Looking for a honey substitute? You don't realize how often you use honey until you're out of it.
The good news? You've got plenty of options. From simple pantry staples to easy swaps you might not have thought of, this guide covers 21 honey substitutes so you can keep cooking without missing a beat.
While there are many other alternatives, this list is what we consider the best. You may need to reference this list if you're making my Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips or my Honey Ginger Chicken Thighs!
Quick Look: Best Honey Substitutes
- ⏱️ Total Substitutes: 21
- 🍰 Works In: Baking, marinades, sauces, dressings, beverages, and desserts.
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Most liquid sweeteners can be used 1:1 for honey, but you may need to slightly reduce other liquids in the recipe.
- 💧 Why It Matters: Honey adds sweetness, moisture, and a subtle floral flavor, so the best substitutes replace both sweetness and texture.
- ⭐ Bottom Line: Choose a substitute based on sweetness level and thickness, not just flavor.
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Why are ingredient substitutions important?
As mentioned above, there are many reasons why you might be in need of an easy ingredient substitution. It is important that you are able to find the right substitution that maintains the taste and presentation of your recipe as well as meeting any dietary requirements.
Whether you are looking for a substitute for beef broth for your soup, or a tomato paste substitute for your pasta recipe you've come to the right place!
Best Honey Substitutes (conversion chart)
| Substitute | Substitution Ratio | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Syrup | 1:1 | Baking, pancakes, sauces |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup sugar + ¼ cup liquid = 1 cup honey | Baking |
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup packed brown sugar = 1 cup honey | Baking, cookies |
| Corn Syrup | 1:1 | Candy, baking |
| Agave Nectar | ¾ cup agave = 1 cup honey | Baking, drinks |
| Molasses | 1:1 | Gingerbread, baked goods |
| Golden Syrup | 1:1 | Baking, desserts |
| Coconut Nectar | 1:1 | Baking, sauces |
| Date Syrup | 1:1 | Baking, smoothies |
| Rice Syrup | 1:1 | Baking |
| Simple Syrup | 1:1 | Drinks, cocktails |
| Barley Malt Syrup | 1:1 | Bread, baking |
| Fruit Jam | 1:1 (reduce other liquids) | Baking, glazes |
| Applesauce | 1:1 (reduce liquid) | Baking |
| Mashed Banana | 1:1 (adjust flavor) | Baking |
| Stevia (liquid) | Follow package (very concentrated) | Drinks, light baking |
| Monk Fruit Sweetener | Follow package | Baking, drinks |
| Brown Rice Syrup | 1:1 | Baking |
| Sorghum Syrup | 1:1 | Baking, Southern recipes |
| Cane Syrup | 1:1 | Baking, sauces |
| Pancake Syrup | 1:1 | Breakfast, baking |
If you're doing a little pantry improvising, you'll love my easy coconut flour substitutes and best cream cheese alternatives guides; they'll help you keep cooking without missing a beat.
Best Honey Substitutes (How to Use Each One)
⏱️ Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is one of the easiest swaps for honey with a similar sweetness and consistency. It works very well for this Baked Salmon with Honey and Pineapple.
- 🍝 Works In: Baking, pancakes, waffles, sauces
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Slightly thinner than honey, so reduce other liquids just a bit if needed.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar can replace honey when combined with a little liquid.
- 🍝 Works In: Cakes, muffins, cookies
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Add about ¼ cup liquid (water or milk) per cup of sugar to mimic honey's moisture.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1 cup sugar + ¼ cup liquid = 1 cup honey
⏱️ Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor.
- 🍝 Works In: Cookies, quick breads, baked goods
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Results will be a bit drier than honey-based recipes.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1 cup packed brown sugar = 1 cup honey
⏱️ Corn Syrup
Corn syrup has a similar texture and mild flavor.
- 🍝 Works In: Candy, baking, sauces
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Keeps recipes smooth and prevents crystallization.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Agave Nectar
Agave is slightly sweeter than honey with a mild flavor.
- 🍝 Works In: Drinks, baking, sauces
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Reduce liquids slightly since agave is thinner.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: ¾ cup agave = 1 cup honey
⏱️ Molasses
Molasses is thick and rich with a bold flavor.
- 🍝 Works In: Gingerbread, baked goods
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Use in recipes where a deep, robust flavor works well.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Golden Syrup
Golden syrup is smooth and buttery with a mild sweetness.
- 🍝 Works In: Baking, desserts
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Very similar texture to honey, making it an easy swap.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Coconut Nectar
Coconut nectar is a syrup made from coconut blossoms.
- 🍝 Works In: Baking, sauces
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Mild flavor makes it versatile in most recipes.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Date Syrup
Date syrup is thick and naturally sweet with a caramel-like flavor.
- 🍝 Works In: Baking, smoothies, sauces
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Adds a darker color and richer flavor.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Rice Syrup
Rice syrup is mild and less sweet than honey.
- 🍝 Works In: Baking
- 🔄 Swap Tip: You may need a little extra to match sweetness.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1 (adjust to taste)
⏱️ Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is a mix of sugar and water.
- 🍝 Works In: Drinks, cocktails
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Too thin for baking but great for beverages.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Barley Malt Syrup
Barley malt syrup has a deep, slightly nutty flavor.
- 🍝 Works In: Bread, baking
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Less sweet than honey, so adjust if needed.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Fruit Jam
Fruit jam can replace honey while adding flavor.
- 🍝 Works In: Glazes, baking
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Reduce other liquids and expect added fruit flavor.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Applesauce
Applesauce adds moisture and mild sweetness. I love to use it for these Easy Bisquick Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins!
- 🍝 Works In: Cakes, muffins, quick breads
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Reduces sweetness and adds softness.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1 (reduce liquid slightly). Applesauce has a high water content so you'll need to reduce the amount of other liquids in your recipe.
⏱️ Mashed Banana
Mashed banana works well as a natural sweetener in baking. Be sure to use overripe bananas!
- 🍝 Works In: Muffins, breads
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Adds a noticeable banana flavor.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Stevia (Liquid)
Stevia is a concentrated sweetener.
- 🍝 Works In: Drinks, light baking
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Use very small amounts and add liquid for balance.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: Follow package directions
⏱️ Monk Fruit Sweetener
Monk fruit is another concentrated sweetener. I love it for desserts; that's why it's my top choice for these Low Carb Cheesecake Squares.
- 🍝 Works In: Baking, drinks
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Often blended with other sweeteners for better texture.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: Follow package directions
⏱️ Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup is thick with a mild sweetness.
- 🍝 Works In: Baking
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Less sweet than honey, so adjust to taste.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Sorghum Syrup
Sorghum syrup has a rich, slightly tangy flavor (real Southern staple right here).
- 🍝 Works In: Baking, biscuits, sauces
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Works beautifully in Southern recipes.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Cane Syrup
Cane syrup is smooth with a mild caramel flavor.
- 🍝 Works In: Baking, sauces
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Very similar texture to honey.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
⏱️ Pancake Syrup
Pancake syrup is a convenient, easy swap.
- 🍝 Works In: Breakfast recipes, baking
- 🔄 Swap Tip: Sweeter and more artificial in flavor than honey.
- ⚖️ Substitution Ratio: 1:1
Choosing the Best Honey Substitute
No honey? No problem.
With so many easy substitutes to choose from, you can still get the sweetness, texture, and flavor your recipe needs. Whether you reach for maple syrup, sugar, or something a little different, the key is picking the right swap for the dish you're making.
Once you know what works best, you'll never have to skip a recipe just because you're out of honey.
Honey Substitutes FAQs
You can use sugar instead of honey but be aware of some important details when switching. Honey is a liquid; therefore, you have to add some liquids to the recipe to compensate for the substitution.
The taste and texture may be a little different from honey, but that doesn't mean the result wouldn't be great.
As referenced above, there are better substitutes than sugar.
The best honey substitute depends on what you're looking for. If you want the closest match in flavor and texture, agave nectar is a good choice because it has a similar mild sweetness and syrupy consistency. If you prefer a more natural option, pure maple syrup works well and adds a rich, slightly caramel-like flavor.
Making beeless honey at home is pretty simple. All you need is water, sugar, and some clover and rose petals. Here is a great YouTube on how to make your own beeless honey at home.
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Nigel Perry says
Hello. I have recipe for granola bars which uses warm honey and peanut butter to form a kind of "glue" for the oats, nuts and dried fruit. It's very effective but I would like to make a vegan version. Maple syrup just doesn't form as good a "glue". The honey and peanut mixture has to be warmed thoroughly to blend it together and then mix it with the other ingredients so I guess that rules out banana. Might you have any suggestions?
Anne Clark says
Hi Nigel, thanks for visiting my blog! Thank you for your question. If I'm understanding correctly, you'd like a vegan substitute for the honey that will help bind all your ingredients together for granola bars. So, I'm thinking (1) agave syrup or (2) brown rice syrup [they are both similar to honey when warmed]; or (3) date paste. Dates are naturally sweet and sticky when blended into a paste. For a great recipe for date paste, head over to Dish Knowledge and read her post on "How to Make Date Paste." You can copy/paste this link: https://www.delishknowledge.com/how-to-make-date-paste I hope this helps! Have a great week!