The invention relates to dry solid crystalline, powder, granular or amorphous forms of agave sweeteners that retain beneficial nutrients present in agave syrup and remain stable for extended periods of time. Methods for manufacture of the dry sweeteners from agave nectar are provided that employ a process comprising lyophilization. Methods for producing agave sweeteners in crystalline, powder, granular or amorphous form are provided. In addition to extended stability, manufacture using lyophilization techniques retain beneficial characteristics of the agave nectar that are lost when it is dried by other techniques.
