7 Alternative Sweeteners for Coffee, Cooking and More
If you're looking for alternatives to classic granulated sugar, options like date syrup, pomagranate molasses and more offer healthier ways to add sweetness to your recipes.
Incorporating a little sweetness in a dish goes a long way whether you're adding it to your morning coffee, a happy hour cocktail or mixing a marinade or salad dressing. However, added sugar is a concern for many Americans looking to make healthier choices. If you're looking to get creative in the kitchen and are looking for new ways to sweeten your dishes without granulated sugar, these options are a great start. From date syrup to pomegranate concentrate, there is a new and delicious product to fit your next project.
When incorporating sweetness into an otherwise savory dishes (think: caramelizing salmon or adding depth of flavor to a noodle dish like ramen), Just Date Syrup is a great option. We also love it for simply zhushing up morning toast or coffee. The brand promises these products are packed with vitamins, including magnesium, potassium, antioxidants and fiber.
This pomegranate sweetener, which is made from reduced pomegranate juice, is a flavor-packed addition to a handful of foods and drinks. The brand recommends trying it in cocktails, mixing it with olive oil for a quick salad dressing or using it as a marinade or braise. If you love the taste of pomegranate, the possibilities seem endless.
If you like turning to the familiar flavor of honey to add sweetness to your food, you might as well a quality variety like this Manuka honey. It's a great option for adding to oatmeal, smoothies, baked goods and more.
When it comes to finding a substitute for sugar in baking, date sugar is a great option. Date sugar also contains magnesium, potassium, fiber and antioxidants, making it a nutritious substitute. Just be sure to stick to baking with this alternative — the fiber content will keep this sugar from dissolving in hot beverages.
Similar to date sugar, coconut sugar is a one-to-one substitute for cane sugar while maintaining a low glycemic index, which means it is less likely to raise your blood sugar. According to the brand, this has a similar taste to brown sugar and can be used in place of sugar in any cooking or baking projects.
Maple syrup is a classic sweetener for breakfast foods like French toast, pancakes and waffles, and it can also be used as a natural sweetener substitute in most recipes. (One of our editors loves it in her morning coffee!) Just look at the brands' recommendations if you need to dilute for a recipe.
According to the brand, this plant-based, natural sweetener can be used for any sweetening need, including baking, cooking in beverages such as coffee and cocktails and as a topping.
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