There may be times when you need honey for a recipe, but either none is to be found in your pantry, or your dietary requirements discourage its use. In such scenarios, there are numerous alternatives to honey you can utilize. Check to see if you possess any of these replacements, and which would work best for your specific culinary needs.
One excellent honey substitute is agave nectar, a staple in our household due to one family member’s vegan diet. Like honey, agave nectar is a syrup and it has an almost identical sweetness and similar flavor profile. It’s particularly effective in dishes that require a few spoonfuls of honey. Light or golden agave nectar is usually more readily available and is more versatile in recipes. Unlike honey, it doesn’t crystallize and can be stored for years. Remember though, crystallized honey is safe, and it can be liquified again by gently warming it.
However, there are options other than agave nectar when it comes to substituting honey. If a recipe asks for 1/4 cup of honey or less, these sweeteners work equally well in lieu of honey: golden syrup, maple syrup, brown sugar, light or dark corn syrup, barley malt syrup, turbinado sugar, molasses, and sorghum molasses. Each of these alternatives has unique characteristics that may complement your recipe in a different yet delicious way.
However, there are cases where it’s better not to substitute honey. Certain recipes, often indicated by the word “honey” in their title, demand the unique taste of honey and may turn out differently without it. Also, honey often bears cultural and symbolic significance in many Jewish dishes; hence, some Jewish vegans may still consume honey to uphold their traditions. Regardless, there are numerous honey replacements, made from a variety of ingredients, that mimic the taste of commercial clover honey closely.
Another tip: granola is a versatile meal that can definitely accommodate sweeteners other than honey – maple syrup and brown sugar are particularly suitable substitutes.
