Honey-free Amlou: what are the differences from traditional Amlou?
Traditional Amlou combines almonds, culinary argan oil, and honey. A honey-free recipe offers a different interpretation of this Moroccan spread: it highlights the almond more and presents a different kind of sweetness.
At Amlou & Joy, our Almond Amlou Light is made from 93% almonds and 7% culinary argan oil. Our Traditional Amlou, on the other hand, contains 65% almonds, 20% culinary argan oil, and 15% orange blossom honey. Here are the main differences to help you choose the recipe that best suits your taste.
What is the composition of honey-free Amlou?
Honey-free Amlou relies on two essential ingredients: almonds and culinary argan oil. In the Amlou & Joy recipe, the high proportion of almonds gives a central place to their natural taste and texture. The 7% culinary argan oil softens the preparation and brings its characteristic roasted note.
This short composition contains neither honey nor any other added sweetener. It therefore clearly differs from the traditional recipe, in which orange blossom honey contributes to the taste, sweetness, and consistency.
What is the composition of traditional Amlou?
Amlou & Joy's Traditional Almond Amlou is composed of 65% almonds, 20% culinary argan oil, and 15% orange blossom honey. It follows the emblematic association of the three ingredients of Moroccan Amlou.
Orange blossom honey brings a floral note and a more perceptible sweetness. Culinary argan oil contributes to the fluidity and prolongs the aromas of roasted almonds. To discover the role of each ingredient, consult our article "Traditional Amlou: what are its ingredients?".
Honey-free or traditional Amlou: what are the taste differences?
Honey-free Amlou has a profile more directly focused on almond. Its taste is intense, not very sweet, and marked by the natural notes of dried fruits. Culinary argan oil remains in the background without masking the main ingredient.
Traditional Amlou is sweeter and rounder. Orange blossom honey balances the roasted notes and adds a floral touch. It can be appreciated by those who are looking for the classic flavor of Amlou, especially with Moroccan bread, msemen, or baghrirs.
So it's not a matter of one recipe being better than the other: the choice mainly depends on the place you want to give to honey and the aromatic profile you prefer.
Is the texture different?
Yes, the composition naturally influences the consistency. With a very high proportion of almonds, Amlou Light can have a denser, more concentrated texture. The traditional recipe, which contains more argan oil and honey, may seem more fluid and easier to pour.
In both cases, a slight oil separation may occur. Simply stir the jar gently with a clean, dry spoon. Ambient temperature can also temporarily alter the texture: firmer when cool, more fluid when warm.
Does "honey-free" mean "sugar-free"?
No. The absence of honey only means that the recipe does not contain honey. Almonds naturally contain a small amount of sugars: so you should not confuse "honey-free," "no added sugar," and "sugar-free."
Similarly, the name "Light" used to differentiate our recipe should not be interpreted as an automatic promise of calorie reduction. The composition and nutritional information on the label remain the references to consult to compare products.
How to enjoy honey-free Amlou?
Its pronounced almond taste pairs particularly well with foods that bring their own sweetness. You can spread it on bread then add a few banana slices, place it on porridge accompanied by fruit, or incorporate it into plain yogurt.
It is also suitable for crêpes, pancakes, and toasted bread. For more inspiration, check out our guide "How to eat Amlou? 10 ideas to enjoy it".
Which recipe to choose?
Choose Almond Amlou Light if you are looking for a honey-free recipe, composed mainly of almonds, with a not-very-sweet flavor. Choose Traditional Amlou if you want to discover the classic balance between almonds, culinary argan oil, and orange blossom honey.
You can also alternate according to use: the honey-free version in porridge or with fruits, and the traditional recipe with msemen, baghrirs, or fresh bread. The comparison is above all a matter of taste.
Discover Amlou & Joy recipes
Amlou Light and Traditional Amlou are prepared in Morocco with short compositions, without additives or preservatives. Find them, along with our Chocolate and Peanut recipes, in our collection of Moroccan Amlou and spreads.
To preserve their texture after opening, also consult our Amlou storage tips.