Yacon Syrup vs Honey: The Ultimate Verdict

Honey and yacón syrup are two distinct sweetening agents with unique origins and properties. While honey is produced by bees from plant secretions, yacón syrup is extracted from the tuberous roots of the yacón plant. Both sweeteners offer different nutritional profiles, with yacón syrup being lower in calories and sugar. The question arises: which of these sweeteners is ultimately superior? Let’s explore the characteristics and benefits of each to reach a verdict.

Comparing Yacon Syrup vs Honey

	Yacon Syrup	Honey
Substitution ratio	1:1	1:1
Gluten-free?	Yes	Yes
Keto-friendly?	No	No
Paleo-friendly?	No	Raw and unpasteurized in moderation
Common Allergens	Yacon	Honey, some pollen
Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed)	2 years	Indefinite
Best for baking	Best used as a low-GI sweetener.	Flaky pastries and baked goods.

Differences Between Yacon Syrup And Honey

Honey, produced by bees from the nectar of flowers, is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The variations in honey flavor and color are influenced by the types of flowers bees pollinate. Comprised mainly of sugars and water, honey also contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is widely used as a natural sweetener, but it also serves as an antioxidant. It can be used orally to alleviate coughs or topically to aid in wound healing and burn treatment.

Yacon syrup originates from the yacon root, a natural root vegetable found predominantly in Peru. Yacon syrup is renowned for its sweet taste and high content of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). With up to 50% FOS, consuming yacon syrup does not significantly impact blood glucose levels, although the root itself contains about 35% free fructose. The concentration of FOS and free sugars can vary based on cultivation methods, harvest timing, and storage conditions.

Yacon syrup is made by reducing yacon juice until it becomes a thick, dark, and sweet syrup. Yacon has been historically used for both nutritional and folk medicinal purposes, particularly for managing diabetes, weight control, and inflammation.

Taste and Culinary Uses

Sweeteners like honey, yacon syrup, and molasses bring various flavors to foods and drinks, elevating their taste profiles and adding depth and complexity. Honey, depending on the nectar source, can offer floral, fruity, smoky, woody, or earthy notes. Its versatility in cooking allows it to enhance the taste and texture of sweet and savory dishes, enriching casseroles, sauces, and dressings with its subtle and unique flavor.

Yacon syrup boasts a caramel taste and is approximately half as sweet as honey. It adds instant sweetness to smoothies and other beverages, and its low glycemic index makes it a favorable option, especially for those conscious of their sugar intake. Yacon syrup can be drizzled over pancakes or desserts as an alternative to maple syrup. It can also be used as a substitute for sugar or syrup in baking recipes, providing a rich, caramel taste.

Are Yacon Syrup and Honey Substitutes for Each Other?

Yacon syrup can be swapped with honey 1:1 in many recipes, but they aren’t necessarily interchangeable. Honey is sweeter and more full-bodied than yacon syrup, which has a milder flavor profile. Also, honey’s higher glycemic index of 55 means it won’t have the same blood sugar-balancing effects as yacon syrup, making it an unsuitable substitute for those looking for a low glycemic sweetener. 

Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits

• Name: Honey
  • Serving size: 1 tbsp.
  • Calories: 60
  • Total carbs: 17 g
  • Sugars: 17 g
  • GI: 58
• Name: Yacon syrup
  • Serving size: 1 tsp.
  • Calories: 20
  • Total carbs: 4 g
  • Sugars: 2 g
  • GI: 1

Honey possesses potential therapeutic properties due to its phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Its bioactive molecules, flavonoids, and polyphenols act as antioxidants, contributing to its medicinal potential.

Yacon syrup is highly regarded for being low in calories and plant-based. It is favored by many for its potential to relieve constipation, aid in weight loss, and reduce insulin resistance, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol. Both sweeteners offer unique advantages and can be incorporated into a balanced diet for their respective health benefits.

Diet Suitability

Honey is not considered vegan due to its origin and production process. Bees collect nectar from flowers, partially digest it, and store it in beeswax honeycombs. Honey is rich in sugars and carbohydrates, so it is not allowed on the ketogenic diet as it can disrupt ketosis. However, unadulterated raw honey aligns with the principles of a paleo lifestyle, as it is considered a whole food. Pasteurized honey, which undergoes heat processing, is less recommended in a paleo-oriented diet. On the Whole30 diet, honey should be avoided.

Yacon syrup is not suitable for the ketogenic diet due to its sugar and calorie content, which can disrupt ketosis. On a paleo diet, it is not compliant, as refined sugars are not allowed. Additionally, Yacon syrup is not suitable for the Whole30 diet due to its classification as a sweetener.

How to Store Yacon Syrup and Honey

To ensure optimal preservation, honey should be stored in sealed glass jars with airtight lids to avoid air exposure when not in use. Avoid storing honey in non-food plastic or metal containers, as they can lead to honey oxidation. Refrigeration is unnecessary; instead, store honey in a cool, dark, and dry place. 

Yacon syrup maintains its quality for at least two years after production when stored in dry, cool conditions.

Price and Availability

Honey prices begin at $2.96 per pound and can vary considerably. Yacon Syrup is a pricier option, with costs starting at approximately $18 and increasing from there. Yacon syrup is also much more challenging to find than honey, often requiring a trip to a health food or specialty store.

Environmental Impact

Honey is one of the lowest impact options regarding greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike other farming practices, beekeeping for honey production does not rely on heavy machinery or synthetic fertilizers. The simple process of bringing honey from the hive to your cupboard makes it not only a sustainable choice but also a natural one. On the other hand, yacon syrup shows promise in terms of environmental sustainability, particularly if you purchase a fair trade product.

Yacon Syrup vs. Honey: The Ultimate Verdict

Yacon syrup and honey are both great. Based on availability alone, I would opt for honey, as yacon syrup is only available online where I live. However, if I needed to make a move to a low-GI sweetener, then yacon syrup would be a great choice. The ultimate verdict is dependent on your dietary needs!

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