When people try to get healthier, often one of the first things they will drop from their diet is sugar. There are good reasons to cut out sugar, but it’s tough to do. We all end up missing that sweet stuff eventually!

Fortunately, there are now more alternatives to sugar than ever. Many of these alternatives could even make you swear off of sugar for good. Whether you’re trying to cut sugar out of your diet completely or you just want to get a little bit healthier, these items found at your local organic market might be able to help.

Stevia

You’ve probably noticed stevia as it rose in popularity in recent years. Now this artificial sweetener, which is 200 times sweeter than sugar, is basically everywhere. It’s zero calories and it can be used to replace sugar in a few different situations. You can add stevia to your coffee or tea, use it in smoothies, or even replace sugar with it in some recipes.

Saccharin

Saccharin is commonly found in drinks and canned goods. You generally won’t get it on its own, as you might with stevia, but it’s good to know what you’re looking at when you see this listed as an ingredient on a package.

Aspartame

This is one of the most common sugar substitutes out there. You can find it in many diet sodas, gum, and other products. It has a rather distinct taste and, like stevia, is much sweeter than sugar even in smaller doses.

Agave Syrup

Agave syrup is a great ingredient to have on hand if you plan to experiment with vegan recipes. Some use this sweet syrup, which comes from a particular species of cactus and has a texture much like honey, in place of conventional sugar. Don’t be surprised to see recipes for smoothies, jams, and baked goods that call for agave syrup.

Maple Syrup

Much like agave syrup, maple syrup is actually surprisingly versatile and usable in quite a few recipes. Of course, it’s also always delicious when used on pancakes and waffles.

Raw Honey

Raw honey is usually at its best when it’s being drizzled on food to add a little bit of extra sweetness. It’s great on toast or granola, and as a bonus, it’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Monk Fruit

Monk fruit is picking up in popularity, so don’t be surprised if you see it at your local organic food stores. It can be a bit expensive, but it is 150 to 250 times sweeter than sugar and can easily substitute for white or brown sugar in many recipes. It’s also safe for diabetics, and it could even help with weight loss! It seems like a good deal to us.

For More Tips About Living Healthy

If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate more organic food into your diet and live a healthier lifestyle, Organic Restaurants can help. Check out our blog for more tips and information on healthy diets, and then take a look at our directory of quality organic eateries located near you.