Agave Nectar - Natural Sweet Syrup

Agave Nectar is a sweet syrup obtained from the agave plant. It is often used as a natural sweetener in place of traditional sugars.
Category
Food ingredient
Where to get
Available in health food stores, some supermarkets, and online retailers.
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Agave Nectar FAQ


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What is raw agave nectar?

"Raw" agave nectar is a type that's heated to no more than 117 degrees Fahrenheit. However, many agave nectars today are highly refined products and comparable to high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Also like tequila, some of the best agave nectars are made from blue agave. Labels will clearly state if that nectar is "100% Blue Agave."

What is agave nectar used for?

Agave nectar, or agave syrup, is a natural sweetener commonly used in food and drinks. It can be used as a substitute for sugar, simple syrup, honey, and molasses to sweeten a variety of beverages, including cocktails, coffee, and tea. The flavor of agave nectar is unique. It is sweeter than sugar and most similar to honey.

Is agave nectar a natural sweetener?

Often considered a natural sweetener, this syrup appears in drinks, desserts and more. If you pay any attention to alternative sweeteners today, you’ve probably heard of agave nectar. Often advertised as a healthier swap for sugar, this natural syrup appears in drinks, desserts and more. But what is agave nectar?

Where does agave nectar come from?

Agave nectar comes from the blue agave plant as well as Agave americana, which is also known as maguey or the century plant. This is the same plant that's used to make tequila. Agave nectar is a sweetener that you can use as an alternative to sugar. It’s much sweeter, so you can use less of it for the same effect.

How long does agave nectar last?

Agave nectar will not crystallize, is stable even at different temperatures, and has a shelf life of approximately two years. Since agave syrup is sweeter than table sugar, you will need less of it when you substitute it for other forms of sugar in recipes. It also dissolves easily, which is handy for beverages.

What does agave nectar taste like?

The flavor of agave nectar is unique. It is sweeter than sugar and most similar to honey. It does, however, have a more neutral flavor than honey and it is thinner. Commonly used as a vegan alternative to honey, agave nectar lacks the bitter aftertaste of artificial sweeteners. How Is Agave Nectar Made?

Agave Nectar References

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