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