10 Differences Between Agave and Sugar
Where do you get your sweetener from? If you’re an American, chances are you have sugar in your house, while the rest of the world reaches for agave nectar to add a touch of sweetness to their coffee and tea, oatmeal, and baked goods. But did you know that there are actually quite a few differences between Agave and Sugar?
Comparison chart of agave vs sugar
While agave might be touted as a better alternative to sugar, they’re actually quite different. Here are 10 differences between agave and sugar you need to know.
1) Does Not Contain Fillers
On average, agave contains about 60% fructose. This is a higher concentration than table sugar (or sucrose), which means you’ll need less of it to get that sweet taste.
The downside? High-fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, has been linked to health problems like obesity. Agave does not contain any fillers or additives, so if you’re worried about your sugar intake then agave may be a good alternative.
2) Is Sweeter than Table Sugar
Depending on its brand, agave is anywhere from 25 to 75 percent sweeter than table sugar. One teaspoon of agave syrup has only 15 calories and is digested quickly, but contains less of a blood-sugar spike than white sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. So it’s a great sweetener for those with diabetes. This difference between agave and sugar also makes it ideal for food manufacturers: Its lower viscosity means it mixes into products easily.
3) Can Be Used in Cooking
Many people choose agave over sugar because it can be used in cooking. It’s safe for high-heat cooking, unlike sugar. This makes it a versatile alternative to sugar in many recipes.
4) Is Associated with Diabetics
All forms of sugar are dangerous for diabetics. Although agave has a lower glycemic index, it’s still associated with increased blood glucose levels. If you have diabetes, we recommend you consult your doctor before consuming agave as part of your diet.
The good news is that there are several natural sweeteners that are lower on the glycemic index than both agave and table sugar, including stevia, yacon syrup, coconut nectar, erythritol, and xylitol.
5) Contains Glycosides (But it’s Smaller Than Table Sugar)
One of the agave’s most beneficial properties is that it contains glycosides, which give it a lower glycemic index than sugar. Glycosides are compounds made up of carbohydrates bound to proteins, making them bigger than simple sugars (monosaccharides).
This means that agave isn’t broken down in your digestive tract as quickly as sugar, thereby keeping your blood sugar levels more stable and less likely to spike.
6) Has a Sweet Taste but Low Glycemic Index
Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, but it’s also what gives table sugar its sweet taste. However, when sucrose enters your body, it’s broken down into both glucose and fructose (each with its own separate glycemic index).
Glycemic index refers to how quickly food turns into blood sugar. High GI foods are absorbed quickly while low GI foods are absorbed more slowly.
7) Contains Fiber Like Agave Nectar
Because agave contains both fructose and glucose, it has more in common with table sugar than honey. Unlike honey.
however, agave also contains fiber, which means that it provides fewer calories than table sugar 2.5 calories per gram versus 4 calories per gram.
8) Higher in Nutrients than Table Sugar
Although agave has been promoted as a natural sweetener that’s lower in fructose than table sugar, research shows that you get more nutrition from cane sugar than from agave.
For example, one tablespoon of white table sugar contains 16 calories, 0 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, and 14 grams of carbs. One tablespoon of agave nectar contains 21 calories, 1 gram of protein, 0 grams of fat, and 13 grams of carbs. So where does all that extra goodness come from?
9) Source
Agave syrup is created from agave plants native to Mexico, the same species that are used to make tequila. Madhava and Wholesome Sweeteners are two well-known brands that sell for around $0.16 per ounce.
Sugar cane or sugar beets are used to make table sugar. Sugarcane is grown in South America, the South Pacific, South Asia, and the United States’ southern regions. Sugar beets can be grown in any location. Table sugar brands such as C & H and Domino sell for around $0.05 per ounce.
10) Color
Agave syrup is an amber liquid that ranges from mild to dark in color. Sugar comes in a variety of colors, from brown to white, depending on the type and amount of processing.
the Differences Between Vitamin D2 and D3.
This article explored the 10 most surprising differences between agave and sugar. Agave is often touted as a healthier alternative to sugar, but is it really? Reading this article will help you decide for yourself.