Out of Honey, one case
Honey substitute, in depth
10 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Maple syrup
Same amount as the honey
The best honey substitutes are maple syrup (for similar flavor), agave nectar (for sweetness), or sugar (for baking). For vegan options, use maple syrup, agave, or date syrup. For keto/low-carb, use monk fruit or stevia. The choice depends on your recipe and dietary needs.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full honey card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of honey | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maple syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Agave nectarbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Sugarbaking | Same amountBut reduce other liquids by ¼ cup per cup of honeyTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Brown sugarbaking | Same amountBut reduce other liquids by ¼ cup per cup of honeyTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Date syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Molassesbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Corn syrupbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 8 | Golden syrupbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 9 | Rice syrupbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 10 | Steviabeverages | ¼ tsp stevia per 1 tbsp honeyYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Maple syrup
different taste, similar texture
Maple syrup is the closest substitute for honey in terms of sweetness and texture. It has a distinct maple flavor that works well in most recipes that call for honey.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, pancakes, waffles, glazes
Similar sweetness, distinct flavor.
Agave nectar
similar taste and texture
Agave nectar is sweeter than honey and has a neutral flavor. It's a popular vegan substitute that works well in most recipes, though you may need to reduce other liquids.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, beverages, vegan recipes
Sweeter than honey, neutral flavor.
Sugar
similar taste, different texture
Regular sugar is the most common substitute for honey. Since honey contains moisture, you'll need to reduce other liquids in your recipe when using sugar instead.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, all recipes
Most common substitute, requires liquid adjustment.
Brown sugar
similar taste, different texture
Brown sugar has a similar flavor profile to honey and works well in most recipes. Like regular sugar, you'll need to reduce other liquids when substituting.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, marinades, glazes
Similar flavor profile, requires liquid adjustment.
Date syrup
different taste, similar texture
Date syrup is made from dates and has a natural, caramel-like sweetness. It's a great vegan substitute that works well in most recipes.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, vegan recipes, smoothies
Natural sweetness, caramel-like flavor.
Molasses
different taste, similar texture
Molasses has a strong, distinctive flavor and darker color than honey. It works well in recipes where the flavor won't be overpowering.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, barbecue sauce, gingerbread
Strong flavor, darker color.
Corn syrup
similar taste and texture
Corn syrup has a neutral flavor and similar texture to honey. It works well in baking and candy making where you need the sticky consistency.
- Best for
- baking, candy making, glazes, sauces
Neutral flavor, similar texture.
Golden syrup
similar taste and texture
Golden syrup has a similar flavor and texture to honey. It's popular in British baking and works well as a direct substitute.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, desserts, glazes
Similar flavor and texture to honey.
Rice syrup
different taste, similar texture
Rice syrup has a mild flavor and is less sweet than honey. It works well in Asian cooking and vegan recipes where you want a subtle sweetness.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, vegan recipes, Asian dishes
Mild flavor, less sweet than honey.
Stevia
different taste and texture
Stevia is much sweeter than honey and has no calories. It's good for low-calorie and keto recipes, but you'll need to adjust the amount significantly.
- Best for
- beverages, low-calorie recipes, keto baking
Very sweet, no calories, keto-friendly.
How it behaves in this recipe
Honey is a natural sweetener that adds moisture, flavor, and sweetness to recipes. It's popular in baking, cooking, and as a natural sweetener. The key to successful substitution is matching the sweetness level and moisture content while considering the flavor profile of your specific recipe.
Tips for substituting honey
10 tips- For baking: Reduce other liquids by ¼ cup per cup of honey when using sugar
- In marinades: Maple syrup or agave work best for flavor and texture
- For glazes: Maple syrup or golden syrup provide the best shine
- In beverages: Agave or stevia dissolve easily and don't overpower
- For vegan recipes: Maple syrup, agave, or date syrup are best
- In Asian cooking: Rice syrup or brown sugar work well
- For keto recipes: Use monk fruit or stevia for sweetness
- In barbecue sauce: Molasses or brown sugar add depth
- For pancakes: Maple syrup is the traditional choice
- In smoothies: Agave or date syrup blend well
Notes on honey
- Mix different sweeteners for custom flavor profiles
- Use different types of sugar based on your desired flavor
- Try different plant-based syrups for unique tastes
- Make your own date syrup or other natural sweeteners
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best substitute for honey?
The best substitute for honey depends on your recipe. Maple syrup works for most applications, agave nectar for vegan recipes, and sugar for baking. For keto/low-carb, use monk fruit or stevia.
Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?
Yes, maple syrup is an excellent substitute for honey. It has similar sweetness and texture, though it has a distinct maple flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio.
What's the best substitute for honey in baking?
For baking, sugar or brown sugar work best as direct substitutes. Since honey contains moisture, reduce other liquids by ¼ cup per cup of honey when using sugar.
Can I substitute agave for honey?
Yes, agave nectar is a great substitute for honey. It's sweeter than honey and has a neutral flavor. It's especially popular in vegan recipes. Use a 1:1 ratio.
What's the best vegan substitute for honey?
The best vegan substitutes for honey are maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup. These provide similar sweetness and texture without using animal products.
Can I substitute sugar for honey?
Yes, you can substitute sugar for honey, but you'll need to reduce other liquids in your recipe by ¼ cup per cup of honey since honey contains moisture that sugar doesn't.
What's the best substitute for honey in cooking?
For cooking, maple syrup or agave nectar work best as they provide similar sweetness and texture. Brown sugar is also a good option for marinades and glazes.
Can I substitute molasses for honey?
Yes, molasses can substitute for honey, but it has a stronger, more distinctive flavor. It works well in recipes where the flavor won't be overpowering, like gingerbread or barbecue sauce.
What's the best keto substitute for honey?
The best keto substitutes for honey are monk fruit sweetener or stevia. These provide sweetness without the carbs and sugar content of honey.
Can I substitute brown sugar for honey?
Yes, brown sugar is a good substitute for honey. It has a similar flavor profile and works well in most recipes. Like regular sugar, you'll need to reduce other liquids when substituting.