Agave nectar is a delicious, natural sweetener used in many types of recipes. And if you are a making a dish that calls for agave nectar but you don’t have any, no need to fear.
There are a number of substitutes for agave nectar you can use, and you probably already have at least one of them stocked in your kitchen.
So what are the best agave nectar substitutes?
The top substitutes for agave nectar are maple syrup, honey, raw sugar, and fruit.
Read on for everything you need to know about replacing agave nectar, as well as how to use each of these natural sweeteners.
Agave Nectar Alternatives
Agave is a rich natural sweetener that has grown in popularity in recent years. It has many uses in the kitchen and can be found in recipes for beverages, baking and even dinner recipes.
It is prized for it’s low carbohydrate content and sweet flavor.
Agave nectar is a wonderful way to sweeten cold drinks from ice tea to mixed drinks. And dark agave nectar can even be used to top pancakes, French toast, and waffles.
No matter what you need agave nectar for, you will find a great substitution you can use below.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is one of my favorite substitutes for agave nectar. It is quite versatile and can be used in any recipe that calls for agave nectar.
You can obviously top your pancakes and waffles with maple syrup, and you can even use it in baked goods or to sweeten up mixed drinks.
Related: Maple Syrup Substitutes
Note: Pure maple syrup should be used when baking and not artificial maple syrup.
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of maple syrup equals 1 tablespoon of agave nectar
Honey
Honey is also an excellent all around agave nectar alternative. This thick natural sweetener can be used in any recipe that calls for agave nectar.
Honey will sweeten any beverage or dessert and it’s flavor pairs well with so many other ingredients.
Use it in everything from cookies and cakes, to marinades, to sweetening up a cocktail.
Related Recipe: Cocoa Puff Honey Cookies
Note: Use raw, organic honey whenever possible.
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of honey equals 1 tablespoon of agave nectar
Raw Sugar
If you need a natural sweetener to replace agave nectar and you don’t have honey or maple syrup, then raw sugar is the next best option.
With a flavor similar to brown sugar, raw sugar can be used to sweeten all types of recipes. Use it to bake cookies, cakes, breads, and to sweeten cold or hot beverages.
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of raw sugar equals 1 tablespoon of agave nectar
Fruit
If you are looking for a natural alternative to agave nectar to sweeten a beverage or to top pancakes or waffles, use fruit!
Anything from berries to pureed fruit like apples or mangos are a great way to sweeten up a dish without adding artificial sweeteners.
You can use fresh or frozen fruit and either puree it or use your fruit whole.
My favorite fruits and berries for sweetening a dish are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, and bananas.
Related: Can you refreeze strawberries?
Equivalent
1/4 cup pureed fruit equals 1 tablespoon agave nectar
Agave Nectar Replacement FAQ
Can you substitute honey for agave nectar in a recipe?
Yes, honey is an excellent substitute for agave nectar in all types of recipes. Raw, organic honey is ideal as an agave replacement. Use a 1:1 ratio when subbing honey for agave nectar.
Can I use maple syrup instead of agave?
Yes, maple syrup is a great alternative to agave in all types of dishes. Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing agave nectar with maple syrup.
Can I use simple syrup instead of agave?
Yes, simple syrup can be used instead of agave to sweeten beverages and many recipes. Simple syrup is less sweet so use a 2:1 ratio when replacing agave nectar with simple syrup.
Can I substitute corn syrup for agave?
You can use corn syrup in place of agave. Though, I recommend using honey, maple syrup, or raw sugar instead. If you use corn syrup in place of agave, use a 1:1 ratio.
Which is sweeter honey or agave nectar?
While honey and agave nectar offer a similar level of sweetness, honey has a stronger flavor overall.