Agave substitutes
Agave substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Honey
Same amount as the agave
Similar natural sweetener with different flavor.
The best substitutes for agave are honey, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup, depending on the use.
Agave is a thin liquid sweetener with almost no flavour of its own, so it sweetens without changing how the dish tastes - and because it is a liquid, it counts as part of the wet ingredients, not the dry ones.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Moisture & hydrationsecondary
- Sweetnessprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of agave | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honeybaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Maple syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Brown rice syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Corn syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Golden syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Coconut nectarbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Honey
different taste, similar texture
Similar natural sweetener with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Sweetness
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, desserts, glazes
Different flavor, similar sweetness.
Maple syrup
different taste, similar texture
Similar natural sweetener with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Sweetness
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, desserts, glazes
Different flavor, similar sweetness.
Brown rice syrup
different taste, similar texture
Similar natural sweetener with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Sweetness
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, desserts, glazes
Different flavor, similar sweetness.
Corn syrup
different taste, similar texture
Similar sweetener with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Sweetness
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, desserts, glazes
Different flavor, similar sweetness.
Golden syrup
different taste, similar texture
Similar sweetener with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Sweetness
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, desserts, glazes
Different flavor, similar sweetness.
Coconut nectar
different taste, similar texture
Similar natural sweetener with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Sweetness
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, desserts, glazes
Different flavor, similar sweetness.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use honey instead of agave?
Yes, honey is a good substitute for agave. It has a different flavor but similar sweetness and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between agave and honey?
Agave has a mild, neutral flavor, while honey has a floral, sweet flavor. Both are natural sweeteners but have different taste profiles.
Can I use maple syrup instead of agave?
Yes, maple syrup can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar sweetness and can be used in most recipes.
Why is agave so popular in cooking?
Agave is popular because it adds mild, neutral sweetness and is versatile in many different types of cuisine and dishes.
Tips for substituting agave
6 tips- Agave adds mild, neutral sweetness to dishes
- Agave can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Agave pairs well with citrus, vanilla, and warm spices
- Agave works well in baking, smoothies, and desserts
- Agave can be used to make glazes and marinades
- Store agave in a cool, dry place