Customer Reviews

Wholesome Sweeteners Organic raw blue agave, 11.75-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 6)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked up Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Raw Blue Agave recently because it was on sale at a local health food store. I had already made up my mind, after scouting my local stores to no avail, to purchase the Volcanic Nectar brand online but decided to give this a shot because Volcanic Nectar only has one option available (midway in color between Wholesome Sweeteners' lighter option and this one), whereas this looked like a nice alternative for a dark, "amber" variety; claims to be both raw and blue; and was displayed right in front of me (I was already primed to buy blue agave nectar, so what the heck...I wanted to believe). I was very pleased when Wholesome Sweeteners returned Sucanat to its wholesome, hand-made/minimally processed origins and so felt confident buying this product because they take their sweeteners and their organic/Fair Trade status very seriously (despite the strong case for Volcanic Nectar on their site, including their claim that color in blue agave nectar, unlike maple syrup or honey, is immaterial).
This is a delicious sweetener--very versatile, with many possible uses, and which can often be substituted for honey in recipes (be careful though, because certain of its properties are quite different; also be aware that fructose is the predominant simple sugar in agave's profile and that its fruity taste might not complement certain foods); the price is usually fairly low, too for agave nectar. However, Volcanic Nectar--which owns its manufacturing facility--really does produce the only PURE blue agave nectar for sale in the US and the ONLY one that displays Diabetic Friendly certification by the Glycemic Research Institute--THE ONLY AGENCY OF ITS TYPE RECOGNIZED BY THE FDA AND FTC--on its product label. I was able to determine by the glucose level--28%--indicated for Wholesome Sweeteners on their Web site which producer (I thought Nekutli but it was pointed out to me that IIDEA is right on the label) processes their agave products and indeed, it has additives (despite claims on their Web site and toll-free calls to customer service to the contrary--this apparently has to do with Mexico's somewhat cavalier labeling laws). A chemical analysis of pure blue agave nectar should list ONLY fructose, glucose, and inulin--any other sugars in the profile indicate additives that are potentially harmful to diabetics/hypoglycemics. This is a delicious product but is not certified safe for diabetics. Wholesome Sweeteners' site claims a GI of "39 or less," which is much higher than that of Volcanic Nectar; these figures are still below the <55 determined to be safe for diabetics, but their nutritional profile also indicates the presence of other sugars. For diabetics looking for safe, alternative, natural sweeteners, Volcanic Nectar, with its incredibly low GI of 27 and no additives of any kind, is the blue agave nectar of choice (it, too, is delicious although much fruitier than Wholesome Sweeteners, and their FAQ claim processing at a low enough temperature to qualify as "raw" ).
The bottom line: if you have no blood sugar problems and want an alternative sweetener that tastes good and isn't too expensive, this is fine. I like its darker, less fruity flavor, but I'll be sticking with Volacanic Nectar when the bottle's empty.
And for the record, I have no professional/personal connection with either of the firms cited in this review; I'm just a consumer who assumes that, like me, people want the ammunition required for making informed decisions.

This organic raw blue agave is very honey like in taste. It does not give me a headache as sugar does and does not have a chemical taste as artifical (poisonous) sweeteners have.

I bought this because I'm a type 2 diabetic on Byetta. I use it on my oatmeal and on fresh grapefruit. I havent used it on anything else yet, but I plan to try it when I bake some granola. Its very sweet with no aftertaste. It also doesnt affect my blood sugar. Great stuff.

I have replaced all sugars with this and I love it. It's most like maple sirup but less harsh. I would like to have a large tub type container instead of these little bottles since they do tend to leak during shipping and I use quite a bit of it. I don't bake a lot but in Soymilk, cereal and pancakes this is excellent! And it makes the best chocolate soymilk!

I have tried sugar free syrups and they do not compare to this cactus nectar. It is very low on the glycemic index and very tasty. I now buy it by the case so that I always have it on hand. Along with Erythritol I can now eat sweet deserts that are low in sugar and tasty to boot!

This reminds me of honey in texture and taste. Although this tastes slightly milder.
I have baked with it and used in oatmeal and works well.
Not a low calorie substitute.

In order to avoid using sugar in my coffee (for the last 10 years - I only drink one cup a day), I started using honey as my sweetener 30 years ago. In August of 2006 I read about Raw Blue Agave and it's growing acceptance as a substitute for sugar. My only concern, "would it leave a funny after-taste?" My answer, NO! This is truly an excellent product that's inexpensive, sweet, and according to the label, it has a low glycemic index. The label also states the there are 60 calories per one measured tablespoon - I use about one-half teaspoon for my coffee. So all you people that are using the junk fake sugars in those small packets....try this product. It's safer, no chemicals and natural. BTW- I have absolutely no connection with this company.

This is a great product for a natural sweetener. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that it is an aquired taste when putting on toast or pancakes etc. But in coffee and tea and such, it is AWESOME!

I love this stuff; slightly honey flavored- delicious in coffee. It's a wonderful product and so much less expensive than if you buy it at the store.

I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE PRODUCT AND HOW SOON IT WAS SENT. I HAVE RECCOMENDED IT TO MANY PEOPLE.