Many health-conscious folks want to cut back on processed sugar. There are several natural sugar substitutes that can sweeten food and drinks without the health risks of refined sugar. List of 10 refined sugar substitutes.
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1. Honey
Honey is an antibacterial, antioxidant sweetener. It's sweeter than sugar, therefore less is needed to taste sweet. For best health advantages, pick raw, unprocessed honey and watch its calorie count.
2. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup contains antioxidants, manganese, and zinc from maple tree sap. Its unusual flavour enhances sweet and savoury foods. Find pure maple syrup without sugar or additives.
3. Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar, derived from coconut palm sap, has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar and won't spike blood sugar as much. There are also trace levels of iron, zinc, and calcium.
4. Stevia
Stevia rebaudiana leaves produce stevia, a natural sweetener. It's sweeter than sugar, therefore not much is needed. Stevia has no calories and does not influence blood sugar, making it ideal for diabetics and calorie watchers.
5. Dates
Dates offer natural sweetness and caramel flavour to recipes. A healthy alternative to processed sugar, they are high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Sweeten using whole dates, date paste, or date syrup.
6. Molasses
Sugar refinement produces molasses, a rich source of iron, calcium, and potassium. Its powerful flavour complements baked items, marinades, and sauces. Nutritionally, unsulfured molasses is best.
7. Nectar Agave
Since agave nectar is sweeter than sugar, you can use less of it in recipes. Diabetes patients and those trying to control blood sugar can benefit from its low glycemic index. Moderate consumption is advised because to its high fructose content.
8. Monk Fruit Sweetener
Monk fruit sweetener comes from South-east Asian monk fruit extracts. Natural mogrosides add sweetness without calories or carbs. Cook and bake using heat-stable monk fruit sweetener.
9. Brown Rice Syrup
Fermenting cooked rice with enzymes turns starches into sugars in brown rice syrup. It can replace refined sugar in sweet and savoury dishes because to its mild sweetness and caramel flavour.
10. Lucuma Powder
South American lucuma tree fruit is dried to make powder. High in antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins, it tastes maple-like. Lucuma powder sweetens smoothies, desserts, and baked products naturally.