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We are constantly on the lookout for healthier alternatives that will both protect our bodies and satisfy our sweet tooth. When it comes to sweeteners, Maple Syrup and Agave Syrup are both great as healthier alternatives to table sugar. But what is the difference between them?
Refined sugar is known for its negative effects on our health. Luckily, markets provide natural sweeteners that are increasingly used in various recipes. Nowadays, you can find other alternatives for regular sugar in grocery stores.
Agave Syrup, a Natural Sweetener
For instance, when you decide to control your sugar intake, the main concern is to cut down on regular sugar and provide yourself with a healthier choice to decrease weight gain.
Do not choose artificial sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup, especially if you want to control your blood sugar level. They increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and more.
Look for natural sweeteners like brown rice syrup, maple syrup, or agave syrup. You have to look for a healthier choice to protect yourself.
The most famous natural sweetener is honey. It is well known for its various health benefits. However, if it is not available or you are not a big honey fan, don’t give up. Check for maple syrup or agave syrup.
A natural sweetener is definitely a healthier alternative to white processed sugar. Are you wondering which one to get? It depends on the purpose of using the alternative sweeteners and personal preferences.
What Is Maple Syrup?
Maple syrup is widely known these days. It comes from the sap of the maple tree. Once extracted, it is boiled so the water evaporates to get the perfect consistency of a syrup. Then, it passes through filters to remove any impurity.
The texture of maple syrup is runny and sticky. It mainly consists of sucrose which gives it its perfect light and sweet taste.
Producers usually collect the maple sap at different times of spring seasons. Maple sap collected in the early season usually has a light amber. The sap collected by the end of spring usually has a dark amber color.
What Is Agave Syrup?
Agave syrup, also called agave nectar is a sweetener that is collected from the blue agave plant. It is a succulent desert plant that is usually grown in dry places like Mexico.
Similar to maple syrup, the sap of the agave plant is boiled to evaporate water. When it is heated, complex carbs turn into simple sugars.
Then, it filtered to remove impurities. Though it has small amounts of sucrose, it mainly consists of fructose and glucose.
Agave syrup comes in two types, light and dark. Both have the same nutritional value. However, they have different tastes.
Starting with light agave nectar, it has a mild taste because it’s filtered and heated over low temperature. On the other hand, the dark agave syrup has a richer flavor with a little bitter taste. This is because it is less filtered with some leftover residual solids.
An Excellent Alternative for Artificial Sweeteners
So, What Is the Difference Between Agave Syrup and Maple Syrup?
Agave syrup and maple syrup are both very famous as plant-based vegan liquid sweeteners. However, they differ in flavor, nutrients, and Glycemic Index GI.
Flavor
Light agave syrup has a neutral flavor. It is perfect to add a sweet taste as a sugar substitute, but at the same time it does not affect the flavor of the food or drink.
For a strong sweet flavor, the darker agave is the one to add because it tastes like honey.
When it comes to real maple syrup, it has a sweet taste. When boiling, the sugar is concentrated and caramelized. This process gives maple syrup its beautiful color with rich flavor. Also, one may taste light vanilla and caramel traces.
Nutrients and Glycemic Index
Agave syrup has a low glycemic index. So, it is a good choice for people taking care of their health since it raises blood sugar levels at a slow pace.
Agave has a lower glycemic index than regular white sugar. To clarify, the body slowly absorbs the sugar in agave nectar which prevents quick blood sugar spikes.
Regarding maple syrup, it also has a low glycemic index with a fine amount of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This fact adds a bonus point to maple syrup.
Quick Info to Sum Up!
Are you still wondering what to buy? They both have beneficial effects, but you have to know what suits you best.
Agave syrup does not affect the taste of food or drink but adds a sweet taste.
Agave syrup has lower calories, but it has high fructose content.
Maple syrup has a rich sweet taste that enhances the flavors in your dish and adds an earthy taste.
Maple syrup has higher calories, but lower fructose content.
The bottom line, make sure to choose pure maple syrup or agave syrup without any unknown additives. It is a better choice when you want to add a sweet taste without putting your health at stake.
Not to forget that both agave syrup and maple syrup are extracted from plants. So, they are perfect for people having vegan diets.
Sweeten Your Food with Natural Sweeteners!
Frequently Asked Questions
As long as it is not opened, you can keep the bottle of syrup in your pantry away from the sunlight. Once opened, you have to store it in the fridge since it is a natural sweetener with no preservatives. If you don’t, it may go bad, spoil, or even grow mold. Pay attention to the expiry dates!
Yes, why not! You make sure you get pure maple extract and few other ingredients.
Agave has less glucose and a lower glycemic index than sugar. Unlike sugar, the body absorbs agave slowly, so it does not lead to a rapid spike in insulin.
Popular Recipes with Maple Syrup or Agave Syrup
- Almond Milk Strawberry Pancakes (Dairy Free)
- Brownie Baked Oatmeal (gluten free- Vegan)
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
- Blender Mango Soft Serve |Ice Cream in 5 Minutes
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Oatmeal Pudding With a Twist
- Chocolate Quinoa Cookies
- Irresistible Apple Nachos
- Chia Pudding Recipe
- Viral Brioche Custard Toast
Maple Syrup vs Agave Syrup
Ingredients
- Maple syrup
- Agave syrup
Instructions
What you can do with maple syrup
- Drizzle some maple syrup over any type of pancakes you love to get a sweet earthy taste.
- Use maple syrup to make ooey-gooey maple syrup bars.
- Add maple syrup to your sweet mango soft serve for extra luscious sweetness.
- Dip the top of your donuts in maple syrup instead of regular sugar powder.
- Roast some sweet potatoes and coat them with maple syrup.
What you can do with agave syrup
- Use agave nectar in cold drinks like ice tea and cocktails.
- Get some French toast and drizzle some agave syrup on top.
- Drizzle agave syrup on top of your favorite pancakes.
