Is Almond Paste High in Sugar? A Comprehensive Look

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to typical nutrition labels, commercially available almond paste can contain more than 60 grams of sugar per 100-gram serving, confirming that almond paste is high in sugar. The sugar content is a major factor in its texture and sweetness, and it’s important to understand the full nutritional profile before adding it to your baked goods.

Quick Summary

Almond paste is sweet due to its high sugar content, which is a key component along with ground almonds. The sugar level can vary significantly between brands and homemade versions, with most store-bought options containing a considerable amount. Homemade paste offers greater control over ingredients and sweetness, providing a healthier alternative for bakers who want to reduce sugar intake.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Commercial almond paste is high in sugar, which acts as a sweetener and a key binding agent.
Marzipan is Sweeter: Marzipan has an even higher sugar-to-almond ratio than almond paste, making it smoother and sweeter.
Homemade Offers Control: Making almond paste at home lets you control the exact sugar content and avoid unwanted preservatives.
Almond Paste is a Baking Ingredient: Used primarily as a filling for baked goods, its coarser texture distinguishes it from marzipan's confectionery use.
Nutritional Value: While high in sugar, almond paste also contains healthy fats, fiber, and Vitamin E from the almonds.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For less sugar, use almond extract, almond flour with a custom sweetener, or unsweetened almond butter.

Understanding the Ingredients: What Makes Almond Paste Sweet?

Almond paste is a key ingredient in many pastries, from classic croissants to Italian pignoli cookies. Its rich flavor and unique texture are derived from a simple combination of ingredients, primarily ground almonds and a significant amount of sugar. In commercial preparations, water, glucose, and a natural flavor are often added to achieve a consistent, shelf-stable product. The specific ratio of almonds to sugar is what determines the final sweetness and texture. High-quality almond paste might use a 50/50 ratio, while cheaper varieties could contain more sugar.

The Almond Paste vs. Marzipan Comparison

One of the most common points of confusion for bakers is the difference between almond paste and marzipan. While both share the core ingredients of almonds and sugar, their ratios, texture, and uses differ significantly. Marzipan contains a higher proportion of sugar than almond paste, making it smoother, sweeter, and more pliable, like a candy dough. Almond paste, by contrast, has a higher almond content and coarser texture, making it ideal as a filling or flavoring agent for baked goods.

Comparison Table: Almond Paste vs. Marzipan


Feature	Almond Paste	Marzipan
Sugar Content	Lower (typically around 50%)	Higher (can be 75% or more)
Almond Content	Higher	Lower
Texture	Coarser, slightly gritty	Smoother, more pliable
Primary Use	Baking ingredient, filling for pastries	Confectionery, cake decorating, edible figures
Sweetness	Less sweet, more nutty	Sweeter, often consumed as a candy

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Controlling the Sugar

For those concerned about the sugar content in their baked goods, making almond paste from scratch offers a significant advantage. Homemade recipes typically involve grinding blanched almonds with powdered sugar and a binder like egg white or syrup. This process allows for complete control over the amount and type of sweetener used. You can easily reduce the sugar by 25% or more, or explore alternative sweeteners like agave nectar or sugar-free substitutes. Store-bought versions, by contrast, have a fixed sugar content and may include preservatives or artificial flavors to extend shelf life.

Benefits of Making Your Own Almond Paste

Customized Sweetness: You can reduce the sugar to your desired level, creating a less sweet, more almond-forward flavor profile.
Fewer Additives: Homemade versions contain only the ingredients you add, avoiding preservatives and artificial flavors often found in commercial products.
Fresher Taste: Freshly made almond paste has a richer, more vibrant flavor compared to its pre-packaged counterparts.
Dietary Control: For those with allergies or specific dietary needs, homemade allows for careful ingredient selection, such as using gluten-free components.

The Nutritional Side of Almond Paste

Beyond the sugar, it's worth noting the other nutritional aspects of almond paste. The almond component provides beneficial nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Almonds are a good source of Vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium, offering some health benefits despite the paste's high sugar content. However, the added sugar significantly alters the overall health profile, making it a treat to be enjoyed in moderation rather than a health food. For diabetics or those managing their weight, understanding the high sugar load is crucial.

Healthier Baking Alternatives

For bakers looking to achieve an almond flavor without the high sugar, several options exist:

Almond Extract: A few drops of pure almond extract can provide a concentrated almond flavor without any added sugar.
Almond Flour/Meal: Use almond flour combined with a low-sugar sweetener and a binder to create a healthier, paste-like filling.
Unsweetened Almond Butter: A natural, unsweetened almond butter can be used as a base, with a small amount of sweetener added as needed.
Reduced-Sugar Homemade Paste: As mentioned, making your own paste is the most direct way to control the sweetness.
Substitute with Nut-Free Alternatives: For those with nut allergies, a cream cheese-based filling with imitation almond flavor can provide a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

Conclusion: Navigating the Sweetness of Almond Paste

In conclusion, yes, almond paste is high in sugar, a fundamental ingredient that contributes to its signature texture and flavor. The exact sugar content depends on the brand or recipe, but it is always a significant component. For bakers, this knowledge is power. It allows for intentional choices, from selecting a less sugary commercial brand to making a customized, low-sugar version at home. By understanding the composition and available alternatives, you can continue to enjoy the delightful flavor of almond paste in your favorite baked goods, with a mindful approach to sweetness.

Visit Texanerin Baking for a detailed homemade almond paste recipe to control your ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

Almond paste contains less sugar than marzipan, giving it a coarser texture and more pronounced almond flavor. Marzipan, with a higher sugar content, is sweeter and more pliable for molding and decorating.

Yes, making almond paste at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use alternative sweeteners to create a less sweet version.

While almonds contain healthy fats, protein, and nutrients, the high sugar content in most almond paste varieties means it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

In store-bought almond paste, sugar is a primary ingredient, often listed alongside almonds and a binding agent like corn syrup or water. The type of sugar can vary by brand.

For a lower-sugar option, you can use pure almond extract for flavor, unsweetened almond butter, or a homemade version using almond flour and a sugar substitute.

Yes, homemade almond paste typically has a fresher, more vibrant flavor and a coarser texture. You can also customize the sweetness, which isn't possible with a pre-packaged product.

Store-bought almond paste is not suitable for a low-sugar diet due to its high sugar content. A homemade, low-sugar version using a sugar alternative is a much better option.