3 best natural sugar substitutes

Natural sugar substitutes are alternatives to traditional table sugar (sucrose) that are derived from natural sources. These substitutes are often used by individuals looking to reduce their sugar intake for health reasons or to manage conditions like diabetes. Natural sugar substitutes can be used in cooking, baking, and beverages to add sweetness without the calories or blood sugar spikes associated with regular sugar. Here are some common natural sugar substitutes:

  1. Stevia: Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is known for its intense sweetness and is available in various forms, including powdered stevia and liquid stevia extract. Stevia is considered calorie-free and does not significantly affect blood sugar levels.

  2. Monk Fruit Extract: Monk fruit, or Luo Han Guo, is a small green fruit native to Southeast Asia. Monk fruit extract contains natural compounds called mogrosides, which provide sweetness without calories. It is often used as a sugar substitute in both powdered and liquid forms.

  3. Erythritol: Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods. It has a similar taste to sugar and is nearly calorie-free. Erythritol is often used as a one-to-one replacement for sugar in recipes.

  4. Xylitol: Xylitol is another sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sugar substitute. It has a sweetness similar to sugar and is often used in sugar-free gum and dental products. Xylitol can be used in cooking and baking.

  5. Agave Nectar: Agave nectar is a natural sweetener derived from the agave plant. It is sweeter than sugar and is often used as a liquid sweetener in beverages and recipes.While it is considered a natural sweetener, it is relatively high in fructose and should be used in moderation.

  6. Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup, made from the sap of sugar maple trees, is a natural sweetener with a distinct flavor. It is commonly used as a topping for pancakes and waffles, as well as in baking and cooking. Be sure to choose 100% pure maple syrup without added sugars or artificial flavors.

  7. Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees from flower nectar. It is widely used as a sweetener and has a unique flavor profile. Honey also contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Keep in mind that honey is not suitable for strict vegans.

  8. Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar is made from the sap of coconut palm trees. It has a caramel-like flavor and can be used as a one-to-one replacement for granulated sugar in many recipes.

  9. Date Sugar: Date sugar is made from dehydrated, ground dates. It retains the natural sweetness and nutrients of dates and can be used in baking and cooking.

  10. Molasses: Molasses is a byproduct of sugar refining and is often used as a sweetener in baking and cooking. It has a strong, robust flavor and is a source of minerals like iron and calcium.

When using natural sugar substitutes, it's important to consider their individual flavor profiles, sweetness levels, and how they behave in recipes. Some may have a slightly different texture or affect the final outcome of baked goods, so experimentation may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Additionally, individuals with specific dietary concerns or health conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to their sweetener choices.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best natural sugar substitutes on the market
  

Splenda Naturals Stevia Zero Calorie Sweetener: No Calories, All Natural Sugar Substitute With No Bitter Aftertaste - Single Serve Granulated Packets (80 Count) 

SPLENDA

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question: The first ingredient listed is erythritol, which is a natural sweetener but not stevia. just how much actual stevia does it contain
Answer: Hello It does not say how much just states Stevia Leaf Extract
Question: Country of origins
Answer: No. Splenda Stevia is made in the United States.
Question: what is in the box...packets or loose powder
Answer: The box says 140 packets.
Question: The box says 80 packets but your description says 40. Which one is it? Thanks
Answer: 80 packets. We are trying to get Amazon Seller Support to make the correction.

Whole Earth Sweetener Co. Zero Calorie PlantBased Sugar Alternative, 100% Erythritol, 64 Ounce

Whole Earth Sweetener Co.

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

WHOLE EARTH 100% Erythritol Zero Calorie Plant-Based Sugar Alternative, 4 Pound Pouch

  • Whole Earth Erythritol: Erythritol is a great alternative to sugar for those who want sugar-like sweetness and texture without the calories. Our erythritol is a sugar alcohol derived from non-GMO corn
  • Plant Based Sweetener: Whole Earth 100% Erythritol can be used as a sugar substitute in cooking and baking or as a zero calorie, low carb sweetener for coffee, tea, smoothies, and other beverages
  • Just Sweet Enough: Erythritol has a low glycemic index and can be used in place of sugar in recipes or beverages. It has about 70% of the sweetness of sugar without the calories. Kosher, gluten free
  • Baking Sugar Substitute: Erythritol has a crystalline structure and great resistance to heat, making it a great sugar substitute for baking. This plant based sweetener is suitable for paleo, keto, and diabetic diets
  • Whole Earth Plant Based Sweeteners: Our low and zero calorie plant based sugar substitutes are great for coffees, teas, cocktails, baked goods, and snacks. Available in packets, liquids, bulk pouches and jars

User questions & answers

Question: What is the ratio of this sweetener to regular sugar for baking? Is it 1 to
Answer: No you’ll need to add extra. If it calls for one cup sugar you will use 1 1/3 cup Erythritol. It’s what I use to sweeten all my baked goods and I love it!
Question: what is the bag made of, does it contribute anything bad to the product? thanks
Answer: Love the product. Packaging does not contribute smell or taste to the product.
Question: This product is listed as 100% erythritol, but several questions answered by other buyers said it is a mixture of sugar/stevia. Which is it
Answer: Whole Earth makes some different products. This one that is showing is 100% Erythritol, but they make another one called Baking Blend that is sugar/stevia.
Question: In what country is this product made
Answer: USA??? How do you know? In fact -- counry of origin is far from clear. Company's FAQ on this product says only: Whole Earth Erythritol is manufactured for Whole Earth Sweetener Company, LLC. http://wholeearthsweetener.com/faqs/#collapse-3035 Don't recall seeing any statement of origin on the product's packaging, last I checked. Nor will you see Made in USA in any of the product images here. Suppose, then, that Whole Earth Sweetener Co is purchasing all of their erythritol from a US company. That doesn't necessarily say anything about product origin. The erythritol could be made elsewhere, shipped here in bulk, and repackaged in the US. Whole Earth Sweetener Co may or may not be aware of this. That issue imo goes squarely to business practices. It's the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and not the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that governs Made in USA labelling. Foods and sweeteners have no source-of-origin labelling requirements: U.S. content must be disclosed on automobiles and textile, wool, and fur products. There’s no law that requires most other products sold in the U.S. to be marked or labeled Made in USA or have any other disclosure about their amount of U.S. content. However, manufacturers and marketers who choose to make claims about the amount of U.S. content in their products must comply with the FTC’s Made in USA policy. https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/complying-made-usa-standard As Whole Earth Sweetener Co does not publicly disclose the maker of their erythritol, consumers are -- purposefully to my mind -- left in the dark on this. One quick swipe with Occam's razor: Were this erythritol made in the USA, then why wouldn't Whole Earth Sweetener Co clearly say so -- both on their packaging and in their published FAQ? By keeping mum publicly, Whole Earth Sweetener Co is certainly staying on the right side of applicable FTC rules.

Whole Earth Sweetener Co. 100% Erythritol Sweetener (Keto Sweetener, Natural Sugar Alternative, Baking Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie Sweetener, Gluten Free, Non-GMO), 16 Oz

Whole Earth Sweetener Co.

Based on 997 reviews Check latest price

Product description

WHOLE EARTH SWEETENER 100% Erythritol Sweetener is an alternative to sugar that can be used as a sweetener or in recipes. Erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in small amounts in a variety of plants and fruits. WHOLE EARTH SWEETENER 100% Erythritol is Non-GMO Project Verified, and is sourced from a fermentation process using non-GMO corn. WHOLE EARTH SWEETENER 100% Erythritol bakes like sugar. With zero calories and zero grams of sugar per serving, erythritol meets the needs of health-conscious consumers, while providing a sweet, delicious taste. WHOLE EARTH SWEETENER 100% Erythritol is an ideal sugar substitute for baking and cooking. We offer our erythritol sweetener in 1 pound resealable pouches, so you'll have more than enough for any use! WHOLE EARTH SWEETENER 100% Erythritol is gluten-free and kosher certified to meet your dietary needs, and, due to its low glycemic index, is an excellent sweetener for individuals with diabetes as well as those following keto diets and other lifestyles. *For more information on our natural standard and ingredients visit our website. **All trademarks used herein are owned by their respective owners and the products advertised on this site are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by those trademark owners.

  • ERYTHRITOL SWEETENER: Enjoy a delicious sugar alternative that bakes like sugar
  • ZERO CALORIE SWEETENER: Each serving of erythritol has zero calories and zero grams of sugar
  • KETO SWEETENER: Erythritol is a keto diet friendly sweetener and a great choice for sweetening keto food and keto snacks
  • NATURAL* SUGAR ALTERNATIVE: A natural alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners, our non-GMO granulated Erythritol Sweetener is sourced from a fermentation process using non-GMO corn
  • ERYTHRITOL SWEETENER POUCHES: Packaged in a 1-pound resealable pouch, so you can easily sweeten your favorite foods and beverages
  • LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX SWEETENER: Erythritol is a low glycemic index sweetener and is a great choice for those following keto diets and other lifestyles
  • GREAT WITH COFFEE: Sweeten coffee or tea without the calories of sugar cubes, sugar packets or raw sugar packets

User questions & answers

Question: What is the ratio of this sweetener to regular sugar for baking? Is it 1 to
Answer: No it is not. About 3/4 c of sugar is the same as 1 c of erythritol. I personally use it 1 to 1 because I amused to things not being as sweet
Question: Does this taste like Swerve
Answer: Swerve is made with Erythritol, so yes there is that. I will say it has a cooling after effect. If you want something that tastes more like sugar then try Xylitol Sweetener, just be careful if you have pets. But I love this stuff.
Question: Is this granular like sugar or a powder
Answer: This product is granular like sugar.
Question: What is the ratio of this sweetener to regular sugar for baking? Is it 1 to
Answer: No you’ll need to add extra. If it calls for one cup sugar you will use 1 1/3 cup Erythritol. It’s what I use to sweeten all my baked goods and I love it!

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