How to Substitute Agave Nectar for Honey

Agave nectar is an easy substitute for honey.

Agave nectar is similar to honey, and can thus be substituted for honey in recipes easily. When choosing an alternate sweetener for a recipe, agave nectar is a common choice due to its lack of the bitter aftertaste that often accompanies artificial sweeteners. If you do not like honey, you should try agave nectar to see if you prefer its taste.

Instructions

1. Determine the amount of honey required by the recipe.

2. Measure out the same amount of agave nectar as the recipe calls for of honey. You will add the agave nectar in the same order as you would have added honey, as it is a simple 1-1 substitute. This means if you need one cup of honey, you will simply measure one cup of agave nectar and use it instead of honey in the recipe.

3. Add other liquids slowly to the mixture. Agave nectar is not as thick as honey, and you may need to add slightly less of another liquid in order to achieve the same consistency. This difference is not dramatic so you may only need to eliminate a teaspoon or two of liquids and, for many recipes, the difference in liquids will not matter.

Tips & Warnings

• Agave nectar has a low glycemic index, making it acceptable for diabetics to eat.

• Due to the slight differences between honey and agave nectar, baked goods made with agave nectar may brown more quickly in the oven. Reduce the suggested baking temperature by 25 degrees, and increase the baking time slightly to compensate.

References

• All About Agave: Substituting Agave Nectar for Other Sugars
• Madhava Honey: Agave Nectar