PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY
 

PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventShort Dated2 for €74 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouNatures AidBioglanGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesPE NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaTeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSpirulinaSuperfood PowdersGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaHeath & HeatherTwiningsMeridianOptimum NutritionNakdPhDGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAL-LysineGlutamineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchPE NutritionOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringHuelSiSHigh5Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDUSNEat WaterNatures AidSlimExpertApplied NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaNew NordicSolgarHeath & HeatherOptimum NutritionEthiqueDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietMuscle & Joint PainSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietJoints, Bones & MusclesSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
A wooden spoon pouring maple syrup into a jar.

Maple syrup & other vegan honey alternatives

23 Nov 2022 • 1 min read

Have you been wondering, ‘Is honey vegan?’ Well, you may, or may not, know this, but it’s a question that’s attracted widespread discussion. As we all know, veganism involves not eating animal products and any food that’s produced by animals, e.g. eggs. But the waters can become a little muddied when it comes to applying this principle to insects, i.e. bees, because insects are almost always automatically classed as falling into the veganism animal category. However, not everybody realises this.1

Can vegans eat honey?

Some vegans choose to eat honey and some choose not to eat honey, for reasons, such as the way bees are commercially farmed and the fact commercial honey farming may harm the health of bees.2 With that in mind, we’ve dedicated this article to sharing some vegan honey alternatives with you, starting with agave.

5 honey substitutes

1. Agave

What is it?

It’s a sweet brown liquid that comes the sap of the agave plant, which is a cactus plant. Agave nectar’s around one and-a-half times sweeter than sugar .

How is it made?

By extracting the sap from the plant and filtering and heating it to create a concentrate. How do you eat it? You can drizzle agave syrup on to porridge or cakes, use it to sweeten hot drinks or bake with it.3 Try: The Groovy Food Company Premium Agave Nectar Rich & Dark 250ml (£3.69)

2. Maple syrup

What is it?

Maple syrup is the spring sap from the maple tree. It contains more than 60% sucrose and tastes very similar to honey.

How is it made?

The syrup is made by reducing the sap down, which mainly involves boiling it.

How do you eat it?

Maple syrup can be drizzled over sweet or savoury foods, such as pancakes, waffles, bacon and eggs, or added to stews and desserts.4 Try: Sweet Freedom Fruit Syrup Original 320g (£3.59)

3. Molasses

What are they?

Molasses are basically treacle or black treacle.5 While they don’t contain sugar, they’re renowned for containing other vitamins and minerals.

How are they made?

They’re essentially what’s left over after cane sugar has been boiled to produce sugar and most of the sugar has been extracted.6

How do you eat them?

They’re a really popular baking ingredient, and can often be found in rich sticky fruit cakes, toffee and gingerbread.7 Try: Holland & Barrett Molasses 454g (£1.99)

4. Malt extract

What is it?

Malt extract is made from barley grains and water and is available as liquid malt extract and dried malt extract.8 It’s less sweeter tasting than sugar or golden syrup.9

How is it made?

By grinding up malted barley and combining it with water. During a series of time and temperature changes, the starch is converted into maltose and other simple sugars.10

How do you eat it?

You can spread it on bread or toast, add it to cereals or use it for cooking and baking instead of using sugar.11 Try: Holland & Barrett Malt Extract 454g (£3.19

5. Inulin syrup

What is it?

Inulin is a type of fermented fibre that’s found in the roots of many foods, such as onions, garlic and artichokes. It’s also a type of oligosaccharide, called a fructan, which are essentially a chain of sugar molecules.12

How is it made?

The process for making inulin is similar to the process of extracting sugar from sugar beets. The beets of chicory roots are harvested, sliced and washed. The inulin is then extracted by using hot water diffusion. It’s then purified and dried.13

How do you eat it?

Add it to hot and cold drinks and smoothies, bake with it and sprinkle it on cereals and porridge.14 Try: Holland & Barrett Troo Chocolate Inulin Syrup 227g (£4.99) Vegan honey alternatives are a whole new world in themselves. All of them are made slightly differently, some are sweeter than others, and some are lighter and darker than others. The five products we’ve focused on above are just a handful of the honey substitutes that are available; there are so many more out there. We hope you enjoy trying out the various different options and finding your favourite non-honey fix. Shop vegan food Last Updated: 23rd September 2020 Sources: 1 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-honey-vegan#:~:text=Why%20most%20vegans%20don't,include%20honey%20in%20their%20diet. 2 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-honey-vegan#:~:text=Why%20most%20vegans%20don't,include%20honey%20in%20their%20diet. 3 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/sugar-substitues-agave 4 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/maple-syrup-glossary 5 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/molasses-glossary 6 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/molasses-glossary 7 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/molasses-glossary 8 https://www.almostoffgrid.com/blogs/almost-off-grid/what-is-malt-extract 9 https://cerealandmalt.com/the-processing-and-uses-of-barley-malt-extract/ 10 https://cerealandmalt.com/the-processing-and-uses-of-barley-malt-extract/ 11 https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-malt-extract-60004303 12 https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-health-benefits-of-inulin-4587258 13 https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/129/7/1402S/4722577 14 https://wildlyorganic.com/blogs/recipes/10-ways-to-use-inulin-everyday
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.