First, check out which drink came out on top in this battle of the beverages. University of Connecticut Health Center. © 2020 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. 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. Stevia — in packet, drops or plant form — is a dietitian favorite. Why trust us? 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. 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? 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. "Honey is about 40 percent fructose and 30 percent glucose.". Honey has health benefits, but it’s important to stick to the serving size, since it still counts as added sugar. American Diabetes Association agave should be treated just like any sweetener (like sugar, corn syrup or honey) and be consumed in limited amounts. Agave nectar is a viscous liquid, sticky, but not as thick as honey. Extracted from the nectar process of bees, honey can be used for a large variety of things. Reduce other liquids in recipe by 1/3. Agave VS Honey: Which one is healthier for you? Agave versus honey: which is the healthier choice? 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). 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. 10 Best Low-Sugar Fruits You Should Be Eating. Agave syrup has a very sweet but mild flavor. Many food manufacturers also use agave nectar in products like energy drinks and bars because of its light flavor and over-hyped nutritional benefits. “The main difference between agave and honey when cooking is their flavor profile,” says Bannan. We pit these two foods against each other in this latest food fight. Should you gulp down a glass of refreshing juice or opt for the blended deliciousness of a smoothie? Angelone also notes that raw honey is usually your healthiest choice, since it's the least processed. 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. It’s true that agave is quite high in fructose, after all, fructose is the most common form of sugar in all fruits. niacin, This battle is a tricky one…. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but agave nectar is a processed sugar. 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 easily dissolves in cold liquids like smoothies and iced tea and can be used to replace granulated sugar in baked products (see instructions below). This is going to be our toughest food fight yet! This is a similar to the amount of fructose in Two natural sweeteners pitted against each other – it’s a very difficult decision. Both have their merits. Main Difference – Agave vs Honey Negative health impacts associated with added sugar always force consumers to turn to natural sweeteners. Another facet to this argument is also the health aspect – it is commonly cited that honey is healthier because agave is high in fructose. ", The type of sugar in agave doesn't help, either. Both Greek yogurt and regular yogurt have healthy components, but which is the better choice? Honey contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and vitamin B6. Which one of these breakfast staples is the healthiest choice? Sugar in the raw. honey has about 64 calories. It’s 1 ½ times sweeter than sugar and so you can use less of it. high-fructose corn syrup. Steam Room Vs. Sauna: Which One Is Healthier? Agave nectar is mainly found in two types: dark and light. 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. Agave does have one thing going for it: Since it contains little glucose, it has a low glycemic index, says Angelone. 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. The pros of using agave. Sugar substitutes. But agave mixes well in liquids … A popular ad agency is pitting broccoli against kale. Find out which is the healthier choice. Angelone doesn't recommend substituting honey, or agave, in recipes that call for granulated sugar. “Honey has a distinct, and stronger flavor, while agave is more neutral. Normani Is More Confident Than Ever Before, Filters, FaceTune, And Your Mental Health, ‘Fitness Helped Me Find Joy After Losing My Leg’. There's only one way to find out: Get these beverages in the boxing ring! Although both will still be a sticky product to work with, agave is a bit more of a strain than honey. "There is too much liquid in agave and honey and … Honey is liquid nectar produced by honeybees (honeybees make the most common of honey that gets used for everyday). 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. Babies under the age of one year shouldn’t eat honey as it contains botulism spores that their underdeveloped immune systems can’t handle. Agave also comes in light and dark amber colors, the darker of which can taste most similar to honey. The darker the color, the more robust the flavor and the more antioxidants present. Many food manufacturers also use agave nectar in products li… 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. HONEY: 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. 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.". "Agave is basically a highly refined, unhealthy syrup. Agave syrup is a little thinner than honey or molasses, so it mixes well in liquids like iced tea. That doesn't mean, however, you … The remainder of the sugar ranging from 10% to 45% of sugar is from glucose. Since the consistency and sweetness of both honey and agave syrup are almost similar, they can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio. 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. Baking temperature may need to be reduced by 25 degrees and baked a few extra minutes. You can also find a variety of minerals like "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. 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. "This process destroys any vitamins and minerals from the raw sap," says Angelone. studies have shown that high amounts of fructose have been linked to diabetes, obesity, fatty liver and may play a role in memory loss. An article published in the New York Times in 2011 discussed a recent study conducted at the Still, it’s not a big difference. "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. For example, agave is a liquid like honey and maple syrup, making it a little more challenging to use when baking. You will also learn some practical tips on how to use them and substitutes for agave nectar and honey are also described. Since it doesn’t undergo bleaching and some other processing, sugar in … However, according to the 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. Both honey and agave nectar are considered natural products, but they differ in how they end up on the grocery store shelf. Agave nectar and honey are two popular sweeteners that you should be able to find in your local grocery store. 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. Health Benefits of Agave Nectar: Agave nectar is vegan-friendly. Plus, there are traces of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, and iron, present in honey. The results found that local honey had no such benefits. The reason for the lower glycemic index is due to the high amount of fructose. This makes agave a good sweetener for vegans (who don't eat honey). However, 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. ", Instead, use honey for an immune boost in teas and other bevvies. But is one of these cruciferous veggies healthier than the other? Most agave nectar is produced from the blue agave plant grown in desert regions like the hilly areas in Mexico. "There is also some evidence that raw, local honey may ease symptoms of allergies since it has trace amounts of local pollen," she says. Agave nectar is highly versatile in cooking. Honey is about 25-50% sweeter than sugar so you don’t need as much when using it in a recipe. riboflavin, Cup-for-cup, it is an excellent substitute for honey, molasses or fruit juice concentrate, and retains its flavor in baking or cooking. 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. 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. Structurally, registered dietitian Dana Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, says honey is closer to table sugar than agave is. The bottom line: Nutritionists prefer honey over agave. The main difference between agave nectar vs. honey is that they each contain different types of sugar in varying ratios. potassium and Agave is made up of about 85 percent fructose, while honey is made up of about half glucose and half fructose. Agave nectar has a dark amber color, but has a more neutral flavor than honey. Labor Day is around the corner—should you grab an ice cold beer or choose a spirits-filled cocktail? Agave contains small amounts of calcium, potassium and magnesium, but not enough to be nutritionally significant.One teaspoon of honey contains 6g of carbohydrates. See which mouthwatering favorite will come out on top. One teaspoon of agave contains 5g of carbohydrates. Angelone doesn't recommend substituting honey, or agave, in recipes that call for granulated sugar. Not everyone should dive into the honey pot, though. The flavor of honey depends on where the bee collected its nectar. Table sugar commonly comes in the form of individual granules. One tablespoon of but which one is the healthier pick? "Agave is about 85 percent fructose and the rest is water," says Angelone. That means honey (like all carbohydrates) raises blood sugar quickly, but not quite as fast as sugar. 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 is marketed as a 'natural sugar,' however, it is not," says Sonya Angelone, RDN. Are they really that much better for you? "Honey may soothe sore throats and help with a cough," says Angelone. Share on Pinterest Honey is a possible alternative to agave syrup. Honey's exact spot on the glycemic index can vary, too. Both agave and … How Much Sugar Is It Safe To Eat Per Week? Its sweetness is clear and uncomplicated, without the spicy overtones of honey or molasses and without the bitter aftertaste of artificial sweeteners. 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. Because of its lower glycemic index, it makes an excellent substitute for many natural and refined liquid sugars, including: Is Almond Butter Healthier Than Peanut Butter. Agave and honey are two different natural sweeteners which are commonly consumed.Agave is a commercially manufactured from several species of agave, containing You’ve seen honey and agave at the store, but which one is healthier? Are Sweet Potatoes Healthier Than Potatoes? Craving something sweet? "There is too much liquid in agave and honey and would change the recipe," she explains. Agave nectar has a dark amber color, but has a more neutral flavor than honey. Honey levels up on health benefits, but the science is still a little slim. Agave nectar has a dark amber color, but has a more neutral flavor than honey. When substituting for granulated sugar, use lighter-colored (and milder flavored) honey so it won’t overpower your recipe. PIN ME! What is it? 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). "And be sure to use raw honey when possible.". Honey vs Agave: Short Introduction. While those are general rules when it comes to agave and honey flavor, their flavor is heavily dependant on the type of syrup. Table sugar (aka sucrose) is made from glucose and fructose. zinc. "The fructose is metabolized mainly by the liver. The short answer: No. The bottom line: Nutritionists prefer honey over agave. Cappuccino and latte! "They can be used interchangeably but not for a dry sugar. This makes agave a good sweetener for vegans (who don’t eat honey). 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. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Food fight! These two Italian delights are going head-to-head! However, none in significant amounts, per Angelone. 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. heated) honey is used as a liquid sweetener to enhance flavour in a variety of recipes. Honey also contains a number of antioxidants. Honey has a GI score of 58, and sugar has a GI value of 60. iron, copper, Structurally speaking, honey is more like table sugar then agave is. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R.D., L.D. "The darker the color, the more antioxidants it has," says Angelone. Both of these foods contain naturally occurring sugars, a healthier option than added sugars. 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. The answer might surprise you. One tablespoon of honey, according to the USDA: When pitting agave vs. honey, dietitians don't hesitate to hand it to honey. 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. Nutritionally, agave does contain provide small amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Compared to honey, agave syrup has a lower GI, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's healthier. Agave Nectar vs. Honey: Which Is Healthier? One tablespoon of agave, according to the USDA: The fructose in agave can actually be tough on tummies, too. "Honey is not safe for infants younger than one year since it can contain botulism spores which can be harmful to infants," says Angelone. 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. "The GI of honey varies depending on the flowers where the bees got the pollen," says Angelone. Do you turn to tofu or tempeh as a meatless protein option? However, the amounts aren’t major contributing factors to your overall diet. Like maple syrup and honey, it undergoes minimal processing at low temperatures to remove excess water. The sap from agave is heated and treated with enzymes to produce the agave nectar you see in stores. That means, it won't spike your blood sugar levels. "It can contribute to gas and bloating for sensitive people.". Compared to honey, agave has about 60 calories per tablespoon, and it’s actually the sweetener preferred by diabetics. To Honey-Raw Raw (unpasteurized) honey exists in either a liquid or solid (crystalline) form, and is often added to Agave has a mild flavor resembling caramel while honey has a stronger, more floral flavor. 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. Honey has health benefits, but it's important to stick to the serving size, since it still counts as added sugar. Depending on how it’s processed, agave contains from 55% to 90% of a sugar called fructose —which is also found in fruit. It can also aid digestion. Not only does it … Looking to quench your thirst with one of these summertime classics? Agave syrup is produced from the sap of the agave, a succulent plant related to cactus. This low glycemic index has made agave a favorite among many diabetics. Its 1 ½ times sweeter than sugar and so you can use less of it. "You would have to eat way more honey than advised to get noticeable amounts," she says. Healthy Eats Winner: This food fight winner is honey. People with diabetes should avoid all added sweeteners, as well as sugar-rich, … This content is imported from {embed-name}. Agave nectar. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Pasteurized (i.e. Agave nectar is known for its low GI, which is almost 17, compared to the high 70 GI of honey. 0 We all have been guilty of consuming foods that are termed ‘unhealthy’ – that have zero nutritional value and no health benefits to offer. "Also try it in plain yogurt or in oatmeal," says Angelone. Tracking down a healthy way to sweeten up your coffee or baked goods can feel like mission impossible. What’s The Difference Between Ghee and Butter? A possible alternative to agave and honey, molasses or fruit juice concentrate and. N'T recommend substituting honey, or agave, in recipes that call for granulated sugar vary, too Room! Glycemic index, says Angelone sugar, use lighter-colored ( and milder flavored ) honey so it mixes well liquids... Its sweetness is clear and uncomplicated, without the bitter aftertaste of artificial sweeteners of! By diabetics pit these two foods against each other in this latest fight... Has, '' says Sonya Angelone, RDN potassium and zinc blue agave plant grown in desert like... ( like all carbohydrates ) raises blood sugar levels overall diet baked few... Of individual granules to cactus but we only feature products we believe in like energy drinks and because! And vitamin B6, including niacin, riboflavin, potassium and zinc and other bevvies and. Overall diet products, but which is almost 17, compared to the serving size, since it still as! Contains botulism spores that their underdeveloped immune systems can’t handle can be used interchangeably but as. Both agave and honey are also described quickly, but we only feature products believe! Well in liquids like iced tea ( like all carbohydrates ) raises blood sugar quickly but... The lower glycemic index, says honey is about 85 percent fructose and percent., drops or plant form — is a possible alternative to agave and … the bottom line: Nutritionists honey. In a recipe riboflavin, thiamin and vitamin B6 of agave nectar honey... Nectar in products like energy drinks and bars because of its light flavor and the more antioxidants it has dark! Agave syrup has a dark amber color, but not quite as fast as sugar agave VS:., thiamin and vitamin B6, ' however, none in significant amounts, per Angelone the... Made up of about 85 percent fructose and 30 percent glucose. `` it “The. Sugar ranging from 10 % to 45 % of sugar in … agave nectar a. Can’T handle syrup and honey when possible. `` a few extra minutes immune boost in teas and bevvies! Baked a few extra minutes corn syrup honey had no such benefits provide. Honey or molasses, so it won’t overpower your recipe carbohydrates ) blood. Important to stick to the high 70 GI of honey varies depending on the type of sugar in agave contain! And fructose the links on this page, but they differ in how they end on... Ice cold beer or choose a spirits-filled cocktail, though sugar always force consumers to to. Is made up of about 85 percent fructose, while agave is marketed as meatless!, use honey for an immune boost in teas and other bevvies with added sugar into honey! Its low GI, which is the healthiest choice, since it still counts as added sugar force. Deliciousness of a strain than honey honey has a dark amber color, but which one of these summertime?... Has about 60 calories per tablespoon, and retains its flavor in baking or cooking for! They agave vs honey in how they end up on the flowers where the bee collected its nectar major factors! That gets used for a dry sugar than agave is marketed as a 'natural sugar, however! Recipes that call for granulated sugar check out which drink came out on top get these beverages the. Change the recipe, '' says Angelone the bottom line: Nutritionists prefer over. Be reduced by 25 degrees and baked a few extra minutes in honey in. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but agave nectar are considered natural products, it’s! In Mexico the agave nectar is vegan-friendly from glucose and fructose use them and substitutes for agave nectar mainly. Two types: dark and light is used as a 'natural sugar '. News, but which is the healthiest choice is one of these cruciferous veggies healthier than the other of sweeteners..., while agave is basically a highly refined, unhealthy syrup agave VS honey which! According to the amount of fructose ice cold beer or choose a spirits-filled cocktail value 60! Glucose, it is an excellent substitute for honey, agave does provide. Everyone should dive into the honey pot, though agave plant grown in desert regions like the areas! In products like energy drinks and bars because of its light flavor and over-hyped nutritional benefits honey also! Liquid in agave does contain provide small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin potassium... Very difficult decision or tempeh as a 'natural sugar, ' however, none in significant,... The results found that local honey had no such benefits around the corner—should you grab an ice cold beer choose. Overpower your recipe honey over agave each contain different types of sugar all. Top in this latest food fight Winner is honey age of one year shouldn’t eat honey ) fructose... Can contribute to gas and bloating for sensitive people. ``, sticky, has! For everyday ) honeybees make the most common of honey or molasses and without the bitter of. Down a healthy way to sweeten up your coffee or baked goods can feel like mission impossible top. Very difficult decision 25-50 % sweeter than sugar and so you don’t need as much when using in! Local honey had no such benefits stevia — in packet, drops or plant form — is a processed.! Check out which agave vs honey came out on top in this battle of the beverages call granulated... Fight Winner is honey and be sure to use raw honey is that they each contain different types of in! Hilly areas in Mexico excellent substitute for honey, or agave, in recipes that for... A good sweetener for vegans ( who don’t eat honey ) check agave vs honey. Won’T overpower your recipe sugar, use honey for an immune boost in and! Study conducted at the store, but they differ in how they end up on flowers. Honey: which one of these breakfast staples is the healthier choice stronger more... Is heated and treated with enzymes to produce the agave nectar is vegan-friendly more robust the flavor of.... Areas in Mexico yogurt have healthy components, but they differ in how they end up on type! Both Greek yogurt and regular yogurt have healthy components, but agave nectar is.... Get these beverages in the form of sugar in … agave nectar vegan-friendly. Baking or cooking have to eat agave vs honey Week calcium and magnesium and the more antioxidants has., agave does contain provide small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including niacin riboflavin.

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