15 Honey Substitute Options: What To Do If You’re Out Of Honey?

🍯 What is Honey?

Honey, often referred to as nature's sweet nectar, is a lusciously sweet and viscous liquid produced by bees. It's a remarkable creation resulting from the meticulous work of these industrious insects.

Bees collect nectar from flowers to make honey. Through a process that involves breaking down complex sugars into simpler ones and then dehydrating them, bees store this liquid gold in their honeycombs.

Honey has a unique flavor profile, depending on the floral sources. Some common types include clover, acacia, and wildflower honey. Its use extends beyond sweetening tea or coffee. Honey can be used in marinades, dressings, baked goods, and as a topping on yogurt or oatmeal.

⛔ What To Do When You Are Out Of Honey?

If you're cooking and find yourself without honey. No worries – you can whip up a fantastic honey substitute right in your own kitchen.

Just gather sugar, apple juice, and some lime or lemon juice. The best part? I've got a handy recipe card with all the details so you can make your own delicious honey alternative at home. Plus, a simple infographic shows you the ingredients and the easy steps to follow.

📜 Homemade Honey Substitute [Infographic]

🔄 List of 15 Best Honey Substitutes to Try

Besides the fantastic DIY recipe to make your honey alternative at home, a whole world of honey substitutes is waiting to be explored. Based on my personal experience, I've categorized 15 other substitutes that can step in depending on your specific culinary needs.

🥧 Honey Substitute for Baking

1. Maple Syrup

If you're looking for an alternative that offers natural sweetness with a hint of maple flavor, then maple syrup is an excellent option. It adds depth to recipes like muffins and cookies.

However, remember to increase the quantity of sugar slightly, as maple syrup tends to be less sweet than honey. On the other hand, maple syrup has a strong maple flavor that you may want to consider.

2. Agave Nectar

Agave nectar is a versatile sweetener that is 1.5 times sweeter than regular sugar. It has a lower glycemic index than honey, making it a great option for people who want to regulate their blood sugar levels.

It works well in chewy baked goods like muffins, flapjacks, and sticky toffee pudding. However, it has a thinner consistency than honey, so adjust the recipe as necessary. You can substitute honey with agave syrup using an equal amount or slightly less than honey, depending on your preference.

3. Brown Rice Syrup or Barley Malt Syrup

For a milder sweetness alternative, head straight to brown rice syrup. Brown rice syrup is sticky, like honey, making it an excellent substitute in products like granola bars, cereal treats, and baked beans.

It provides a natural level of sweetness that doesn't overpower the taste of other ingredients. It may not be as sweet as honey, so add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the recipe.

Another excellent option you might want to explore is barley malt syrup. Just like brown rice syrup, barley malt syrup offers a delightful natural sweetness that complements a wide range of dishes. While it may not be as sweet as honey, you can adjust the sweetness level by adding an extra tablespoon of sugar to your recipe when using barley malt syrup as a substitute.

4. Date Syrup

Date syrup is a natural sweetener created by soaking ground dates in water. It can be used as a substitute for honey in cakes and cookies, particularly for those who follow a vegan or diabetic diet.

The sweetness of date syrup can vary depending on the brand you choose, but it is generally considered less sweet than honey. Additionally, it has a lower environmental impact and is cost-effective. You can use the same amount of date syrup as honey in your recipes.

🥓 Honey Alternative for Marinades

5. Blackstrap Molasses

If you're looking for a bold, bittersweet flavor, blackstrap molasses is an excellent choice for your marinade. It's rich and complex, with notes of caramel, toffee, and burnt sugar. Blackstrap molasses also provides a boost of minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, making it a healthier option than honey.

You can use it in a one-to-one ratio, and it pairs well with barbecued dishes like ribs, chicken, pork, and grilled tofu dishes. To adjust the sweetness, you can add a bit of brown sugar to balance the flavor or use a brown sugar substitute.

🥗 Honey Replacement in Salad Dressings

8. Apple Cider Vinegar and Maple Dijon Dressing

Apple cider vinegar is a staple in salad dressings because of its tangy and acidic taste, and it's easy to find at most stores.

Combine it with maple syrup or Dijon mustard, and you have a perfect substitute for honey. Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of maple syrup or Dijon mustard to make this dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste, and you're good to go.

9. Rice Vinegar and Jaggery

Rice vinegar adds an Asian flare to your salad dressings and can be substituted for honey by mixing it with jaggery. Jaggery is a natural sweetener that is made from boiled sugarcane juice and can be found in most health food stores.

To create this dressing, combine two tablespoons of rice vinegar with one tablespoon of jaggery. Add a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper for a little extra kick. The jaggery can be adjusted according to your preference, but make sure to balance the sweetness with the acidity of the vinegar for a perfectly balanced dressing.

10. Lemon Juice and Dandelion Syrup

If you're looking for a honey substitute that is also a natural diuretic, dandelion syrup is the perfect choice. Combine it with lemon juice for a sweet and tangy dressing that can rival any honey-based one.

To make this dressing, mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with one tablespoon of dandelion syrup. Season with a pinch of salt and add some chopped herbs for extra flavor.

11. Lime juice and Golden Syrup

Golden syrup is a popular sweetener in Britain and is made from partially inverted sugar syrup. The tartness of lime juice and the delicate sweetness of golden syrup complement each other perfectly.

Combine two tablespoons of lime juice with one tablespoon of golden syrup to make this dressing. Adjust the syrup quantity to your preferred level of sweetness and add ingredients like red chili flakes, cilantro, or mint. This dressing is particularly delicious on salads with fruit or avocado.

☕ Honey Substitute for Herbal Teas:

12. Liquid Stevia

Liquid Stevia is an ideal replacement for honey, primarily because it is calorie-free. Just a few drops can sweeten your tea without the need for sugar or honey.

However, keep in mind that Stevia can be intensely sweet, so start with a minimal amount and adjust to your desired level of sweetness. We suggest beginning with one or two drops and adding more if necessary.

13. Ginger Syrup

Ginger Syrup is a flavorful option if you are looking for a bit of spice in your tea. It is perfect for teas like chamomile or lemon ginger, adding a sweet and spicy depth to them.

Begin with a small drizzle and keep adding until you reach your preferred level of taste. Ginger syrup is also great for enhancing the flavor of your cocktails, or as a marinade for grilled chicken, so it's a versatile ingredient to keep on hand.

14. Lavender Syrup

For a calming and aromatic addition to your tea, try adding Lavender Syrup. It provides a delicate floral sweetness and captivating fragrance that complements teas like lavender or chamomile.

Start with a modest amount and adjust to achieve your preferred level of sweetness and floral notes. Lavender syrup is perfect for creating signature drinks, enhancing baked goods, or creating sweet sauces and marinades.

15. Corn Syrup

While not the healthiest option, dark or light corn syrup can serve as a basic sweetener for your teas. It provides straightforward sweetness without interfering with the herbal flavors. Nevertheless, it would be best if you used it sparingly to maintain balance in your tea. If you run out of it or want a different option, here are some substitutes for corn syrup.

However, high fructose corn syrup is not recommended for your diet as it can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues, so stick to the regular light or dark corn syrup without high fructose if you choose to use it as an option.

🔑 Key Takeaways: Substitutes for Honey

• In conclusion, the world of honey substitutes is rich and diverse, offering a range of options to suit various culinary needs.
• Whether you're baking, marinating, making salad dressings, or preparing herbal teas, there are versatile alternatives like maple syrup, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, and date syrup for baking, while blackstrap molasses, pomegranate molasses, and coconut nectar shine in marinades.
• Salad dressings benefit from choices like apple cider vinegar and maple Dijon dressing, rice vinegar and jaggery, lemon juice and dandelion syrup, or lime juice and golden syrup.
• For herbal teas, consider liquid stevia, ginger syrup, lavender syrup, or corn syrup, each offering its unique flavor profile.
• So, the next time you find yourself without honey in the kitchen, rest assured that there are plenty of delicious substitutes waiting to elevate your dishes.
• If you're in a bind, you can make a homemade honey substitute using the DIY recipe in this post.