5 Sugar-Free Substitutes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

For people with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is a top priority. One way to do this is by reducing or eliminating sugar from your diet. However, many people still crave the sweetness of sugar. Fortunately, there are many sugar substitutes available that can satisfy your sweet tooth without affecting your blood sugar levels.

Here are five good sugar substitutes if you have diabetes:

1. Stevia

Stevia is a trending natural sweetener that comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is much sweeter than sugar but has ZERO calories and does not affect blood sugar levels. How cool is that? Stevia is available in liquid, powder, and tablet form and can be used in place of sugar in many recipes.

2. Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in some fruits and fermented foods. It has a similar taste and texture to sugar but has fewer calories and, like stevia, does not affect blood sugar levels. Erythritol is available in granulated form and can be used as a sugar substitute.

3. Xylitol

Xylitol is another sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sugar substitute, available in granulated form. Like the second entry on this list, xylitol has a similar taste and texture to sugar but has fewer calories and does not impact your blood sugar levels.

4. Monkfruit Extract

Monkfruit extract is a natural sweetener that comes from the monkfruit, a plant that is native to China. Akin to stevia, the taste is much sweeter than sugar but it has zero calories and no impact on your bloog sudar levels, making it ideal for people with extra sugary sweet tooths. Monk fruit extract is available in liquid and powder form.

5. Splenda

Splenda is a brand of artificial sweetener, and one of the most well-known sugar alternatives on this list. Like others mentioned above, it is made from sucralose and has zero calories. Splenda is available in granulated form and can be used in place of sugar in many recipes.

Conclusion

Reducing or eliminating sugar from your diet is an important part of managing diabetes. Fortunately, there are many sugar substitutes available that can satisfy your sweet tooth without affecting your blood sugar levels. Stevia, erythritol, xylitol, monk fruit extract, and Splenda are all good sugar substitutes that can be used in place of sugar in many recipes. However, it's important to remember that these sweeteners should be used in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

As always, it's best to talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet. And if you're looking for healthy AND delicious meal inspo, check out our Recipes section.