Best Honey Substitute: What to Do if You’re Out of Honey?

I'm here to talk about one of our favorite sweeteners, honey. Not only does it add a touch of natural sweetness to our dishes, but it also has some excellent health benefits. In this post, I'm going to explain what honey is, how it's made, and what are some of the best alternatives and substitutes you can use when you're out of honey.

Jump to:

• What is Honey?
• What To Do When You Are Out of Honey?
• Homemade Honey Substitute [Infographic]
• 25+ Popular Honey Substitutes
• 1. Sugar
• 2. Apple Juice
• 3. Maple Syrup
• 4. Agave Nectar
• 5. Allulose Syrup
• 6. Apple Sauce
• 7. Barley Malt Syrup
• 8. Beet Sugar
• 9. Blackstrap Molasses
• 10. Brown Rice Syrup
• 11. Cherry Syrup
• 12. Coconut Nectar or Syrup
• 13. Corn Syrup
• 14. Dandelion Syrup
• 15. Date Syrup
• 16. Fruit Syrup
• 17. Golden Syrup
• 18. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
• 19. Jaggery
• 20. Korean rice syrup
• 21. Liquid Monk Fruit
• 22. Liquid Stevia
• 23. Molasses & Cane Syrup
• 24. Rice Malt Syrup
• 25. Sorghum Syrup
• 26. Yacon Syrup
• People also ask [FAQs]
• Wrap up: Honey Substitute
• Recipe

What is Honey?

Honey is a natural sweetener that is produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. The bees collect the nectar and break it down into simple sugars, then store it in their honeycomb.

Honey has a distinct flavor, color, and texture depending on where the bees collected the nectar from. Some common types of honey include clover, wildflower, and orange blossom.

What To Do When You Are Out of Honey?

A few ingredients that you most likely already have in your cupboard can be used to make a simple honey substitute. Sugar, apple juice, and some lime or lemon juice is all you need. Make your own tasty honey alternative by following the instructions in the recipe card below.

Homemade Honey Substitute [Infographic]

25+ Popular Honey Substitutes

There are plenty of options available that will work just as well. Some of the substitutes include maple syrup, agave nectar, corn syrup, brown sugar, and molasses. However, keep in mind that each of these substitutes will alter the flavor of your dish, so choose wisely based on what flavor profile you are aiming for.

1. Sugar

• Honey is the original sweetener from Mother Nature. Honey has a higher calorie content and is sweeter than sugar.
• Since honey is sweeter than sugar, people tend to use less of it, resulting in calorie savings.
• You can replace honey with either white or brown sugar; but, because sugar is solid, you may need additional liquid to balance the sweetener; use 1 cup of sugar for ⅔ cup of honey to replace honey.

2. Apple Juice

• Vegans will love this honey alternative.
• Another wonderful honey alternative is apple juice. Combine 1.25 cups of sugar with 2 cups of apple juice and a dash of lime juice to make a syrup that looks tastes, and smells exactly like honey.

3. Maple Syrup

• Maple syrup is a vegan honey replacement that has a similar feel to honey. Instead of processed sugars, honey, and maple syrup are healthier sweeteners.
• You can use a 1:1 ratio, but use 100% pure maple syrup for the best results. If you're looking for honey alternatives, Grade B maple syrup (often labeled as Grade A Very Dark Color/Strong Taste) is a good alternative if you are looking for honey for baking.
• If you are in need of a gluten-free option, make sure you read the label, as not all maple syrups are GF-friendly.

4. Agave Nectar

• Agave nectar, often known as agave syrup, is a natural sweetener used in a variety of foods and beverages.
• Agave nectar is sweeter than sugar and so similar to honey that it can be used alternately in most recipes without difficulty, making Agave nectar another excellent substitute for honey. You can use the 1:1 ratio.

5. Allulose Syrup

• Allulose has a tenth of the calories of regular table sugar, making it a great honey substitute for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
• Allulose is a rare sugar found in raisins, figs, and other fruits and vegetables.
• It contains almost no calories, has a glycemic index of zero, which means it does not affect blood glucose levels and tastes like honey or sugar. 1 ⅓ cup Allulose can be substituted with ⅔ cup honey.

6. Apple Sauce

• Looking for the best honey substitutes? Applesauce acts as one of the best substitutes for honey that's simple to create and only requires a few basic ingredients.
• Apples, water, and a sweetener are all you'll need in the most basic version. Because apple sauce contains a lot of liquid, you'll need to lessen the other liquids to compensate.
• You can use a 1:1 ratio when replacing honey in the recipe.

7. Barley Malt Syrup

• The unrefined liquid sweetener barley malt syrup is prepared from soaked and sprouted barley.
• It has a strong flavor and similar consistency to molasses and golden syrup. As a honey replacement, you can use a 1:1 ratio.
• Although it is a good source of soluble fiber, barley malt syrup is not a particularly healthy alternative to honey.

8. Beet Sugar

• Sugar beet is a plant with a high sucrose content in its root that is produced commercially for sugar manufacturing.
• Both honey and sugar are carbohydrates that are mostly made up of glucose and fructose.
• The aroma of beet sugar is earthy and oxidized, with a burnt sugar aftertaste
• Although it has a better reputation, both honey and beet sugar can be harmful to your health if consumed in excess. To substitute honey, use 1 cup of beet sugar for ⅔ cup of honey.

9. Blackstrap Molasses

• The byproduct of sugar production is blackstrap molasses. During the third boiling, blackstrap molasses is formed, which is the most concentrated form.
• It has a slightly bitter flavor and is thicker and darker than other forms of molasses.
• Blackstrap molasses adds a depth of flavor to baked goods and exquisite sauces that no other sweetener can match.
• You can use blackstrap molasses in place of honey in a 1:1 ratio, but because it's a thick substance, you might want to use a bit less.

10. Brown Rice Syrup

• Brown rice syrup has a nutty flavor and is about the same sweetness as regular table sugar.
• It is a sugar substitute made from brown rice that is both vegan and gluten-free. Brown rice syrup is commonly utilized in vegan-friendly dishes due to its vegan nature.
• Because the product is not as sweet as honey; therefore, use 1 cup of brown rice syrup in place of ¾ cup of honey.

11. Cherry Syrup

• If you don't have any other options, a simple mixture of fresh cherries, filtered water, and granulated sugar works well as a honey substitute.
• If you go for cherry syrup instead of honey, use a 1:1 ratio.

12. Coconut Nectar or Syrup

• Coconut nectar is a sweet caramel-colored treat that is pleasantly oozing. Coconut nectar is a natural vegan substitute for honey.
• It is similar to coconut nectar in terms of consistency. As a result, it can be used in a 1:1 substitution ratio for your baked recipes.

13. Corn Syrup

• Corn syrup is simply sugar extracted from corn and processed into a liquid form, as seen in the clear bottle on grocery store shelves, which many people are not aware of.
• Corn syrup is a rich, sticky sweetener that works well as a Honey Substitute in bread making. In terms of consistency and flavor, it's similar to honey.
• Corn syrup is an acceptable substitute for honey because of its similar consistency and sweetness. 1 cup corn syrup can be used in place of 1 cup honey for your baked goods.

14. Dandelion Syrup

• Dandelions are extremely abundant, making them a forager's dream.
• With a surprisingly identical flavor, the dandelion syrup is a great substitute for honey for vegans or anyone who may have an allergy to typical bees' honey.
• As a result, it can be used as a 1:1 substitute for honey.

15. Date Syrup

• Date syrup is recognized as one of the healthiest sweeteners available.
• Date syrup is a sweetener prepared from dates that are thick and caramel-colored.
• Date syrup is another excellent substitute for honey or maple syrup.
• Using a 1:1 ratio, it's not only the healthier but also the superior alternative to honey.

16. Fruit Syrup

• Fruit syrups, sometimes known as fruit molasses, are concentrated fruit fluids that are used as sweeteners.
• They are typically derived from less expensive fruits (such as apples, pears, or pineapples) and are used to sweeten and extend the quantity of more expensive fruits or products
• It's better to replace ½ cup of honey with 1 cup of fruit syrup.

17. Golden Syrup

• If you didn't grow up in England or one of its former colonies, you might be unfamiliar with golden syrup, a favorite of the British kitchen.
• Golden syrup is an inverted sugar syrup made out of sugar, water, and citric acid that has a thick golden tint.
• If a recipe calls for it and you don't have any, no need to run to the shop or place a special order; simply substitute 1 cup of golden syrup for 1 cup of honey.

18. High-Fructose Corn Syrup

• Despite the fact that both corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup are derived from corn starch, they are two different products.
• While regular corn syrup is 100% glucose, high-fructose corn syrup has some of its glucose transformed into fructose via enzymes.
• Corn syrup, like all refined sugars, should be used in moderation. Because of its sweetness, high-fructose corn syrup is a good substitute for baking with honey; use a 1:1 ratio.

19. Jaggery

• Jaggery is an unprocessed sugar that is manufactured from sugar cane or palm leaves. India produces a large portion of the world's production.
• It is considered a superfood by some since it contains more vitamins and minerals than sugar and has a lower sucrose concentration. Jaggery is frequently promoted as being "healthier" than other sugars.
• When substituting jaggery for honey, make sure to use 1 to 1 substitute and increase the liquid level if used in a baking recipe.

20. Korean rice syrup

• Korean Rice Syrup has a distinct flavor and is incredibly sweet! Korean Rice Syrup can be used as a sweetener as well as a shine and taste booster in dishes.
• The term "syrup" refers to a sweetener made by using enzymes to convert rice starch to sugar.
• Korean rice syrup is similar to honey in consistency but has a milder flavor and is roughly ⅓ the sweetness of sugar. As a result, adjust the amount to your preference.

21. Liquid Monk Fruit

• Liquid Monk fruit sweeteners are calorie-free sweeteners that can be used to reduce added sugar consumption while yet satisfying the desire for a sweet flavor.
• Monk fruit is a little round fruit with 150-200 times the sweetness of sugar.
• Liquid Monk fruit can be used in place of maple syrup or honey. Make sure to add some water along with the Liquid Monk fruit to compensate for the loss of the liquid component.
• 1 cup honey can be replaced with ¾ a cup of Liquid Monk fruit and ¼ cup water.

22. Liquid Stevia

• Liquid Stevia is one of the most popular natural sweeteners in today's healthy recipes and for good reason.
• It's made from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which grows in South America. Marigolds, ragweeds, and chrysanthemums are all members of the same plant family as stevia.
• If you're looking to reduce your calorie and sugar intake, then stevia is a much better choice than refined sugar, honey, or jaggery; this natural sweetener may help to lose weight when following a healthy and balanced diet. In the recipe, replace ¼ cup of honey with 1 teaspoon of Stevia Liquid Concentrate.

23. Molasses & Cane Syrup

• Molasses is one of the greatest honey substitutes. Light and dark molasses are the best sorts to choose from.
• Molasses is a by-product of sugar refining, while cane syrup is just cane juice cooked down to a syrup, similar to how maple syrup is made.
• Estimate a 1:1 substitute, although molasses is not as sweet as honey, so you may need to adjust and add a little bit more.

24. Rice Malt Syrup

• Rice malt syrup is made from brown rice, as the name implies, but it is still sugar.
• Rice syrup is a sugar substitute made from rice that is both vegan and gluten-free.
• Rice syrup has a light, delicate flavor and resembles honey in appearance but is not as sweet. ½ cup honey can be replaced with 1 cup rice malt syrup.

25. Sorghum Syrup

• Sorghum syrup is similar to molasses in consistency and color, except it is prepared from sorghum rather than sugar cane.
• Sorghum syrup is prepared from the green juice taken from the crushed stalks of the sorghum plant, which is then cooked to steam off the surplus water, leaving the syrup behind.
• Sorghum is sweet, but not quite as sweet as honey or maple syrup, and it has a robust flavor similar to molasses, albeit not nearly as sweet as honey.
• As a result, anticipate replacing 1 cup of honey with 1 cup of sorghum syrup.

26. Yacon Syrup

• Yacon root syrup is a natural sweetener with a sticky, honey-like consistency.
• It's made from the roots of the yacon plant and can be used as an alternative.
• You may wish to add sugar to balance out the sweetness but bear in mind that you cannot use it in cooking or baking since high temperatures would break down the structure of the molecules that compose it.
• One cup of honey can be replaced in a 1:1 ratio for one cup of yacon syrup in recipes that call for it.

People also ask [FAQs]

Wrap up: Honey Substitute

• The best honey substitute is a sugar and apple juice blend; use this recipe to create your own homemade honey alternative.
• There are many healthy substitutes for honey that you can use in your cooking.
• Each has its own unique benefits, so be sure to experiment with different types to see which one you like best.

Recipe