Agave syrup, also known as agave nectar, is a popular natural sweetener that comes from the agave plant. It has a mild, sweet flavor and can be used as a substitute for sugar or honey in recipes. But where exactly can you find agave syrup? Here’s a quick overview of the most common places to buy agave syrup.
Grocery Stores
Many major grocery store chains carry agave syrup, often in the baking aisle near other sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. Some specific stores where you can find agave syrup include:
- Whole Foods – Whole Foods has an extensive selection of agave syrups from brands like Madhava, Wholesome Sweeteners, and more.
- Trader Joe’s – Trader Joe’s sells their own organic agave nectar for a very reasonable price.
- Sprouts – Sprouts carries agave syrup in the natural sweetener section.
- Kroger – Kroger stores stock agave syrup in the baking aisle.
- Publix – Publix has agave nectar in the honey and syrups section.
- Safeway – Many Safeway locations have agave syrup near the maple syrup and honey.
- Wegmans – Wegmans sells several brands of light and organic agave syrup.
Be sure to check the label to see if the agave syrup is 100% pure. Some cheaper brands may cut the agave nectar with corn syrup or other additives.
Natural Food Stores
Health food stores and co-ops often have a wider selection of agave syrup brands and varieties than regular grocers. Some natural food stores to find agave include:
- Whole Foods – In addition to the grocery section, Whole Foods may carry additional agave syrup options in the natural sweetener aisle.
- Sprouts – Along with the baking section, Sprouts has agave syrup alternatives near the vegan and gluten-free items.
- Natural Grocers – Natural Grocers is a smaller natural food chain that sells agave.
- Local co-ops – Food co-ops and small health food stores will frequently have agave nectar.
Specialty brands to look for at natural grocers include Madhava, Wholesome Sweeteners, andNOW Foods.
Online Stores
If you can’t find the variety you want locally, there are many options for buying agave syrup online:
- Amazon – Amazon has the widest selection of agave nectar available for order online. Brands like Madhava, Wholesome Sweeteners, Nature’s Agave, and more can all be found on Amazon.
- Vitacost – Vitacost is an online natural products store that sells several kinds of agave syrup.
- Thrive Market – Thrive Market is a membership-based online grocer with lots of pantry staples like agave.
- Walmart – You can order agave syrup online for delivery or in-store pickup from Walmart.com.
- Target – Target.com has a few agave syrup options available to order for home delivery.
Buying online allows you to easily compare different brands and prices for agave nectar. Make sure to account for shipping costs in your budget.
Farmers Markets
If you have an authentic Mexican or Latin American farmers market or grocery store in your area, you may be able to find raw agave nectar harvested straight from the agave plant. This unprocessed nectar has a richer, more complex flavor than commercially processed agave syrup.
Specialty Stores
You can sometimes find agave syrup in gourmet food shops, kitchen supply stores, and organic markets. Places to check include:
- Whole Foods Market – The specialty section may have a wider agave selection than the regular aisles.
- Dean & Deluca – Upscale grocery chain Dean & Deluca sells gourmet agave syrup varietals.
- Sur La Table – Kitchen retailer Sur La Table may have agave nectar near the oils and vinegars.
- Williams-Sonoma – This high-end kitchen store sells agave syrup online and sometimes in stores as well.
Boutique agave brands to look for include Partanna, Santé, and Wilderness Family Naturals. Prices will likely be higher than a regular grocery store.
International Grocery Stores
At Mexican, Latin American, or international grocery stores, you can often find raw organic agave nectar imported directly from Mexico. Stores to check include:
- Plaza Fiesta – This Hispanic grocery chain in the southern U.S. sells agave syrup in the baking aisle.
- El Super – With locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, El Super markets stock agave nectar.
- Fiesta Mart – Large Texas grocery chain Fiesta Mart has agave syrup in their Mexican foods section.
- Mercado Central – Hispanic grocery stores like Mercado Central in Minneapolis have raw agave nectar.
The raw agave sold at ethnic grocers may offer unique flavor profiles from small producers in Mexico. The nectar comes straight from the agave plant and is less processed.
Big Box Stores
For convenience, major big box retailers also carry agave syrup on their shelves:
- Costco – Costco sells its Kirkland brand organic agave nectar.
- Sam’s Club – Sam’s Choice organic agave syrup can be found here.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club – BJ’s Wholesale stocks agave syrup seasonally or online.
- Walmart – Select Walmart stores, especially Neighborhood Markets, sell agave in the baking aisle.
The selection may be limited compared to a dedicated health food store. But prices at big box stores are typically very affordable.
Drugstores
Some major drugstore chains also carry agave syrup:
- CVS – CVS health stores stock agave nectar near the maple syrup section.
- Walgreens – Walgreens sells several brands of light and organic agave syrup.
- Rite Aid – You can find agave at Rite Aid, often in smaller sizes.
Call ahead to your local store to check availability. Stock tends to be limited to a brand or two.
Coffee Shops
Trendy coffee shops are starting to offer agave syrup as an alternative sweetener option alongside sugar and classic syrups. Places you may find agave nectar at the condiment bar include:
- Starbucks
- Peet’s Coffee
- Caribou Coffee
- Philz Coffee
- Stumptown Coffee Roasters
You can purchase a full bottle of the agave brand they stock for home use. Key brands to look for are Madhava, Wholesome Sweeteners, and Nature’s Agave.
Online Specialty Vendors
There are also specialty online stores that focus exclusively on selling agave:
- Idea Agave – Offers organic agave sourced from grower cooperatives in Mexico.
- Mountain Rose Herbs – Sells raw, organic agave nectar.
- Azure Standard – Distributes certified organic agave syrup.
- Lotus Foods – Specializes in raw blue agave nectar.
These specialty vendors give you access to high-quality agave with detailed information on sourcing and production methods.
Where to Find Raw Agave Nectar
Raw agave nectar is the least processed and most natural, unfiltered form of agave syrup. It retains more complex flavors from the agave plant. Here are some of the best places to find raw agave:
- Natural food stores – Especially in the raw and vegan section.
- Farmers markets – Sold directly by local distributors.
- Mexican/Latin markets – Imported directly from Mexico.
- Online specialty vendors – Shops that focus specifically on raw agave.
Look for labels indicating the product is 100% raw and organic. Raw agave has a darker color and richer taste than refined commercial agave syrup.
How to Substitute Agave Nectar
If you can’t find agave syrup, there are a few possible substitution options depending on the application:
- For baking – Replace 1 cup agave with 1 cup honey, maple syrup, or corn syrup.
- For sweetening drinks – Substitute 1 tbsp agave with 2 tbsp simple syrup, honey, or maple syrup.
- For a topping – Swap agave with heated simple syrup, honey, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup.
Keep in mind that each substitute will bring its own distinct flavor that may alter the dish slightly. Test substitutions in small amounts first before making a large batch.
How to Make Your Own Agave Nectar
It is possible to make a simple homemade agave syrup if you can source the raw ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Raw agave sap from blue agave plants
- Water
- Lemon juice or citric acid (optional as preservative)
Steps:
- Slowly boil raw agave sap down to a syrup consistency.
- Add small amounts of water during boiling to help prevent burning.
- Optionally, add lemon juice or citric acid to help preserve the syrup.
- Pour finished agave syrup into an airtight container and refrigerate.
Homemade agave nectar will be less filtered than commercial products. It also solidifies more at cool temperatures due to the high fructose content.
Storing Agave Nectar
To maximize freshness and shelf life of agave syrup once opened:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- If crystallization occurs, gently warm the container in hot water to return syrup to liquid state.
- For raw agave, do not heat above 118°F to retain enzymes and nutrients.
- Agave nectar can last up to 2 years unopened or 6 months once opened.
- Look for expiration or best by date on the bottle.
- Discard if mold appears or product smells odd.
Properly stored, agave syrup can maintain quality and flavor for many months. Keeping it sealed and chilled prevents drying out.
Key Takeaways
- Look for agave nectar at natural grocers, mainstream supermarkets, warehouse clubs, online stores, specialty shops, and coffee shops.
- Raw, unfiltered agave is found at health food stores, farmers markets, Mexican grocers, and specialty online vendors.
- If needed, you can substitute agave syrup in recipes with honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, or simple syrup.
- Store opened agave in the refrigerator to extend shelf life for 6 months or longer.
With its mild sweetness and lower glycemic impact, agave syrup is growing in popularity as a natural sugar substitute. Look for it in the baking aisle or sweetener section at your favorite grocery store. Exotic raw agave imported from Mexico can also be found for an authentic, rich syryp experience. With the right storage and substitutions, you can easily incorporate agave nectar into your recipes.