Also on our list of the best substitutes for agave nectar is maple syrup. Maple syrup is your go to alternative for drizzling. It is your delicious option for pouring and drizzling over your meals. You can use it on a pancake with fruit to create a perfect snack for any time of the day. Also, you can drip it onto bacon before roasting for a lovely combination of salty sweetness. Maple syrup also makes a tasty glaze for a Christmas ham. It is one of your best substitutes as a sweetener in baking and can be used in equal ratios to agave nectar. If you are one with a sweet tooth add a little extra maple syrup because it is not as intensely sweet.
Brown Rice Syrup
If you need a low GI option consider brown rice syrup as an option. Brown rice syrup is also known as rice malt syrup and it is also a good substitute for agave syrup. However, brown rice syrup has a Glycemic Index (GI) that is a little higher than agave syrup but much lower than regular sugar, or even honey. You can use this brown rice syrup as a substitute in any recipe that calls for agave syrup. It can be added in smoothies, baked goods, and hot beverages. Brown rice syrup is less sweet than agave syrup and it may not be the best option if you have a sweet tooth and like your food maximized for sweetness. You can double the brown rice syrup for a similar level of sweetness if you prefer but be careful when cooking because it will throw out your ratios, with too much liquid.
White Sugar
Another traditional option for substituting agave syrup is white sugar. If you are not bothered by the glycemic index, calories, or any other dietary concerns then you can consider white sugar. White sugar is a low cost alternative option that you can use in dressings, sauces, baking, and cold or hot drinks. For every cup of agave syrup called for in a recipe, you can add an extra one-third cup of white sugar to compensate for its less sweet flavour. Keep in mind that many recipes need to compensate for the reduced liquid by adding something else in its place. When baking, add an extra half cup of water, milk, oil, or whatever that is appropriate for your meal if you decide to cook with it.
Corn Syrup
Also on our list of perfect substitutes for agave nectar is corn syrup. Corn syrup is your best go to alternative when it comes to making candy. If you are making candy like fudge, pralines, or taffee, then agave syrup as well as other sugars may crystallize your candy and cause unwanted crystal solids to appear in your syrup without warning. This is one of the advantages of using corn syrup. Corn syrup acts as an interferent during the boiling process and produces a better final product. Simply use a one to one combination of white sugar and corn syrup to make a perfect candy treat.
Artificial Sweeteners
Lastly, you can make use of artificial sweeteners as an alternative for agave syrup. Also, artificial sweeteners are your best low-calorie choice alternative. There has been an increasing number of artificial sweeteners on the market that you can consider in your meals. Artificial sweeteners have been used for many years in products like sugar-free soda. You can also add them in your sugar substitutes into practically any recipe or beverage you may like. Some of the advantages when it comes to artificial sweeteners is that they are low in calories but not everyone enjoys their after-taste so it may not be a good option for some.
If you are need of agave nectar substitutes then honey, maple syrup, or a simple syrup will work well in most dishes. For cocktails that call for agave syrup, you can use a simple syrup although it does come with a higher glycemic index.
