If you're looking to reduce your sugar intake or add a little variety to your baking, substituting honey for sugar in your recipes is a great option. Honey not only adds a natural sweetness to your dishes, but it also comes with several health benefits. Honey is packed with antioxidants, can soothe sore throats, and has been shown to have antibacterial properties.
But, making the switch from sugar to honey can be tricky. Honey is sweeter than sugar, and it's also a liquid, which can affect the texture and consistency of your baked goods. In this article, we'll take you through everything you need to know about how to substitute honey for sugar in cooking.
Tip #1
For every one cup of sugar, substitute 1/2 to 2/3 cup of honey.
Since honey is mainly fructose, it is much sweeter than refined sugar. Depending on the type of honey used, it can be two to three times sweeter. Therefore, we recommend following our handy chart below to get the conversion right.
Tip #2 - Add a bit of baking soda
Honey is naturally acidic, and adding baking soda helps balance this acidity, allowing baked goods to rise properly. We recommend using 1/4 tsp of baking soda for every one cup of honey.
Tip #3 - Lower the heat
Honey will burn faster than granulated sugar. Therefore, when baking or cooking, lower the heat by 10 degrees Celsius and stir more frequently.
Tip #4 - Use less liquid
Honey adds liquid to a recipe. When substituting honey for sugar, you'll need to reduce the amount of liquid ingredients by 1/4 cup for every one cup of honey.
Tip #5 - Use RAW honey
Be sure to use raw, locally sourced honey. Most commercial honeys on supermarket shelves have been mixed with sugar syrups, defeating the purpose of substituting sugar with the healthier honey. All of our honeys are locally sourced from Western Australia and are 100% RAW, meaning they come straight from the beehive to you.
Contact us for a tasting in Wanneroo, Western Australia, or for shipping inquiries.
In conclusion, cooking with honey is a great way to incorporate a natural sweetener into your recipes. Follow our handy tips to ensure that you get the most out of your raw honey, and don't forget to use 100% raw honey for optimal health benefits.