Quick Answers
There are several alternatives to sugar water that can be used in hummingbird feeders, including:
– Nectar mixes made from cane sugar or agave nectar
– Fruit juice mixtures without added sweeteners
– Homemade nectar using 1 part table sugar to 4 parts water
– Commercial hummingbird nectar mixes and concentrates
The most common alternative is homemade nectar using plain white sugar. While white refined sugar does not offer the nutritional benefits of raw sugars, it is readily available, affordable, and easy to mix at home. The appropriate ratio is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Organic cane sugar or evaporated cane juice can also be used.
Some other alternatives provide more nutrients but need to be changed more frequently to prevent spoilage. These include fruit juice mixes, agave nectar, and brown sugars like coconut sugar, turbinado sugar, etc. Artificial sweeteners are not recommended as they provide no nutritional value.
Why Use Sugar Water in Hummingbird Feeders
Sugar water is the standard mixture used in hummingbird feeders for several important reasons:
Provides quick energy
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and require frequent feeding. They get most of their energy from flower nectar and tree sap in the wild, which are high in sugars. The sugar in nectar gives hummingbirds a fast energy boost to power their wings during hovering and other energetic behaviors. The water also prevents dehydration.
Easy to make
A basic 1:4 mixture of white granulated cane sugar and water is very easy to make at home. The ingredients are pantry staples for most people. Boiling water helps the sugar dissolve thoroughly and allows the nectar to be stored longer without spoiling from microbes.
Low cost
Table sugar is one of the most affordable sweetener options. Making homemade nectar only requires sugar, water and minimal time. This makes it budget-friendly for people who want to support visiting hummingbirds. Commercial mixes and premade nectar are more costly.
Enjoyed by hummingbirds
Research suggests hummingbirds have preferences for sweeter sucrose-based nectars, which table sugar contains. They do not seem to discriminate between white and other sugar types. As long as the mixture is dissolved properly, birds readily feed on basic white sugar water. This may be an evolutionary preference for the higher calories.
Minimal preparation
Simple sugar water can be conveniently made in batches and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Other mixtures may require more prep work like cooking fruit or mixing in various ingredients. Basic sugar water is fast and easy to prepare as needed.
Potential Alternatives to Sugar Water
While plain white sugar dissolved in water is the standard, some other options can work in hummingbird feeders. Here are some potential alternatives:
Brown Sugars
Darker brown sugars like coconut sugar, turbinado, Demerara or sucanat contain trace nutrients that white sugar lacks. However, there is no definitive research that these minerals translate into health benefits for hummingbirds. The molasses flavor may also be unattractive.
Raw Sugar
Evaporated cane juice and raw sugar forms, like Sucanat, still contain nutrients from sugarcane. But similar to brown sugars, the benefit over purified white sugar is unclear. Raw sugar also tends to crystallize more readily in water.
Liquid Concentrates
Some commercial products are concentrated syrups designed to be diluted before use. They often contain cane sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives and dyes. Check the ingredients for unwanted additives.
Agave Nectar
This sweetener has grown in popularity. Agave has a very high fructose content unlike the sucrose in cane sugar. It can be an option but beware it spoils faster and has a thinner consistency.
Artificial Sweeteners
Avoid artificial sweeteners like Splenda or Equal. They provide no nutrition and may be unhealthy for hummingbirds in the long run.
Honey
Honey can grow bacteria harmful to hummingbirds. It has a thicker texture that may clog feeders. If honey is used, it should be pasteurized and comprise no more than 1/4 of the mix.
Fruit Juices
Small amounts of unsweetened apple, pineapple or other fruit juices can provide some natural sugars and electrolytes. But juices spoil faster and need to be changed daily.
Choosing the Best Alternative Sweeteners
When exploring alternatives to plain white granulated sugar, here are some factors to help choose the best option:
| Sweetener | Shelf Life | Nutrition | Cost |
| White sugar | 1-2 weeks refrigerated | Pure sucrose, no nutrients | Low |
| Brown sugar | 1 week refrigerated | Minimal trace nutrients | Slightly higher |
| Raw sugar | 1 week refrigerated | Some molasses nutrients | Slightly higher |
| Agave nectar | 1 week refrigerated | High fructose | Higher |
| Fruit juice | Change daily | Natural sugars & electrolytes | Low |
Shelf life
Sugars that resist crystallization and spoilage, like white sugar or agave, last longer in the feeder. Fruit juices need daily changing.
Nutrition
There is little proof added nutrients in raw sugars benefit hummers over white sugar. But some varieties provide trace extra minerals.
Cost
White sugar is the most budget friendly. Liquid concentrates and agave nectar are pricier.
Flavor
The flavor profile might also be considered. White sugar has a neutral taste whereas molasses-based brown sugars have more caramelized flavors. These stronger tastes may or may not appeal to hummingbirds.
How to Make Sugar Alternatives for Hummingbird Feeders
If you want to experiment with alternative sweeteners, here are some simple home recipe ideas:
Brown sugar nectar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 4 cups water
Combine ingredients in small saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar fully dissolves. Allow to cool before filling feeders. Store excess in the refrigerator up to 1 week. Change the nectar if it looks cloudy.
Coconut sugar nectar
– 1 cup coconut sugar
– 4 cups water
Follow same steps as above to dissolve coconut sugar in heated water. Allow to cool and store in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Fruit juice nectar
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 3 cups water
Thoroughly mix juice and water. Do not heat. Fill feeders and change the nectar daily. Apple, orange, or other fruit juices can also be used in place of pineapple. Avoid citrus juices which are too acidic.
Agave nectar
– 1 cup agave nectar
– 4 cups water
Mix the agave and water. Heat is not required to dissolve. Store unused portion in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Troubleshooting Sugar Alternatives
Switching from plain white sugar to an alternative sweetener can cause some feeding issues if the mixture isn’t right:
Low Visitation
If hummingbirds are not visiting the feeder as frequently, the different taste profile of the nectar may be less enticing to them. Try adjusting ratios or reverting back to white sugar water.
Crystallization
Some raw or brown sugars crystallize more readily in water. Ensure the sugars are fully dissolved with heat and shake the container periodically.
Fermentation
Natural sugars ferment faster, which can occur if nectar is left too long without changing. Clean feeders and change nectars more frequently.
Mold Growth
Mold happens when moisture interacts with organic matter. Avoid fillers like fruit bits which raise the chance of mold. Keep feeders clean and change nectar routinely.
Bee Infestations
Thicker juices or unheated sugars that are not fully dissolved can attract unwanted bees. Stick to thinner diluted nectars.
Leaking Feeders
Runnier solutions may leak from feeder ports. Try a mixture that is proportionally less water to obtain a well-balanced consistency.
Conclusion
While white table sugar dissolved in water makes the most convenient and popular hummingbird nectar, some alternatives can work well. Raw cane sugars, agave, and small amounts of fruit juices offer a bit more nutritional value. However, the benefits are minimal and debatable. Ultimately the easiest solution for both hummers and homeowners is basic granulated white sugar and water mixed in a 1:4 ratio. This provides ample calories for the birds, resists spoilage for 1-2 weeks refrigerated, and is very affordable. Alternatives can be experimented with but may require more adjustments to get the mixture right. Plain sugar water remains the tried and true homemade nectar.
