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3 Different Types of Sugar Substitute

According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million Americans have diabetes. Being diabetic means keeping a mindful eye on your diet, monitoring your blood glucose levels and forgoing most sugar. Fortunately, there are a variety of sugar substitutes available when the craving for something sweet strikes. These substitutes include natural, plant-based and artificial sweeteners.

  1. Choosing a Sugar Substitute

    • Recent studies show that nearly 50 percent of all households in the United States use some type of sugar substitute. Choosing the one that is best for your family depends on a number of factors, including taste and how the product will be used. For instance, if you are a baker, powdered substitutes that mimic the consistency of sugar are a good choice. Whereas, hot tea and coffee drinkers may prefer a liquid sugar substitute.

    Artificial Sweeteners

    • You can use artificial sweeteners to replace sugar in cooking, baking and beverages. They are sugar-free and generally do not raise blood glucose levels because they are not a source of carbohydrates. One of the biggest debates surrounding sugar substitutes is whether or not artificial sweeteners are healthy. There are studies promoting both sides of the argument, but all experts agree that moderation is key. There are a number of artificial sweeteners on the market today including Aspartame, Saccharin and Sucralose.

    Stevia

    • If natural sugar substitutes appeal to you, try the plant-based sweetener Stevia. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the herb Stevia rebaudiana. This herb, also known as sweetleaf, is 10 to 15 times sweeter than sugar but has practically no calories. It also has minimal carbohydrates and a glycemic index of zero. Stevia is available in both granulated and liquid form. It is sold under a number of brand names including Truvia and PureVia.

    Natural Sweeteners

    • For non-diabetic individuals, natural sweeteners are a viable substitute for sugar. Since most natural sweeteners are nutritionally similar to sugar, they have negligible health benefits and should be consumed solely for their flavor. Natural sweeteners include honey, agave nectar, maple syrup and molasses.

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