10 Alternatives to Refined Sugar
Sometimes life just requires a little something sweet. So with that in mind, here are 10 all natural, unrefined sweeteners you can feel better about adding to your favorite desserts. Refined sugar has no nutritional value. Most all processed foods have loads of added refined sugar. On average, studies have shown that the average American eats 3 pounds of refined sugar per week, via processed foods.
At Skinny Ms., we use only unrefined sweeteners. You will find that most of our baked goods contain either honey, sucanat or coconut palm sugar. These sweeteners can replace granulated or brown sugar at a 1 to 1 ratio. If you live in a location where these sweeteners are not readily available, you can always shop here.
Honey (we prefer raw honey for the added nutrients)
Maple syrup
Brown Rice Syrup
Sucanat
Dates or Date sugar
Coconut Palm Sugar
Rapadura
Pureed bananas (great in baking!)
Sorghum Syrup
Unsulphured Molasses
If you’re looking for a dessert, be sure to stop by our dessert category!
Why choose natural sugars when the body processes sugar as sugar no matter what type it is? Simply put, with natural sugars you are not only avoiding chemical processes but also getting at least some amount of nutrition with each bite. Can’t say that for the white sugar which has no nutritional value!
Truvia is suppose to be natural, will that work for natural sugar. I use local grown, processed, organic honey in my tea and hot cereal. Its great for my allergies.
Mary – No, Truvia is not natural. It's manufactured by the Coca-Cola company. Stevia is what you are looking for.
How do you feel about Agave Nectar?
Westrajm – We tend to avoid it due to mounting evidence that it is not very good for the body.
I've read Stevia is pretty good as well. Out of all of these, which do you feel is the best for someone? Thank you. Oh, I've also seen concerns on Rice Syrup having arsenic in it.
Vicki, Stevia is big in the fitness world…just be sure to read the label and make sure there is no added sugars. We use these natural sweeteners that retains some nutritional value: honey; molasses; sucanat; sorghum; 100% Maple Syrup. Thanks!
what is wrong with agave nectar?
In general, its been processed so much that it can be as bad as corn syrup.
Agave Nectar is a controversial sweetener…some thing it's great while others don't believe its claims. We don't use it here at Skinny Ms….just don't care for the taste. I recommend this article for more information: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-abou… Thanks!
I just read this article and noticed there was no evidence that agave was any worse than any other sweetner. It states that it is processed, but much like maple syrup. The reason people tout it as healthier is that it may have a lower glycemic index and is sweeter than sugar, so you use less. Webmd states, at the end, that we need to be careful of any sweetner we use.
ps. high fructose corn syrup is bad for you in many ways. The atoms are manipulated to create a sweet taste. Your body does not recognize what it is. Any processed food is hard on your cells. Your body just doesn't recognize them as food.
Jen, Thanks for the feedback.
I didn't know that!?!?! I use it a lot. Can I have some details please.
The main thing to remember is that refined sugar does not have nutritional value. These are natural sweeteners that retain some nutritional value and the ones used most often by Skinny Ms.:
honey; molasses; sucanat; sorghum; 100% maple syrup.
We use Xylitol and liquid Stevia. Sometimes we use honey, pure maple syrup or raw agave nectar, but the latter has had enough questions/debate, I try to avoid it too.
I have recently started using organic sugar. What are your thoughts on it?
If you choose to eat refined sugar, it's better than the alternative. I, personally only use honey, molasses, sorghum, maple syrup or sucanat. Thanks for the question.
What about sugar in the raw? That's what I've been using forever instead of granulated sugar…Thanks
Sugar in the raw is still refined. Here's a pretty good article if you're interested: http://www.livestrong.com/article/272191-sugar-vs…
This is good – I'm putting together a 4 Hour Body Recipes/Paleo slow cooker cookbook and a few of my recipes require sugar and such – I've substituted Maple Syrup for most of the sugar and halved the amounts recommended.
Brian, Smart! Maple Syrup is delicious in almost all recipes calling for sugar.
Agave syrup and raw honey work well too!!
Heather, Thanks for the suggestions. I use only raw honey when using honey, some people aren't able to find it in their small towns.
Pureed bananas instead of sugar? Can someone please tell me when you would use this/how much? I've never heard of this…very interested!
Ashley, I use pureed banans in place of sugar in things like, oatmeal and pancakes. It's important to make sure the bananas are fairly ripe, this way they are much sweeter.
Why isn't maple syrup on the list? Also I think bananas shouldn't be near the bottom, they are a whole food and certainly healthier than cane sugar. They're the only non refined sugar on the list.
Veronica, The list isn't complete but you make an excellent point. I'll add maple syrup. The sweeteners aren't in any particular order. Thanks, we appreciate your feedback!
Xyla is a new one I have just learned about. What are your thoughts?
Tell me about it?