Everyone nowadays are looking out for a sugar substitutes which is definitely a good thing. Refined sugar can cause inflammation in the body and is the main cause behind increasing obesity. It is always a good thing to look out for sugar substitutes and to cut down on refined sugar to stay healthy. You will find many synthetic sugar substitutes in the market which can cause a lot of internal health issues in a long run. Here I have compiled best natural sugar substitutes as per my knowledge and research –
NATURAL REFINED SUGAR SUBSTITUTES
Stevia
Stevia is one of the best sugar substitute you could ever have and this is my most preferred one. It is all natural and is extracted from Stevia leaves and is also perfect for a keto diet. It is extremely low in carbohydrates and calories, almost negligible. This makes it a perfect sugar substitute and it tastes exactly like refined sugar. Can be used in baking and in your regular shakes and smoothies.
Raw Honey
Raw honey not only is a great substitute to sugar but it tastes even better than refined sugar. It is rich in antioxidants, amino acids and essential vitamins. Raw honey even if contains some nutrition, it definitely is not low in carbohydrates and calories so keep an eye on that.
Apple Sauce
Applesauce is nothing but a paste or sauce made from caramelized cooked apples. It has natural sweetness from the fruit itself and it also makes a great sugar substitute and prefect to for baking and smoothies. Definitely is not zero in carbohydrates but it is very nutritious and has moderate carbohydrates and calories.
Fruits
Did you know that you can use fruit or fruit purees as a refined sugar substitute? They make a great sugar substitute in baking, in your regular sweet dishes and also in your shakes and smoothies. Fruits are also high in natural sugars meaning carbohydrates so if you are on a low carbohydrate diet, use this in moderation.
Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is nothing but sweet syrup that is extracted from a fluid inside blue agave plant. It is delicious and makes a great substitute to refined sugar. It contains 50 to 60% of fructose and can definitely spike insulin. If you are diabetic, you can have this in moderation depending on your blood sugar. Use it in baking, sweet dishes, porridge and shakes.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is another nutritious and healthy refined sugar substitute. It is extracted from dehydrated coconut sap. Coconut sugar is rich in vitamins minerals and anti-oxidants and this makes it a great refined sugar substitute.
Dates
We all know how naturally sweet dates are and they can be used in almost anything just like regular sugar. You can use date syrup or a paste made from soaked dates for baking, making sweets and in your shakes and smoothies.
Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses, even if made from sugarcane it is important to understand that it is a by product and the extraction process is different. The extraction and production process of blackstrap molasses is very different that makes it higher in nutrients. It is rich in nutrition but also Is quite high in calories and carbohydrates. Even if this wouldn’t be an ideal sugar substitute for a low carbohydrate diet, it is definitely a better option if you normally have refined sugar.
Jaggery
Jaggery is made from sugarcane juice and it is extremely high in nutrients and has a lot of health benefits. Even in taste and flavor, it is quite rich and can be used in baking and sweet desserts. Also make sure that you have it in moderation because this is high in calories.
