Healthy Sugar Substitutes

If you’re trying to eat healthier, you probably want to cut down on sugar. Fortunately for you, there are many new options out there for people who want to avoid traditional cane sugar and experiment with potentially healthier sugar substitutes. Here are some that you might find at your local organic market.

Aspartame

This is one of the more common sugar substitutes around. It’s found in gum, diet sodas, and a variety of other products. It’s far sweeter than cane sugar, so a little bit of it goes a long way in packaged food products.

Stevia

This is rapidly rising in popularity to rival aspartame. It has zero calories and can easily replace sugar in coffee or tea. It can also be used in certain recipes as a stand-in for white or brown sugar.

Xylitol

This can be found in corn wood or birch wood, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables. It contains 40% fewer calories than sugar, obviously a plus, and it could even offer health benefits like a boost for bone health.

Honey

Honey can be used in plenty of recipes and can add a lot of flavors when you drizzle it on foods like toast, waffles, or pancakes. It’s delicious, but it also contains antioxidants and trace amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, so you can feel a little less guilty when using honey over cane sugar.

Coconut Sugar

This is a natural sugar and it’s also unrefined. That means that it keeps all of the nutrients from coconuts, including zinc and potassium. It can be used as a one-to-one replacement for white or brown sugar in most recipes, but it may not be ideal for anyone who is trying to lose weight due to its higher calorie content.

Maple Syrup

Like honey, this tastes great drizzled on all types of foods. It can also be used in a variety of recipes and pairs well with surprising flavors, so don’t balk if you see it included among the ingredients in a new meal you’re trying out.

Molasses

This resembles maple syrup and also makes for a good sugar substitute. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, like iron, calcium, and potassium. So it’s not just tasty. It’s good for bone and heart health as well.

Monk Fruit

This sugar alternative has been rising in popularity, probably because it’s roughly 150 to 250 times sweeter than conventional sugar! It can replace white or brown sugar in many recipes and it’s even safe for diabetics. Further studies could also shine a light on other health benefits of this unique sweetener. Just check the label if you buy monk fruit sweetener though. It sometimes comes mixed with other types of sweeteners that you may not want.

Date Paste

This natural sweetener is made from dates, which are high in fiber and other minerals. It can add a lot of flavor to baked goods, smoothies, or even marinades.

For More Healthy Eating Tips

If you want more advice about eating healthy and making substitutions, the Organic Restaurants blog and website can help. Find a great eatery near you or hit the organic food market yourself and start making some healthier decisions today!