Sometimes, you might find yourself out of honey just when you need it, or you could be avoiding it due to dietary preferences.
Whatever the reason, there are numerous alternatives to honey. Continue reading to find out if you have any of these substitutes available and which ones are best suited for specific recipes.
The Best Substitute for Honey
We have a vegan family member, and many vegans choose not to consume honey. In such cases, my preferred replacement for honey in household recipes is agave nectar. Like honey, it’s a syrup and offers a similar level of sweetness with floral undertones. It’s excellent for recipes needing a few tablespoons of honey.
Most agave nectar available is either light or golden, which is milder than the dark variety. I usually opt for light agave nectar as it is more adaptable, but for a richer flavor, the dark version is ideal.
Unlike honey, agave nectar does not crystallize and has a long shelf life.
Crystallized honey is still safe to consume. To return it to a liquid state, gently warm it.
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Other Honey Substitutes
If your recipe calls for 1/4 cup of honey or less, any of these sweeteners can be used as a 1:1 replacement.
- Golden syrup: A sugarcane-based syrup with a golden color, commonly used in the UK.
- Maple syrup: Functions similarly to honey in recipes but offers a different flavor profile.
- Brown sugar: Ideal for moistness and color in baked goods, dressings, and sauces.
- Light or dark corn syrup: Though not highly regarded in processed foods, it can be quite useful for occasional use.
- Barley malt syrup: Offers a distinct flavor perfect for baked goods.
- Turbinado sugar or sugar in the raw: Perform well as general substitutes for honey.
- Molasses: Has a very unique flavor that can dominate dishes, so use cautiously.
- Sorghum molasses: A special syrup with a flavor profile between honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar, often produced in small batches.
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
When It’s Not a Good Idea to Substitute Honey
Some recipes demand honey, especially those with “honey” in the title, such as honey mustard or hot honey. Substituting honey in such recipes may alter their characteristic flavor. Adjust your cooking plans accordingly.
In Jewish cuisine, honey holds cultural and symbolic importance. Consequently, some Jewish vegans may continue consuming honey to maintain their cultural ties.
Nevertheless, there are vegan-friendly “honee” recipes that mimic traditional clover honey without containing any real honey.
Simple Tip!
An exception to the above rule is granola, which is highly adaptable. In this instance, you can easily substitute honey with other sweeteners like maple syrup or brown sugar.
