Sugar is one of those ingredients that’s almost always present in our daily consumption, from morning coffee to sweet afternoon snacks. But behind its deliciousness, excessive sugar intake can increase the risk of various health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and even heart disease. Don’t worry, you can still enjoy sweetness without the guilt. The solution? Replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners as sugar substitutes that are healthier. In this article, we’ll explore 8 types of natural sweeteners as sugar substitute that are not only tasty but also safe for health. Curious to find out what they are? Let’s dive in! 

Getting to Know Natural Sweeteners as Sugar Substitutes 

Natural sweeteners are a healthier alternative to refined sugar, extracted from natural sources like plants and fruits. Unlike refined sugar that only offers sweetness, natural sweeteners often contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that benefit the body. Replacing refined sugar with natural sweeteners is especially important for people with diabetes or those looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle. 

8 Types of Natural Sweeteners as Sugar Substitutes

Reducing added sugar intake can be an important step toward a healthier lifestyle. There are many natural sweeteners that not only provide sweetness but also offer additional nutritional benefits. Here are 8 types of natural sweeteners as sugar substitutes you can use in a variety of foods and beverages.

1. Stevia

Extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, this natural sweetener has an intense sweetness, even sweeter than sugar. Stevia is almost calorie-free and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, making it an ideal choice for diabetics. 

2. Honey

This thick and sweet liquid produced by bees has long been used as both a sweetener and a natural remedy. Honey contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. While it’s a healthier option, it still contains calories and natural sugars, so it should be consumed in moderation. 

3. Maple Syrup

Made from the sap of maple trees, maple syrup has a rich, slightly caramel-like flavor. Besides its sweetness, it also contains manganese and zinc. Like honey, it can be added to pancakes, oatmeal, or beverages.

4. Coconut Sugar

Made from the sap of coconut palm flower buds, coconut sugar has a distinct caramel flavor. It contains some nutrients like iron, zinc, and potassium. While more nutritious than refined sugar, its glycemic index is still relatively high, so intake should be monitored.

5. Dates

Naturally sweet and rich in flavor, dates are a great natural sweetener. In addition to being a source of energy, they are high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Dates can be blended into a paste and used as a sugar replacement in drinks, baked goods, and more.

6. Monk Fruit

Extract from monk fruit (luo han guo) is intensely sweet and calorie-free. This sweetener is ideal for diabetics or those on a low-calorie diet.

7. Erythritol

Erythritol is a natural sweetener found in fruits like pears and watermelon. It tastes similar to sugar, but with almost zero calories and no effect on blood sugar levels.

8. Xylitol

Often found in chewing gum and toothpaste for its dental health benefits, xylitol has a sweetness similar to sugar but with fewer calories. 

Read More : How to Distinguish Pure Honey from Fake Honey

Start a Healthy Lifestyle with Natural Sweeteners and FiberCreme 

Your choice of a natural sweetener as a sugar substitute could be the first step toward a healthier lifestyle! And it’s not just sugar, as you can also switch up other ingredients to better suit your healthy diet. For example, you can replace coconut milk and dairy with FiberCreme. 

FiberCreme is a versatile powder that you can easily add to your daily meals and drinks as a substitute for coconut milk or dairy. Whether it’s traditional dishes like gulai and lodeh, or international favorites like creamy pasta or soup, FiberCreme has you covered. With its creamy taste, high fiber content, low sugar, and 0mg cholesterol, it’s a great choice if you want to eat healthier without giving up delicious food. 

Let’s start living healthier with simple changes! Discover more tasty and healthy creations using FiberCreme on Instagram @FiberCreme_TV and the Ellenka channel on YouTube.