Agave syrup substitutes
Agave syrup substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Honey
Same amount as the agave syrup
Natural liquid sweetener with floral flavor. Thicker and a little less sweet than agave syrup.
The best substitutes for agave syrup are honey, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup, depending on the use.
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 3 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of agave syrup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honeybaking | Same amount |
| 2 | Maple syrupbaking | Same amount |
| 3 | Brown rice syrupbaking | Same amount |
| 4 | Corn syrupbaking | Same amount |
| 5 | Golden syrupbaking | Same amount |
| 6 | Coconut nectarbaking | Same amount |
Honey
floral, different · similar texture
Natural liquid sweetener with floral flavor. Thicker and a little less sweet than agave syrup.
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, desserts, glazes, marinades
Different flavor, thicker and slightly less sweet. Not vegan, which matters if the agave was chosen for that.
Maple syrup
maple, different · similar texture
Natural liquid sweetener with distinctive maple flavor. A little thinner and less sweet than agave syrup.
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, desserts, glazes, pancakes
Distinctive maple flavor. A little thinner and less sweet than agave, so taste and add more if needed.
Brown rice syrup
neutral, much less sweet · similar texture
Mild liquid sweetener with a consistency close to agave syrup. Much less sweet than agave.
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, desserts, glazes, vegan recipes
About half as sweet as sugar, while agave is sweeter than sugar. Start with the same amount, taste, and add more if the recipe can take the extra liquid.
Corn syrup
neutral, less sweet · similar texture
Liquid sweetener with neutral flavor and similar consistency to agave syrup.
- Best for
- baking, candy making, desserts, glazes, sauces
Neutral flavor and similar consistency. Light corn syrup is less sweet than agave, so taste and add a little sugar if needed.
Golden syrup
caramel, different · similar texture
Liquid sweetener with caramel flavor and similar consistency to agave syrup.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, glazes, sauces, candy making
Caramel flavor but similar sweetness and consistency.
Coconut nectar
mild, similar · similar texture
Natural liquid sweetener with mild flavor and similar consistency to agave syrup.
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, desserts, glazes, vegan recipes
Mild flavor and similar sweetness. Good for natural recipes.
Questions
5 questionsCan I use honey instead of agave syrup?
Yes, honey is a good substitute for agave syrup. It has a different flavor and is thicker and a little less sweet, but it works in the same amount in most recipes.
What's the difference between agave syrup and honey?
Agave syrup has a mild, neutral flavor and lower glycemic index, while honey has a floral flavor and higher glycemic index. Both are natural liquid sweeteners but have different characteristics.
Can I use maple syrup instead of agave syrup?
Yes, maple syrup can work as a substitute, though it has a distinctive maple flavor. It is a little thinner and less sweet than agave, and works in the same amount in most recipes.
Why is agave syrup so popular in cooking?
Agave syrup is popular because it has a neutral flavor, lower glycemic index than sugar, doesn't crystallize, and works well in both hot and cold applications.
Is agave syrup healthier than sugar?
Agave syrup has a lower glycemic index than sugar, but it's still high in fructose. It should be used in moderation like other sweeteners.
Tips for substituting agave syrup
10 tips- Agave syrup is sweeter than sugar, so use less in recipes
- Agave syrup has a lower glycemic index than sugar, making it popular for health-conscious cooking
- Agave syrup works well in both hot and cold applications
- Store agave syrup in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Agave syrup doesn't crystallize like honey, making it easier to work with
- Agave syrup pairs well with citrus, vanilla, and warm spices
- When agave replaces sugar in baking, use about 2/3 cup per cup of sugar, reduce other liquids by ¼ cup and lower the oven temperature by 25°F
- Agave syrup can be used to make simple syrups for cocktails and beverages
- Agave syrup works well in vegan recipes as a natural sweetener
- Agave syrup has a neutral flavor that won't overpower other ingredients