Key Composition and Ingredients
- Main Ingredient: Raw blue agave nectar (also called syrup).
- Chemical Breakdown:
- Sugars: Primarily fructose (roughly 56%–92%) and glucose (4.7%–20%), with trace amounts of sucrose.
- Water: Approximately 23% of the syrup’s weight.
- Fiber: Contains small amounts of inulin (a prebiotic fiber), though much of it is broken down into simple sugars during processing.
- Nutrients: Contains trace minerals and vitamins, including Vitamin C, B vitamins (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, Folate), and minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov) +7
What Makes it “Raw”?
The term “raw” refers to the processing method rather than additional ingredients.
- Low-Temperature Processing: To be considered raw, the agave sap is heated at low temperatures—typically under 118°F—for a longer duration.
- Enzymatic Breakdown: Instead of high-heat cooking, some “raw” versions use natural enzymes present in the plant or added vegan enzymes to break down complex carbohydrates (inulin) into simple sugars.
- Purity: Authentic raw agave syrup is produced without chemical additives, preservatives, or added sugars from other sources (like corn or cane).