What Is The Difference: Agave Nectar Vs Agave Syrup?

There are many interesting alternatives to sugar for those looking for a healthy substitute for processed sugar. One that stands out because of its name is agave syrup, which has obvious ties to the succulent plant of the same name. However, there is also agave nectar, which sounds even better. So what should we know about these agave sugar alternatives, and which is best when comparing agave nectar vs agave syrup?

What Is The Difference: Agave Nectar Vs Agave Syrup?

The most important difference here is the origin of the substances, which is where it pays to know the difference between nectar and syrup. Nectar is a rich sugary substance that comes straight from the plant and is a vital life source for many creatures. Meanwhile, syrup is a secondary product created using nectar and other ingredients for the consumer market. If you see a processed product on a shelf in a store, it is probably syrup, not nectar.

Is Agave Nectar 100% Natural?

True agave nectar is 100% natural because it is an untouched substance taken straight from the plant. If we were to add that tapped liquid to our drink, we could indeed say that we are using agave nectar. However, as soon as any other additive or process is involved, we should call it agave syrup. As this is common practice, buying pure nectar from agave plants as its own product isn't possible.

The trouble with telling the difference between agave nectar and agave syrup as a consumer is that some companies may label their syrup as nectar to draw people in. Agave nectar is an ingredient, but what we want to buy is pure nectar.

How Is Agave Syrup Made?

The pure agave nectar taken from the succulent goes through many processes before it becomes consumer agave syrup. The nectar is refined and processed before being diluted with water. This dilution helps to add volume and make the agave plant syrup more profitable for manufacturers. Consumers that are used to this sort of syrup may not be aware of the amount of processing and dilution involved.

Agave Nectar Vs Agave Syrup: Which Is Better For Us?

It is important to remember that neither product is particularly healthy because of the high levels of fructose and glucose involved. As with any form of sugar or natural sweetener, it is best to consume it in moderation and be aware of how much goes into each drink. There are always risks with highly processed products where we end up consuming high levels of refined sugar. Some manufacturers may also add chemicals or other additives to improve taste and profit margins.

Consumers Only Need To Look For Agave Syrup.

To summarize, there isn't a massive difference when comparing agave nectar vs agave syrup. They both contain the same plant extract and work as alternative sweeteners. The difference is that the syrup is a processed consumer-ready product containing pure nectar. Remember that all products are syrups, and if you see something labeled as agave nectar, it is purely for marketing purposes.