If you’re avoiding honey, you may find it difficult to find the right replacement — it can be tough to mimic that texture and taste. It can also be hard to avoid; honey is in more processed foods than you’d think, finding its way into baked goods, breads, pastries, cereals, crackers, and other foods you might enjoy.

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Try making more sweet treats at home instead and when a recipe calls for honey, feel free to substitute it with any of these alternatives:

1. Maple Syrup

Source: Carrot Zucchini Squares with Cashew Maple Frosting

You might think maple syrup only belongs on pancakes, French toast, or oatmeal. But maple syrup is actually a fantastic alternative, providing an earthy and robust flavor similar to honey. Try using maple syrup instead of honey for baked good recipes like cookies, cakes, and even homemade granola. Also, make sure you purchase grade B organic maple syrup. Unlike grade A maple syrup that can be heavily filtered, grade B will give a rich maple note to your recipes. You might find yourself using less syrup than you used to. Less syrup means less sugar!

2. Yacon Root Syrup

Source: Raw Carrot Cake With Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting

When I first learned about yacon root syrup, it was like the Gods were answering my prayers. Not only is yacon root syrup super sweet and tasty, but it can actually aid in blood sugar stabilization and weight loss. Consuming as little as a teaspoon of yacon root syrup before meals is suggested to aid in digestion and alleviate constipation. Yacon root syrup is also a surprisingly rich source of iron, a top mineral vegan eaters can sometimes be deficient in. You can use yacon root syrup just like you would honey in many recipes and sweet/carbohydrate-based dishes, but keep in mind that you cannot bake with it. Try using yacon root syrup in raw vegan desserts. Check out 15 Decadent Raw Vegan (No-Bake) Dessert Recipes for ideas on how to use it.

3. Coconut Nectar

Source: Berry Coconut Bowls

Surely you’ve heard of coconut sugar as a great substitute for refined white or brown sugar. But coconut nectar is also a great alternative to honey and can be used in 1:1 ratio. Coconut nectar naturally ranks low on the glycemic index chart, is mineral-rich, and a good plant source of various B vitamins. Feel free to add it to breakfast cereals, smoothies, or other treats for a mildly sweet flavor. Check out Smoothie and Juice Recipes to Help You Get Healthy Quick! and swap the sweeteners with coconut nectar.

4. Date Paste

Source: Healthy Date Caramel

Dates are perhaps one of the easiest and most natural sweeteners to use as an alternative to honey. Readily available, you can find dates at almost all grocery stores. They also don’t require refrigeration, making them great for traveling or as a portable snack. Recently, date paste has been all the rage for those who want an alternative to honey. You can purchase date paste at your local health food store. Better yet, you can make your own by simply blending a handful of dates with a little bit of water until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Stevia Products

Source: Double Chocolate Berry Good Cookies

Stevia is one of the most ancient calorie-free sweeteners in the world. Native to South America, this alternative to honey has been used for thousands of years in place of traditional sugar. It’s great if you’re trying to lose weight and has been recognized by the American Diabetics Association as a suitable substitution that doesn’t interfere with blood sugar/glucose levels. Add stevia to coffee, tea, smoothies, and just about whatever you like! Because it’s available as a powder and a concentrated liquid, you can definitely use it instead of honey.

Don’t think you have to give up desserts and other delectable concoctions because you’re avoiding honey! There are plenty of alternatives that can taste just as good. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different products. Unlike refined sugar, alternatives like yacon root syrup and maple syrup actually have some medicinal properties and can be beneficial when used in moderation. What are some of your favorite alternatives to honey?

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