Is Agave Healthier Than Honey?

Agave and honey are both perceived as natural sweetener options and are often used by health-conscious individuals instead of regular refined sugar. Both agave and honey can be used to sweeten tea, yogurt or any recipe calling for sugar. Moreover, these sweeteners are also used in many commercially-prepared products marketed as being natural, healthy or organic choices.

Carbohydrate Content

Agave and honey have a very similar nutritional value. A serving of 1 tbsp. of agave has 60 calories and 16g of carbohydrates, which is the equivalent of 20 calories and about 5g of carbohydrates per teaspoon. As for honey, 1 tbsp. contains 64 calories and 17.3g of carbohydrates, which corresponds to about 21 calories and close to 6g of carbohydrates per teaspoon. All of the carbohydrates in either honey or agave is present as sugar.

Type of Sugar

Although both agave and honey have a similar carbohydrate and sugar content, the type of sugar these sweeteners contain differs. For example, table sugar is made of sucrose, which corresponds to a molecule of glucose and fructose bound together and gives it a sugar content of 50 percent fructose and 50 percent glucose. In honey, half of the sugar is fructose and half is glucose, both unlike in regular sugar, the unit of glucose and fructose are separated. In agave, up to 90 percent of the sugar is fructose, while only 10 percent is glucose. Even high-fructose corn syrup has a lower fructose content, corresponding to about 55 percent of its total sugar. A high fructose intake is associated with a higher body weight and increased triglycerides, as reported int he 2008 meta-analysis published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is used to identify how different carbohydrates can influence your blood sugar levels. A glycemic index below 55 is low and is considered healthy because it helps you maintain your blood sugar levels lower, while a glycemic index above 70 is high and leads to unhealthy blood sugar swings. Agave has a very low glycemic index, ranging between 10 and 19, while the glycemic index of honey is also low, ranging between 35 and 58.

Sugar Is Sugar Is Sugar

Agave and honey are two natural sweeteners, with varying fructose content and glycemic index, but with a similar total carbohydrate and sugar content. Although they may be less processed and refined compared to table sugar, agave and honey are sugars and like any sugar, they do not provide you with substantial nutrition. Use these sweeteners sparingly, especially if you are trying to lose weight.