Maple Syrup vs Mānuka Honey: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to natural sweeteners, maple syrup and Mānuka honey are two popular choices often used in similar recipes. Both offer a natural alternative to refined sugar and bring their own flavour and nutritional qualities to the table.
However, while maple syrup provides minerals and antioxidant plant compounds, raw Mānuka honey offers several additional wellness benefits thanks to its unique composition.
Nutrients in Maple Syrup vs Mānuka Honey
Maple syrup contains minerals such as manganese, calcium, and potassium, along with polyphenols that contribute antioxidant activity. It’s a simple, plant-based sweetener that works well in a variety of recipes.
Mānuka honey, however, goes a step further. It contains naturally occurring methylglyoxal (MGO), known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Raw Mānuka honey also delivers enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients from bee pollen and bee bread, which can provide additional vitamins, minerals, and prebiotic support for gut health.
Flavour Differences and Versatility
Maple syrup has a light, smooth sweetness with subtle caramel notes, which makes it a natural fit for pancakes, baking, and sweeter recipes. Its mild flavour blends easily without overpowering other ingredients.
Mānuka honey, on the other hand, has a richer and more complex flavour profile. Often described as slightly floral and herbal, it brings more depth to dishes, which is why it works just as well in savoury recipes as it does in sweet ones. This unique flavour makes it a great addition to salad dressings, marinades, and glazes, where it can balance acidity and enhance overall taste.
Because of this versatility, Mānuka honey can be used across a wider range of recipes, from drizzling over breakfast bowls to adding depth to roasted vegetables or proteins. It’s a simple way to introduce natural sweetness while also building flavour in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Why Mānuka Honey Works Well in Raw Recipes
Mānuka honey is especially well suited to raw recipes like smoothies, energy balls, and no-bake treats. Because these recipes aren’t exposed to high heat, the natural compounds in the honey remain intact.
Using Mānuka honey in place of maple syrup means you’re not only adding sweetness, but also incorporating functional benefits into your recipes. From antibacterial properties to prebiotic support, it’s an easy way to elevate everyday snacks while keeping them refined sugar free.
STEENS® TABLE COLLECTION
Low Strength, Mild Flavor, Your perfect Cooking, Baking, Spreading & Sweetening companion
The Steens® Table Collection has been curated specifically for the kitchen and table. With a rich sweetness and mild floral flavor, our Table products provide you with the perfect partner for more-ish raw treats, baked goods that will have all your friends asking for the recipe, and delectable savory dishes to wow (whilst providing the benefits of a 100% natural sweetener).
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT STEENS® TABLE COLLECTION PRODUCT?
Our Table Collection contains our mildest strengths, making it both excellent for your health AND your pocket! Choose the strength that best fits your budget, pick your favorite color, or buy all three and choose by taste! You will notice subtle differences in the strength of the Mānuka flavor between each of our table products, and for that reason we recommend:
For Baking and Cooking: MGO 50+
Our MGO 50+ is the sweetest of the bunch, with a minimal herby / earthy taste, making it perfect for cooking and baking, to keep the flavor profile of your dish intact.
For Sweetening Hot Drinks: MGO 85+
Our mid-range Table Collection Product, MGO 85+ adds a beautiful richness to your tea, coffee or matcha, whilst providing the sweetness you're looking for, all whilst delivering the wellness benefits of a 100% natural sweetener.
For Spreading on Toast: MGO 100+
Our upper tier Table Collection product is our gorgeous green MGO 100+. Offering the most MGO of our Table Collection products, MGO 100+ will give you the Mānuka oomph you're looking for, whilst providing the highest level of MGO of any of our Table Collection products and all the benefits you can expect form Steens® Raw Mānuka Honey.
