Honey is a fascinating and even debatable topic when it comes to restricted diets. People have different opinions about consuming honey on a diet that restricts the use of animal products. Some people prefer adding it to a plant-based diet while others believe it is a no-go because it is neither a plant nor a whole food.
So, is honey plant-based? No, honey is not plant based as honey does not come from a plant source. However, when you are looking at the values of a plant-based diet, honey makes a good addition to the diet, just like eggs and dairy. Just like eggs, you can add honey in moderation to your plant-based diet in its natural, minimally-processed form.
Let us try to find out what are the better substitutes for honey on a plant based diet.
Top 3 Honey Substitutes For A Plant Based Diet
Most people don’t consider honey to be plant-based as it comes from insects. However, it all comes down to how it is processed. Just like eggs, you can add honey in moderation to your plant-based diet in its natural, minimally-processed form.
For those who follow a strict plant-based diet, there are several other options that can replace honey. Substitutes like maple syrup obtained from plant-based sources offer you a great way to sweeten the recipes without having to indulge in any animal-based product.
Maple Syrup
A natural sweetener allowed on a plant-based diet, maple syrup is generally obtained from the sap of maple trees. The sap is extracted and filtered to get a thick, sugary syrup used to sweeten dishes. What makes this food so healthy is its high content of minerals and antioxidants. It provides about 24 antioxidants to help lower the risk of health problems.
Maple syrup provides a decent amount of minerals like zinc, manganese, iron, calcium and potassium. It also contains other compounds known to deliver amazing benefits like reduced risk of cancer. It can be used just like honey for cooking and baking and makes perfect spreads. However, it should be consumed in moderation when following a healthy diet.
Applesauce
Another excellent honey substitute for a plant-based diet, applesauce can be used in its unsweetened form to make salad dressings, smoothies, baked goods and other recipes. Depending on the type of apples used in making it, applesauce delivers a decent amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
This sweet sauce is also rich in vitamin C. It is low in fat and calories and can be used in everyday life when following a restricted diet. However, you should look for the quality and ingredients to make sure the product does not contain any additives that get in the way of your diet goals.
Date Syrup
One of the best honey substitutes for a plant-based diet is date syrup. It is a caramel-colored natural sweetener made by cooking dates. It can be easily made at home by blending boiled dates with water or can be obtained from the market. Several brands offer date syrup as a healthy sugar alternative.
Dates are loaded with natural sugar and fiber and have a rich taste that gives the dessert a nice flavor. When you purchase date syrup, look at the ingredients list to ensure it contains no animal components or additives.
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