Molasses Honey and Agave on Keto

author avatar Dr. Eric Berg 08/31/2023

Stay on track on your keto diet by avoiding molasses, honey, and agave syrup.

RELATED: Agave Nectar vs High Fructose Corn Syrup: Which Is Better?

Molasses, Honey, and Agave Are Big No-Nos on the Keto Diet

Why Molasses Should Not Be Part of Keto Diet

Tahini and Molasses | Molasses, Honey, and Agave Are Big No-Nos on the Keto Diet

Blackstrap molasses is the byproduct of refining the sugar cane plant. It has massive amounts of concentrated nutrition — potassium, manganese, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. It’s good for the skin! You can take a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses and mix it with a tablespoon of coconut to create a facial mask. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse.

The problem is it's too high in sugar content, which is a no-no for your ketogenic diet plan. Sometimes when you do research on molasses, you will find that they're "low glycemic." No, they're not. They just turn to sugar pretty fast. Thus, they spike your Fat Storing Hormone

What Is Glycemic? It refers to the ability of glucose present in food to cause an increase in blood sugar levels.

A Note on the Problem with Honey

Beverage drink honey in a Jar | Molasses, Honey, and Agave Are Big No-Nos on the Keto Diet

I hope I am clear about molasses. Now, let’s deal with honey. I've done videos on honey before. It’s about a certain type of honey called the tupelo honey. It is in the lower glycemic index. For what you're trying to achieve, however, it's not acceptable. It will bump you out of ketosis, just like molasses. 

RELATED: Keto for Beginners: Understanding Carbs Vs Sugars On Keto

Why Agave on Keto Is Also a Bad Idea

Among molasses, honey, and agave, agave is the worst. About 99% of agave nectar is fructose or fruit sugar. You're only turning this fructose right into fat in a snap of a finger. It's not good for the liver either. It's not good for your cells, so avoid it. 

Molasses, honey, and agave are not only viscous ingredients. They can also enhance the taste of certain types of food. Some people, though, make the mistake of substituting refined sugar with them while on a keto diet. They may be healthy, but they still contain sugar. Adding them will not help you achieve your goal, which is to get into and maintain ketosis. Worse, using them excessively can lead to weight gain.

If you want to learn more about sugars and keto, you can take my free mini-courses or let me share exclusive information

Thanks for the idea for this video. Stay tuned for more videos on your suggestions.

Knowing this, would you still use honey, molasses, and agave on your keto diet meals? Share your thoughts below!

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Disclaimer: Our Educational Content is Not Meant or Intended for Medical Advice or Treatment.

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