6 Best Sugar Alternatives for Baking and Cooking

If you’re looking for a way to make your recipes healthier, exploring sugar alternatives for baking and cooking may be worthwhile. Changing the way we bake and cook from homes to professional eateries, these alternatives can help lower sugar spikes and keep your health as the main priority. Below are six sugar alternatives for baking and cooking from honey to erythritol.

6. Honey

Starting our list of sugar alternatives for baking and cooking is honey. A natural sweetener, honey is also a source of antioxidants and provides moisture to baked goods. When substituting, you will want to use a little less honey since it is sweeter than refined sugar. Honey will add a new flavor profile to whatever you’re making and is also a great option for mixing with teas and coffees.

5. Coconut Sugar

Fifth on our list of sugar alternatives for baking and cooking is coconut sugar, a more natural and unrefined option to granulated sugar. Coconut sugar has a caramel-like flavor and behaves similarly to regular sugar in recipes while containing more nutrients and a lower glycemic index. You can also buy sugar alternatives that have a blend of coconut sugar and refined sugar, perfect for baking or more precise recipes.

4. Monk Fruit Sweetener

Next up on our list of best sugar alternatives for baking and cooking is monk fruit sweetener. The extract comes from monk fruit, which is typically grown in Southeast Asia and is known for its sweetness. This sweetness is higher than refined sugar and also provides fruity undertones that could add depth to your dishes. It is most commonly used in desserts and drinks.

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3. Allulose

While a little rarer, our third selection of sugar alternatives for baking and cooking allows for low-calorie consumption. Allulose is found in small quantities in certain fruits, providing around 70% of the sweetness of sugar and similar properties. With a similar flavor profile, allulose can easily be substituted into several baking and cooking recipes, putting your health first with lower calories.

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2. Erythritol

Earning the second spot on our sugar alternatives for baking list is erythritol. This is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in fruits and fermented foods and is about 70% as sweet as sugar. The best part? It’s nearly calorie-free, making it a popular choice for baking and cooking. Using erythritol can help decrease calorie intake, prevent blood sugar spikes, and protect dental health.

1. Stevia

Last but not least on our list of best sugar alternatives for baking and cooking is stevia. One of the most well-known alternatives, stevia, is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant and contains zero calories. It is around 300 times sweeter than sugar and is often used in beverages and as a tabletop sweetener. Since it is so sweet, using stevia in moderation is recommended.