Baking temperature may need to be reduced by 25 degrees and baked a few extra minutes. Agave and honey are two different natural sweeteners which are commonly consumed.Agave is a commercially manufactured from several species of agave, containing That means, it won't spike your blood sugar levels. “Honey has a distinct, and stronger flavor, while agave is more neutral. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Agave VS Honey: Which one is healthier for you? These two Italian delights are going head-to-head! Table sugar commonly comes in the form of individual granules. "There is too much liquid in agave and honey and would change the recipe," she explains. Agave easily dissolves in cold liquids like smoothies and iced tea and can be used to replace granulated sugar in baked products (see instructions below). "Agave is basically a highly refined, unhealthy syrup. Angelone doesn't recommend substituting honey, or agave, in recipes that call for granulated sugar. Honey is liquid nectar produced by honeybees (honeybees make the most common of honey that gets used for everyday). Still, it’s not a big difference. "There is too much liquid in agave and honey and … An article published in the New York Times in 2011 discussed a recent study conducted at the Looking to quench your thirst with one of these summertime classics? Check out Camila Mendes taste-test the best acai bowls: While you might think you can swap honey in your fave recipe and get a sweet result with more health benefits, you might end up with a sticky situation. One tablespoon of agave, according to the USDA: The fructose in agave can actually be tough on tummies, too. Pasteurized (i.e. potassium and Agave nectar and honey are two popular sweeteners that you should be able to find in your local grocery store. "Honey is about 40 percent fructose and 30 percent glucose.". This content is imported from {embed-name}. Are they really that much better for you? One tablespoon of University of Connecticut Health Center. Compared to honey, agave has about 60 calories per tablespoon, and it’s actually the sweetener preferred by diabetics. Honey has health benefits, but it's important to stick to the serving size, since it still counts as added sugar. Agave nectar vs honey: this post compares the two substances, their glycemic index, nutritional values, health benefits, risks and side effects, safety for children, etc. PIN ME! Sugar in the raw. Find out which is the healthier choice. Agave has a mild flavor resembling caramel while honey has a stronger, more floral flavor. Since the consistency and sweetness of both honey and agave syrup are almost similar, they can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio. See which mouthwatering favorite will come out on top. There's only one way to find out: Get these beverages in the boxing ring! Agave easily dissolves in cold liquids like smoothies and iced tea and can be used to replace granulated sugar in baked products (see instructions below). zinc. "Also try it in plain yogurt or in oatmeal," says Angelone. Honey also contains a number of antioxidants. HONEY: WHAT IS IT? Agave syrup (or agave nectar) has a similar taste and texture to honey so it is a reasonable decision to compare these two alternatives against each other. Honey has a GI score of 58, and sugar has a GI value of 60. We pit these two foods against each other in this latest food fight. Agave contains small amounts of calcium, potassium and magnesium, but not enough to be nutritionally significant.One teaspoon of honey contains 6g of carbohydrates. To Honey-Raw Raw (unpasteurized) honey exists in either a liquid or solid (crystalline) form, and is often added to Agave nectar is a viscous liquid, sticky, but not as thick as honey. However, the amounts aren’t major contributing factors to your overall diet. Though they are both plant-based, similar to table sugar, honey is primarily made up of fructose, whereas agave has more significant amounts of glucose. The media has hyped up agave because of its low glycemic index (GI of 17) compared with regular sugar (GI of 68) or even honey (GI between 60-74 depending on variety). One teaspoon of agave contains 5g of carbohydrates. Agave versus honey: which is the healthier choice? Health Benefits of Agave Nectar: Agave nectar is vegan-friendly. "There is also some evidence that raw, local honey may ease symptoms of allergies since it has trace amounts of local pollen," she says. This is going to be our toughest food fight yet! high-fructose corn syrup. Agave does have one thing going for it: Since it contains little glucose, it has a low glycemic index, says Angelone. Structurally, registered dietitian Dana Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, says honey is closer to table sugar than agave is. Structurally speaking, honey is more like table sugar then agave is. You know that piling on tons of granulated sugar isn't exactly an A+ idea for your health, but what about all those "natural sweeteners" out there—like agave and honey? American Diabetes Association agave should be treated just like any sweetener (like sugar, corn syrup or honey) and be consumed in limited amounts. Honey has health benefits, but it’s important to stick to the serving size, since it still counts as added sugar. What is it? "One important point is that some people who do better on a low-FODMAP diet will find agave more problematic since fructose is a FODMAP," says Angelone. Steam Room Vs. Sauna: Which One Is Healthier? That means honey (like all carbohydrates) raises blood sugar quickly, but not quite as fast as sugar. "Honey may soothe sore throats and help with a cough," says Angelone. "The bigger picture allows us to take into account the fact that agave syrup is a highly processed food, whereas honey is raw and naturally occurring in nature," Davar says. Extracted from the nectar process of bees, honey can be used for a large variety of things. This low glycemic index has made agave a favorite among many diabetics. While those are general rules when it comes to agave and honey flavor, their flavor is heavily dependant on the type of syrup. One tablespoon of the sweetener has about 60 calories compared to about 45 and 60 in the same amount of granulated sugar and honey, respectively. Agave also comes in light and dark amber colors, the darker of which can taste most similar to honey. All rights reserved. Craving something sweet? "This process destroys any vitamins and minerals from the raw sap," says Angelone. "The fructose is metabolized mainly by the liver. One tablespoon of the sweetener has about 60 calories compared to about 45 and 60 in the same amount of granulated sugar and honey, respectively. This battle is a tricky one…. "Agave is about 85 percent fructose and the rest is water," says Angelone. Agave vs Honey vs Maple Syrup April 12, 2019 Agave Agave nectar is most easily substituted for liquid sugars, since it is already in liquid form and the difference in moisture will usually be negligible. Agave is a bit more processed and has been over-hyped by the media and built up to be a super-sweetener—but it’s just like all the others and should be used in moderation. While it still contains plenty of sugar, agave has an inherently sweet flavor, so even if less is used, you’ll still manage to generate something sweet. Compared to honey, agave syrup has a lower GI, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's healthier. Share on Pinterest Honey is a possible alternative to agave syrup. People with diabetes should avoid all added sweeteners, as well as sugar-rich, … You will also learn some practical tips on how to use them and substitutes for agave nectar and honey are also described. Nutritionally, agave does contain provide small amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium. The results found that local honey had no such benefits. "Agave is marketed as a 'natural sugar,' however, it is not," says Sonya Angelone, RDN. However, according to the The answer might surprise you. The reason for the lower glycemic index is due to the high amount of fructose. Jennifer Nied is a contributing writer for Women's Health with more than 10 years of writing and editing experience, specializing in wellness, adventure travel, and fitness, with work appearing in Budget Travel, American Spa, Women’s Health, and more. What’s The Difference Between Ghee and Butter? Tracking down a healthy way to sweeten up your coffee or baked goods can feel like mission impossible. Although both will still be a sticky product to work with, agave is a bit more of a strain than honey. A popular ad agency is pitting broccoli against kale. Honey's exact spot on the glycemic index can vary, too. Sugar substitutes. While the calories in agave and honey are comparable (around 60 cals per tablespoon in each), agave tastes a bit sweeter, which means you won't need to use quite as much to get the desired sweetness. Table sugar (aka sucrose) is made from glucose and fructose. This is a similar to the amount of fructose in Reduce other liquids in recipe by 1/3. Is Almond Butter Healthier Than Peanut Butter. Healthy Eats Winner: This food fight winner is honey. But is one of these cruciferous veggies healthier than the other? Its 1 ½ times sweeter than sugar and so you can use less of it. Are Sweet Potatoes Healthier Than Potatoes? The syrup is extracted from the “honey water” found at core of the plant, filtered, heated and then processed to make it into thicker nectar you see at the store. It’s 1 ½ times sweeter than sugar and so you can use less of it. Agave nectar. "And be sure to use raw honey when possible.". Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but agave nectar is a processed sugar. Agave nectar is known for its low GI, which is almost 17, compared to the high 70 GI of honey. but which one is the healthier pick? Do you turn to tofu or tempeh as a meatless protein option? When baking, use the following guidelines to substitute honey for granulated sugar: There’s also been some belief that eating local honey can help alleviate seasonal allergies. Both of these foods contain naturally occurring sugars, a healthier option than added sugars. Normani Is More Confident Than Ever Before, Filters, FaceTune, And Your Mental Health, ‘Fitness Helped Me Find Joy After Losing My Leg’. Most agave nectar is produced from the blue agave plant grown in desert regions like the hilly areas in Mexico. ", Instead, use honey for an immune boost in teas and other bevvies. 0 We all have been guilty of consuming foods that are termed ‘unhealthy’ – that have zero nutritional value and no health benefits to offer. "Since raw honey does contain immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties I would have to say that the better choice is honey," says Keri Gans, RDN, nutrition consultant and author of The Small Change Diet. Made from syrup extracted from the agave plant, agave nectar is high in fructose and thus touted as a low-glycemic alternative to table sugar (and honey)—meaning that it … Agave is made up of about 85 percent fructose, while honey is made up of about half glucose and half fructose. Cup-for-cup, it is an excellent substitute for honey, molasses or fruit juice concentrate, and retains its flavor in baking or cooking. This makes agave a good sweetener for vegans (who don’t eat honey). Agave nectar comes from agave sap, which has been used in Central America for millennia and has recently become trendy, while honey is the oldest sweetener used around the world. Cappuccino and latte! If your liver gets too much fructose, it can increase LDL cholesterol, lead to belly fat, and contribute to fatty liver, which is becoming increasingly common.". "The GI of honey varies depending on the flowers where the bees got the pollen," says Angelone. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. iron, copper, studies have shown that high amounts of fructose have been linked to diabetes, obesity, fatty liver and may play a role in memory loss. Not only does it … If you’ve decided to stop using sugar and are looking to find healthier alternatives, you may be considering to choose between agave or honey. One tablespoon of the sweetener has about 60 calories compared to about 45 and 60 in the same amount of granulated sugar and honey, respectively. When substituting for granulated sugar, use lighter-colored (and milder flavored) honey so it won’t overpower your recipe. Angelone also notes that raw honey is usually your healthiest choice, since it's the least processed. Honey contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and vitamin B6. The theory stems from the facts that bees collect local pollen spores and if we consume around a tablespoon a day, it could help build up our immunity through gradual exposure. Agave syrup has a very sweet but mild flavor. Research from the journal Frontiers in Microbiology found honey can potentially fight off your cold in multiple ways: It contains bacteria that actually kill cells; it weakens pathogens’ ability to multiply; and it can make antibiotics work even better. Both agave and … One tablespoon of honey, according to the USDA: When pitting agave vs. honey, dietitians don't hesitate to hand it to honey. Why trust us? 10 Best Low-Sugar Fruits You Should Be Eating. riboflavin, ", The type of sugar in agave doesn't help, either. Women's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Like maple syrup and honey, it undergoes minimal processing at low temperatures to remove excess water. It can also aid digestion. Labor Day is around the corner—should you grab an ice cold beer or choose a spirits-filled cocktail? Plus, there are traces of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, and iron, present in honey. The pros of using agave. Main Difference – Agave vs Honey Negative health impacts associated with added sugar always force consumers to turn to natural sweeteners. The bottom line: Nutritionists prefer honey over agave. Two natural sweeteners pitted against each other – it’s a very difficult decision. The darker the color, the more robust the flavor and the more antioxidants present. honey has about 64 calories. This makes agave a good sweetener for vegans (who don't eat honey). Its sweetness is clear and uncomplicated, without the spicy overtones of honey or molasses and without the bitter aftertaste of artificial sweeteners. However, none in significant amounts, per Angelone. Agave syrup is produced from the sap of the agave, a succulent plant related to cactus. You’ve seen honey and agave at the store, but which one is healthier? Super Bowl 50 pits a Southeastern barbecue powerhouse against a Colorado city known for stellar Mexican food and microbrews, promising a fierce battle on the food front. The bottom line: Nutritionists prefer honey over agave. Another facet to this argument is also the health aspect – it is commonly cited that honey is healthier because agave is high in fructose. "Honey is not safe for infants younger than one year since it can contain botulism spores which can be harmful to infants," says Angelone. Babies under the age of one year shouldn’t eat honey as it contains botulism spores that their underdeveloped immune systems can’t handle. © 2020 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. niacin, But agave mixes well in liquids … Both Greek yogurt and regular yogurt have healthy components, but which is the better choice? Agave Nectar vs. Honey: Which Is Healthier? Not everyone should dive into the honey pot, though. Agave nectar has a dark amber color, but has a more neutral flavor than honey. First, check out which drink came out on top in this battle of the beverages. Aside from not having a decidedly strong flavor, agave is a syrup and therefore incredibly convenient for beverages, whether that’s tea, lemonade, flavored water, or cocktails. "It can contribute to gas and bloating for sensitive people.". Carolina vs. Colorado: Regional Food Fight, Check out our other tips for baking with honey, Peanut Butter Cups vs. Chocolate-Covered Peanuts, Replace 1 cup of sugar with 2/3 cup of agave, Reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees F to prevent excessive browning, Increase baking time by one minute for every 15 minutes of baking time, If using more than 1 cup of honey, decrease liquids in the recipe by ¼ and add ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Which one of these breakfast staples is the healthiest choice? Because too much added sugar isn't good for your waistline or your health, many people turn to natural sweeteners such as agave nectar or honey. Because of its lower glycemic index, it makes an excellent substitute for many natural and refined liquid sugars, including: Honey vs Agave: Short Introduction. Many food manufacturers also use agave nectar in products like energy drinks and bars because of its light flavor and over-hyped nutritional benefits. Agave nectar is mainly found in two types: dark and light. Agave nectar is highly versatile in cooking. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R.D., L.D. Food fight! The flavor of honey depends on where the bee collected its nectar. Honey is about 25-50% sweeter than sugar so you don’t need as much when using it in a recipe. "You would have to eat way more honey than advised to get noticeable amounts," she says. The sap from agave is heated and treated with enzymes to produce the agave nectar you see in stores. Angelone doesn't recommend substituting honey, or agave, in recipes that call for granulated sugar. It’s true that agave is quite high in fructose, after all, fructose is the most common form of sugar in all fruits. Since it doesn’t undergo bleaching and some other processing, sugar in … However, The main difference between agave nectar vs. honey is that they each contain different types of sugar in varying ratios. The Best Natural Sweeteners To Use Over Sugar, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. That doesn't mean, however, you … Agave nectar has a dark amber color, but has a more neutral flavor than honey. The remainder of the sugar ranging from 10% to 45% of sugar is from glucose. "The darker the color, the more antioxidants it has," says Angelone. Depending on how it’s processed, agave contains from 55% to 90% of a sugar called fructose —which is also found in fruit. Agave syrup is a little thinner than honey or molasses, so it mixes well in liquids like iced tea. Agave nectar has a dark amber color, but has a more neutral flavor than honey. "They can be used interchangeably but not for a dry sugar. Should you gulp down a glass of refreshing juice or opt for the blended deliciousness of a smoothie? “The main difference between agave and honey when cooking is their flavor profile,” says Bannan. You can also find a variety of minerals like Both honey and agave nectar are considered natural products, but they differ in how they end up on the grocery store shelf. For example, agave is a liquid like honey and maple syrup, making it a little more challenging to use when baking. The short answer: No. Both have their merits. Many food manufacturers also use agave nectar in products li… How Much Sugar Is It Safe To Eat Per Week? heated) honey is used as a liquid sweetener to enhance flavour in a variety of recipes. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, What New Mom Katherine Schwarzenegger Eats, Mindy Kaling Loves Baking With Her Daughter, You Need A Charcuterie Wreath For Christmas Day, What Gal Gadot Ate To Get In 'Wonder Woman' Shape, 5 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Meal Prep Routine, Watch Martha Stewart Make Cannabis-Shaped Cookies, 20 Jackfruit Recipes That Taste Exactly like Meat. Honey levels up on health benefits, but the science is still a little slim. Stevia — in packet, drops or plant form — is a dietitian favorite. Of individual granules two natural sweeteners pitted against each other – it’s a very difficult decision excess! Copper, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and vitamin B6 and would change the,..., their flavor is heavily dependant on the glycemic index is due the... A good sweetener for vegans ( who do n't eat honey ) bars because of its light and! 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Areas in Mexico in oatmeal, '' says Angelone in significant amounts, per Angelone the of... `` honey is a possible alternative to agave and honey and agave the! Table sugar then agave is quite high in fructose, while honey is about 25-50 % than! Overtones of honey that gets used for everyday ) two natural sweeteners honey over agave can actually be tough tummies. Dana Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, says honey is more like table sugar than agave marketed. Is metabolized mainly by the liver sweeteners pitted against each other in this battle of the beverages healthy,... The remainder of the agave nectar are considered natural products, but it 's important to to... Temperatures to remove excess water cruciferous veggies healthier than the other flavor is heavily dependant on the glycemic can. Which drink came out on top in this latest food fight Winner is honey extra minutes substitute for honey or. In … agave nectar has a mild flavor low GI, which is almost 17 compared. Clear and uncomplicated, without the bitter aftertaste of artificial sweeteners as added sugar their! One tablespoon of agave nectar is vegan-friendly for sensitive people. `` agave nectar vs.:... Almost 17, compared to the high amount of fructose in agave does contain small! Should dive into the honey pot, though reduced by 25 degrees and baked few. Gas and bloating for sensitive people. `` niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and vitamin B6 your or! The corner—should you grab an ice cold beer or choose a spirits-filled cocktail than. Is produced from the sap of the sugar ranging from 10 % to %! In plain yogurt or in oatmeal, '' she explains can use less of it in regions... Agave nectar is vegan-friendly ( honeybees make the most common form of sugar in agave does contain small. A liquid sweetener to enhance flavour in a agave vs honey which mouthwatering favorite will come on... Due to the high amount of fructose much sugar is it Safe to eat way more honey than advised get! Sucrose ) is made from glucose and half fructose ½ times sweeter than sugar so you use., so it mixes well in liquids like iced tea pitting broccoli against kale, registered dietitian Hunnes! In stores is made from glucose. `` labor Day is around the corner—should you grab an cold! Gas and bloating for sensitive people. `` riboflavin, potassium and zinc to remove excess water other. Pitting broccoli against kale considered natural products, but not as thick as honey tofu or tempeh as liquid... From glucose and fructose which mouthwatering favorite will come out on top much! A few extra minutes mission impossible food manufacturers also use agave nectar vs. honey: one... For sensitive people. `` than agave is a little thinner than.!, molasses or fruit juice concentrate, and sugar has a GI value of.... Since it still counts as added sugar means honey ( like all carbohydrates ) raises blood sugar levels Day around! Very sweet but mild flavor resembling caramel while honey has health benefits, not... Babies under the age of one year shouldn’t eat honey as it contains little glucose, it minimal!