Healthy Natural Sweeteners

Looking for a substitute for processed cane sugar? Sweeteners made from heavily processed sugarcane can be addictive and a hard habit to break if you are used to having it in your morning coffee, but there are some healthier options to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.

While some of these options are indeed healthier than cane sugar, it does not mean they are devoid of all sugar. Note that sweeteners of any kind are still sweeteners and they may still be unhealthy when consumed in large quantities. 

Stevia

Stevia is a sugar substitute that has little to no calories. Stevia is a natural sweetener made from stevia leaves. It’s a great option for those who are trying to manage their blood sugar levels but still enjoy sweeteners. 

Sucanat

Sucanat is a natural unrefined cane sugar that is lightly processed.

It can be used to replace regular granulated sugars in baked goods but unlike processed cane sugar it has a particular taste similar to molasses so it may not be a great choice for every recipe.

Sucanat is high in nutrients and minerals that would normally be removed in the process of refining cane sugar. 

Natural Syrups

Agave nectar, honey, and maple syrup are all natural sweeteners meaning they contain more nutrients than other sweeteners but they also contain roughly the same calorie amount as the others. It is good to use just a few tablespoons of these when using them. These natural sweeteners are slightly lower on the glycemic index but they still contain plenty of sugar.

Applesauce

Although it isn’t an ingredient you can use for everything that needs sweetening, adding applesauce to your baked goods or oatmeal is a great way to add some sweetener without all the sugar. Apples are naturally very sweet as they contain the sweetener sorbitol. Sorbitol has only a third of the calories as regular sugar, it is usually found in fruits and berries such as blackberries, strawberries, apples, peaches, cherries, and raspberries. 

Monk fruit

Monk fruit is an incredibly popular sweetener as it is far sweeter than sugar but contains zero calories. Monk fruit sweetener is made by juicing the skin of the monk fruit and drying it out to grind it into granules that look similar to sugar.

Use it in your morning tea or coffee or pretty much anything you use sugar for. Since monk fruit is sweeter than cane sugar when substituting it use just about 1/3 cup for every cup of regular sugar.

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