What Is Agave Syrup? Here's How to Use This Sweetener in Your Recipes

If you're looking for an alternative to traditional sweeteners, agave syrup might have caught your eye. This smooth, amber-colored liquid has become a popular choice in everything from coffee and cocktails to baked goods and salad dressings. Loved for its mild flavor and how easily it dissolves, it's often used as a substitute for honey or sugar. But what exactly is agave syrup, and how does it compare to other sweeteners? We talked to experts to break down what you need to know, including how it's made, the best ways to use it, and how to store it.

What Is Agave Syrup?

Agave syrup is an amber-colored liquid sweetener that comes from the concentrated sap of the agave plant, explains Chayanin Pornsriniyom, chef-instructor of health-supportive culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education. The center of the agave plant—which grows in Central and North America—contains a sweet sap, which is processed into agave syrup. Since agave syrup is plant-based, it is vegan (unlike honey).

Buying and Storing Agave Syrup

Agave syrup is often sold as agave nectar (which is simply a marketing term). You'll find it in the baking aisle along with other sweeteners, or in the natural foods section of your grocery store, as well as online. Once opened, agave can be stored in a dark, cool place in your kitchen or in the refrigerator.

How to Use Agave Syrup

If you're new to agave syrup, here are some ideas for using it in recipes You can also use it in small amounts to sweeten, as you might sprinkle sugar.

• Try it as an alternative to maple syrup or pancake syrup, drizzling over waffles, pancakes, or French toast.
• Agave syrup works well when you need just a hint of sweetness, such as in this Homemade Granola.
• Out of brown sugar? Agave syrup can replace the sugar in barbecue sauce.
• Agave syrup blends in easily to cocktails, like these Pineapple and Mango Rum Cocktails.
• Add some sweetness to your yogurt or smoothie bowl.

How to Use Agave Syrup as a White Sugar Substitute

To use agave syrup as a white sugar substitute, you'll need 30 percent less than you would white sugar. The reason? Agave syrup is considerably sweeter, so you can use less product to achieve the same sweetness level, says Pornsriniyom.

Compared to most other white sugar replacements, agave syrup has a milder and more neutral taste. It won't compromise the overall color and flavor of your recipes, allowing other ingredients to shine. It's an especially popular choice for preparations such as meat marinades, baked goods, dressings, and drinks. But bakers, take note: "Baking with agave nectar will result in baked goods that brown faster in the oven. To prevent excessive browning, you may want to reduce [the] oven temperature by 5 to 10 degrees," says Pornsriniyom.