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