Sugar is arguably the most demonised food item on the menu.
Sugar-free substances from Coke Zero to Huel have gained a cult following, with many citing their lack of sugar as the reason for adding them to their shopping trolley. No sugar = no stress - right? Well, not necessarily.
There’s no doubt that the sugar scaries have spread. Sugar taxes have been introduced in over 40 countries since 2010 and in 2019, which has no doubt prompted more consumers to search for sugar alternatives such as sweeteners. A report revealed that 60 per cent of all the soft drinks sold by Coca-Cola and 83 per cent of those sold by Pepsi were sugar-free.
But now many are questioning whether sweeteners are any better for the body than sugar.
Specialist Dietician Sophie Medlin sheds some light on the matter: “Sugar isn’t inherently bad for us but too much sugar can lead to problems with weight gain and is also associated with conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. We also worry about dental health with added sugars. Natural sugars are not associated with worsened health outcomes. It is only added sugar and sugar used in processed foods like sweets, cakes, pastries and biscuits that we need to worry about. Sticking to less than 25g of added sugar per day is considered to be safe.”
Those hoping to curb their sugar cravings want to know - are there any viable alternatives to the simple carbohydrate?
“In general, sweeteners are something I would encourage most people to avoid. This is because of recent reports from the WHO about the risks of artificial sweeteners and the research demonstrating that they’re not helpful for weight control,” Medlin says. “When I am working with my patients, we seek to gradually reduce sugar and sweetener intake over time and use fruit, nuts, dried fruit and other healthier alternatives to sweet snacks.”
We can already hear you thinking, ‘But honey is fine, yes?’
According to the dietician, “While natural sugars from date syrup, maple syrup and honey are less processed, they are still handled in the body in a very similar way to sugar meaning you might get a few additional nutrients but they will still have a very similar effect on blood sugars. Very small amounts of stevia are likely to be safe and haven’t yet shown any negative health outcomes so this is likely to be the healthiest option.”
In general, it’s best to steer clear of excessive sugar consumption and the use of artificial sweeteners. But sometimes, a sweet snack is simply too tempting.
If you’re keen to cut your sugar intake and discover a sweet treat alternative, you’re in the right place. Read on to discover the best sugar alternatives available and get your short-term fix.
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SweetLeaf Natural Stevia Sweetener, 70 Count
Plant-derived stevia has more sweetness than sugar but none of the calories. In fact, it has precisely zero calories, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional sugar.
This box of 70 packets offers double the amount of servings (half a packet is considered a serving). There is a slight after-taste but this fades after time and frankly, the pros of this all-natural sweetener far outweigh the cons. An ideal replacement for sugar in tea, coffee and smoothies.
Buy now £9.40, Amazon
Truvia Tablets 100 Pack
Containing an extract of the stevia leaf, this plant-extract sweetener comes in tablet form. Use it in place of a spoon or cube of sugar in your next cuppa.
Buy now £2.60, Tesco
TIANA FairTrade Organics Premium Organic Coconut Nectar
The crunchy golden crystals will sweeten tea and coffee (don't worry it doesn't taste like coconuts) and is especially delicious when used in baking recipes. If you're a tea or coffee drinker, you will need a little elbow grease to dissolve it properly but the guilt-free sweetened cuppa you get in return is well worth the extra 30 seconds of stirring.
Buy now £13.48, Amazon
Biona Organic Date Syrup Squeezy
Dates are a great source of energy. Easy to snack on whole and delicious when squeezed into a hot drink, they are rich in potassium for heart health - but that’s not all. This electrolyte also encourages muscle growth. This is especially true of Medjool dates which are slow-burning carbs, prevent cramps and aid in recovery. Best of all, they’re delicious.
Buy now £4.00, Ocado
Groovy Food Organic Coconut Sugar 500g
Switch out your regular sugar for this option from Groovy Food, and you’ll bring a subtle sweetness to your morning brew. A great source of calcium which boasts a buttery caramel flavour, the sugar alternative is a surefire hit among those wanting their daily fix of something sweet.
Buy now £3.00, Amazon
NKD Living Powdered Erythritol
With 6 per cent of the calories of sugar, erythritol still contains 70 per cent of its sweetness, marking it out as a fabulous alternative.
Since the human body doesn't have the enzymes to break down erythritol, it passes through the body unchanged - making it perfect for anyone who has to keep an eye on their blood sugar or insulin levels. It’s an ideal alternative to sugar when making cakes and other bakes.
Buy now £8.94, Amazon
Pure Via Granulated Stevia 250g
Opt for a granulated sugar alternative with Pure Via. The brand’s stevia offering contains no trace of sugar and 40 per cent fewer calories. Spoon into baked goods or piping hot brews from tea to coffee. Moreover, the product is suitable for vegans and those maintaining a keto diet. Enjoy the crunch whether at breakfast or brunch.
Buy now £3.15, Ocado
Groovy Food Agave Nectar Light & Mild
Enjoy a delicious dollop of Agave’s Nectar which hails from the organically grown Blue Webber Agave Plant in Mexico. The fully organic buy is ideal for consumers searching for a brown sugar substitute. Stir yours into a hot drink or a bowl of sugar-free cereal and start the day right.
Buy now £9.30, Amazon
Organic Coconut Nectar Sugar 250g
Made from the blossom of the coconut plant, this nectar sugar is similar to brown sugar - but without the high processing techniques. It's perfect for baking or using for chocolate work thanks to its super low melt temperature and very high burn temperature. Available in packets up to 20kg.
Buy now £12.88, Buy Wholefoods Online
