5 Plant-Based Sweeteners to Use Instead of White Sugar

As the world tries to become more health conscious, we find ourselves looking for healthier alternatives of our favorite foods. Sweeteners included! 

Here is a list of a few my favorite plant based sweeteners thus far:

1. Agave Syrup

Agave syrup, often called agave nectar, is one of the sweetest plant based sweeteners that contains more fructose than plain sugar. It comes from the agave plant species which all produce a different golden hue. Agave is low in glucose so it won’t spike your blood sugar, but it does have more calories than plain sugar so if that will be a concern then use this syrup in moderation.

2. Stevia

Stevia is a sweetener I actually just learned about not too long ago. It comes from a plant called stevia rebaudiana and the leaves are where the extraction takes place. This sweetener is being utilized more in low calorie sweetened drinks and coffee products. 

3. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a sweetener that comes straight from the sap of the Maple tree. Choosing maple syrup can be a healthier and nutritious alternative than artificial syrup filled with high fructose corn syrup. You can get half of your daily intake of Manganese from just two tablespoons of maple syrup

4. Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that can come from many plants, and the most known form of xylitol is derived from the birch tree and corn. This sweetener is typically used in sugar free gum and mints. 

5. Dates

Dates are a surprising add onto this list. These dried fruits can be utilized in so many different ways, such as date sugar. Not only are dates super nutritious, but they can substitute processed white sugar in all of your baking goods.