http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ Gluten Free Forums for elanaspantry.com en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:48:55 +0000 http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1978 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:35:31 +0000 amdahl007 1978@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>To member CAO... thank you so much for your reply... its very helpful and I will be ordering the no corn xylitol. ;D Thanks. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1973 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:50:03 +0000 CAO 1973@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I am not concerned about xylitol from corn b/c I'm not allergic to corn. For me, blood glucose readings are more important. It is also considerably less expensive than other xylitol. For non-corn xylitol: Smart Sweet says it is American made from birch trees: <a href="http://www.truth-about-birch-xylitol.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.truth-about-birch-xylitol.com/</a></p> <p>Xylitol is a 7 on the glycemic index. Stevia scores a 0 but is not a sugar - just a very sweet herb. Those are my sweeteners of choice. </p> <p>Coconut Palm sugar: glycemic index number I find is 35. That said, glycemic ratings can be very misleading &amp; the "load" is more important. But I haven't done a lot of research b/c it didn't seem like a good experiment for me, especially as a syrup. Instead I add unsweetened applesauce to stevia &amp; xylitol (sometimes mixing them).</p> <p>Here is information including something I've read elsewhere - Palm sugar is sometimes mixed with other sugars so the labels are important. <a href="http://coconutpalmsugar.com/Health_Attributes.html" rel="nofollow">http://coconutpalmsugar.com/Health_Attributes.html</a></p> <p>Most products quote studies on "normal" people, like the info on palm sugar which are of limited use for diabetics. <a href="http://coconutpalmsugar.com/Glycemic_Index_Explained.html" rel="nofollow">http://coconutpalmsugar.com/Glycemic_Index_Explained.html</a></p> <p>Good luck with your search. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1971 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:32 +0000 amdahl007 1971@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Hello. </p> <p>Brand new to this forum and ready to try out the gluten free almond flour cookbook. I'm looking for an alternative to agave, very interested in trying xylitol, especially after all the positive posts here. (maybe even palm sugar syrup). </p> <p>I'm also kind of new to the idea that for my health I'll need to be off processed/white sugar for the rest of my life. As a newbie I'd greatly appreciate some guidance with the following questions.</p> <p>1.Can anyone recommend a brand they like?<br /> 2.Wondering where you've found the best prices?<br /> 3.Also, an earlier post said that some companies make xylitol with corn, anyone know of a xylitol brand that doesn't use corn??<br /> 4.Anyone know which is lower on the glycemic index xylitol? or palm sugar syrup?</p> <p>Thank you. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1968 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:10:36 +0000 CAO 1968@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Thanks to all for posting how they substitute for agave. I have started using Xylitol. It's great. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol w/ a slightly different molecular makeup. The American Dental Association wants people to use xylitol b/c it helps fight bacteria in the mouth. I found this out while working with a local university on a project w/ their dental students. </p> <p>3 cautions:<br /> 1. DO NOT feed to DOGS. It acts differently in dogs - causes sudden severe blood glucose drop &amp; has resulted in some deaths.<br /> 2. In humans it can take a few days to get used to (as with other sugar alcohols) so limit yourself to smaller portions at first.<br /> 3. ALLERGIES? It originated as a product from birch trees but some companies make it from CORN. I don't know what that means for those allergic to CORN.</p> <p>Please be aware: unlike stevia with no calories, xylitol has about 10/tsp to sugar's 15. </p> <p>That said, as a diabetic on a strict diet (too stubborn to take meds) who cannot use most sugars (including most other alcohol sugars) It works for me. And sometimes I need more calories. Diabetics are more prone to infection including gum disease &amp; we could all benefit from something that fights plaque. So eating xylitol is a sweet win/win : ) </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1694 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 08:47:21 +0000 suncrystal 1694@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>i found the truth about agave, finally. A great explanation.</p> <p>Mike Adams (naturalnews.com) contacted the manufacturer, who wrote a loooong rebuttal, explaining the 2 different processes being used by 2 differenet manufacturers, the first of which is out of business and which is the one the negative report is based on, even thouugh the good guy was contacted. Not one word of his explanation was contained in the negative report. Elana's recipes containing agave are just fine.</p> <p>it appears to me that agave is very successful and is probably competition for the toxins aspartame and Splenda (?), making this an attack by TPTW (The Powers That Were).</p> <p>Here's the full article: <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/025060_agave_nectar_sugar_sugars.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.naturalnews.com/025060_agave_nectar_sugar_sugars.html</a> </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1624 Fri, 21 May 2010 14:22:22 +0000 Amy_Green 1624@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I use palm sugar, too and love it. I also use NuNaturals Stevia which is non-bitter and has a great flavor. I think you can only order it on-line, though.</p> <p>iHerb.com is also a great source for palm sugar. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1614 Wed, 19 May 2010 20:46:03 +0000 mymanzwife 1614@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I've been using the palm sugar syrup (1 1/2 c. palm sugar, 1/2 c. water like "redt" just posted) in all of Elana's recipes since January, and think it's a perfect substitute for the agave, so it has my vote!<br /> I've been using the Navitas Naturals brand. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1612 Wed, 19 May 2010 18:31:45 +0000 redt 1612@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I just began experimenting a bit with Palm Sugar syrup as a substitute for Agave Nectar in baked recipes. (I heard it's lower on the glycemic index) Yesterday I made "Elana's Double Chocolate Mocha cookies", and they turned out amazing! (they didn't hold together too well, it may have been the almond flour I used, but we put them in the fridge which helped, and they were delicious cold!) *Check out <a href="http://www.sweet-tree.biz" rel="nofollow">http://www.sweet-tree.biz</a> to order Palm Sugar and for some recipes. They recommend bringing 1 1/2 C. of the Palm sugar and 1/2 C. water just to a boil, (make sure you stir to dissolve sugar) then turn down heat and simmer for 3 minutes. By the way, I just read that you can find Palm Sugar at Asian markets for much cheaper. :-) </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1609 Wed, 19 May 2010 15:47:30 +0000 jkendra585 1609@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I'm new and I can't figure out how to post. So, if this is a repeat, I apologize....</p> <p>I use xylitol for all my baking--it looks and acts like white sugar, with none of the sugar rush. It's made from the bark of a tree, at least that is true of the 2 sources I use (Emerald Forest and Z Natural Foods). Other products are made from corn (which I am allergic to). I am also going to start experimenting with coconut palm sugar as well. Z Natural Foods has my mouth watering with this description "Our organic coconut sugar is made from the sap of the coconut palm. This is some of the most fragrant, flavorful sugar we've ever tasted. Hints of toasted coconut and caramel waft from the open bag. Not quite as sweet as cane sugar or as overpowering as dark muscovado, it is loaded with toasty flavor - maple sugar fans will love this. Best of all it is nutrient rich and has a low GI of only 35!" </p> <p>Thanks for the suggestion about making a syrup from the palm sugar--I never would have thought of that! HAPPY BAKING!! </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1545 Mon, 03 May 2010 11:28:36 +0000 justscratchingthesurface 1545@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I have a friend of mine who swears by "xylitol" as a sweetener for anything...... He and his wife use it completely as a sugar replacement. I have used it in my coffee and prefer it, to stevia. Has anyone else tried Xylitol....<br /> Sorry for the typos...... I didn't proofread before I hit enter. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1544 Mon, 03 May 2010 11:24:13 +0000 justscratchingthesurface 1544@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I have a friend of mine who swares by "xylitol" as a sweetner for anything...... He and his wife use it completely as a suger replacement. I have used it in my coffee and prefer it, to stevia. Has anyone else tried Xylitol? </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1435 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 16:01:22 +0000 mrsgrew 1435@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Violet....cann I have your recipe as well?(debbill@consolidated.net) thanks. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1354 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:49:40 +0000 Ari- The Frugally Rich Life 1354@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Hi there!<br /> Violet---can I have your recipe? That sounds amazing? (thefrugallyrichlife AT gmail DOT com)<br /> Does anyone else have any tips on using stevia? What is the cheapest stevia you have found that still works well and isn't too bitter? </p> <p>Anyone know where you can get coconut palm sugar the sweetest and why it's called candy sometimes and if it's the same thing? Thanks!</p> <p>Also, you can find recipes for sugar-free (and mostly GF and dairy-free recipes at my site: <a href="http://www.thefrugallyrichlife.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.thefrugallyrichlife.wordpress.com</a>) </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1332 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:45:43 +0000 Violet 1332@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I've also experienced the "agave isn't as good as I thought" revelation. It was way too much sugar for me.</p> <p>I have recently tried some of Elana's coconut flour recipes - muffins and cupcakes. Mine have turned out beautifully and the only sweetener I used was Stevia. I have tried the 1-1 spoonable kind before but I find it VERY expensive to use, so I mostly use a concentrated extract powder. The one I really like is from the company New Roots. I was prepared to have to make some adjustments as the tiny amount of white powder is very different from 1/4cup of agave, but it turned out really great and I didn't have to.<br /> Since Stevia tends to have a really sharp sweetness to it I usually balance it out by adding a little more vanilla. This made for a very happy household when I was able to present DELICIOUS gluten-free, dairy-free AND completely sugar-free treats. :)</p> <p>THANKS ELANA!! :) </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1330 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:31:25 +0000 Dr. Jen DC 1330@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I've been doing some research on agave after attending an herb seminar in Phoenix, AZ. The instructor mentioned that agave has high amounts of fructose, much more than HFCS. The reason high amounts of fructose, like HFCS and agave, is bad is because your liver metabolizes it in a similar way as it does alcohol. Your liver only has one enzyme pathway to breakdown fructose like it only has one to breakdown alcohol. If you drink too much you might get a hangover because your liver can’t keep up with the amount of alcohol you consumed, it’s the same situation with agave without the hangover; instead it hurts your liver little by little and you don’t notice it. With all of the HFCS in so many of our foods and then using a sweetener such as agave it overloads your liver causing all sorts of problems down the road. Raw sugar, organic maple syrup, and raw honey are broken down into glucose which the liver can handle more easily. In my opinion it’s better to use what nature made in moderation than try use some “miracle” sweetener that ends up causing more problems. Hope this helps! I’ve also attached a link about agave and some other sweeteners. </p> <p><a href="http://www.living-foods.com/articles/agave.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.living-foods.com/articles/agave.html</a> </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1300 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:08:37 +0000 wheeler604 1300@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>PALM SUGAR....I recently found out that agave nectar is very high in fructose (similar to high fructose corn syrup...I am very sad about this really since I loved agave nectar). I did some research and discovered Palm Sugar as a great alternative. It is not as sweet as agave nectar therefore I haven't tried it in any of the recipes yet, but for teas etc it works great. Do your research and learn about the truth of agave nectar! </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1251 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:24:41 +0000 elissajeanette 1251@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Stevia helps to rebuild the pancreas, so it's a fantastic substitute for agave. I've used it in Elana's gingerbread, it worked perfectly. Coconut Palm sugar is lover GI than agave, and very good for you (twelve amino acids, I think, and more good stuff), so that's a good substitute. Most recipes you'll need to reduce the amount of sweetener for anyway, I usually find agave spikes my blood sugar terribly at the amounts Elana usually suggests.. my mum and I have insulin resistance (diabetes symptom, but not diabetes), so we need to work on that. Thanks for the recommendation for making a syrup out of coconut palm sugar - excellent idea! </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1159 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:13:15 +0000 Diane 1159@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Jane,</p> <p>Stevia would be a very good sugar substitute for a diabetic. I have used stevia in a number of Elana's recipes (including her Chewy Chocolate cookie recipe from her cookbook). Please see the following link for more information &#38; help on using stevia in baking:</p> <p><a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-stevia-for-agave-nectar#post-418" rel="nofollow">http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-stevia-for-agave-nectar#post-418</a></p> <p>Good luck &#38; happy experimenting,</p> <p>Diane J. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1104 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:26:59 +0000 jane 1104@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Thanks so much! </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1103 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:11:06 +0000 vyvyan 1103@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I used half a pound (8.8oz) of Asli's Gula Jawa palm "candy" (100% palm sugar) and about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of water. That made about 12 oz of syrup. But if you use SweetTree (from Whole Foods) you will have to adjust based how much syrup you need. Maybe a cup of granulated plus 1/2 cup of water.</p> <p>Yes, it is called "palm candy" or "palm nectar" probably because the sugar association doesn't want non-cane sugar product to be sold as "sugar." </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1102 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:06:59 +0000 jane 1102@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>vyvyan, Thank you for the information. When you melt down palm sugar with 1/2 cup of water, how much palm sugar did you use? Thanks! Jane </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1101 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:54:08 +0000 vyvyan 1101@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>honey has an extremely high GI so it's not fit for a diabetic. Just bite the bullet and use agave. There is a lot of negative hype on agave probably started by the honey association/cane sugar association. I have been using 1/2 agave 1/2 palm sugar with great results. Palm sugar's GI is lower than agave (about 33). I melt down the palm sugar that I buy for .99 with 1/2 cup of water and it has the same thickness and sweetness as agave but more closer to brown sugar. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1100 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:52:33 +0000 jane 1100@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Thank you for posting! Do you know if a diabetic can use honey? I'm new to this. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1098 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:44:07 +0000 emaegf 1098@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Honey with sub for agave use the same amount of honey as agave. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/substitute-for-agave#post-1097 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:05:32 +0000 jane 1097@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I am cooking for someone who is gluten intolerant and diabetic. I would like to know if there is a substitute to bake with for agave? </p>