3 Honey Substitute Sweeteners, Suitable For Vegans

Illustration of Honey Substitute Sweetener (Pexels/Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Honey is often added on top of fruits or oatmeal as a topping, or as a mixture in tea to make it sweeter. However, if you are a vegan, honey falls into the category of animal products because the manufacturing process involves bees.

But don't worry, instead, you can use one of the following options:

Maple syrup

Made from boiled maple sap, this syrup makes a great substitute for honey, especially in snack or cake recipes that don't require baking. Maple syrup can also be consumed as a sweetener for granola, salad dressing, smoothies. Maple syrup is not as thick as honey, but just as sweet. The darker the color, the richer the syrup will taste.

Date syrup and paste

Date syrup is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, and can be used to add sweetness to baked goods. Date paste, which is thicker than date syrup, is a little more versatile and can be used like jam. Use it instead of honey when making baked goods, salad dressings or smoothies, or pair it with cheese when you prepare charcuterie or cheese boards.

Coconut sugar syrup or coconut nectar

Coconut sugar syrup has a consistency similar to honey. This vegetable sweetener is made from the sap of the coconut tree flower. Coconut sugar syrup is light in sweetness, making it versatile to mix into a variety of your everyday meals.