10 Best Natural Sweeteners in 2022 (Pyure, Nature Nate's, and More)

We've picked 10 most popular natural sweeteners that are available online. Hopefully, you'll find one with all the benefits that you're looking for. 

Besides our top 10 recommended sweetneners, we've also provided you with information that we think will be helpful for choosing the right product. Keep these following points in mind to help you decide which natural sweetener suits your needs! 

Leaf- and tree-based sweeteners are derived from different parts of a variety of plants. They're also different in texture and flavor, so choose one based on what you'll be sweetening. 

Stevia is a popular natural sweetener that is derived from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana plant, which is mostly found in South American countries such as Brazil and Paraguay. Although stevia can have a bitter aftertaste, it's commonly used for coffees, teas, juices, and soft drinks because it dissolves well.

Coconut sugar is made from coconut palm sap and has a subtly sweet, caramel-like taste. So, some people prefer using coconut sugar as a substitute for refined sugar to add a mild earthy flavor to sweet baked goods. 

Maple syrup comes from the xylem sap of different types of maple trees, like sugar maples, black maples, and red maples. It has a distinctive rich taste - most people pair it with pancakes, waffles, and French toast.

Molasses is a concentrated juice from crushed sugar cane or sugar beets. Thus, it has a thick texture and robust flavor. The flavor and texture can vary depending on how many times it's boiled and the boiling time. 

The longer it’s boiled, the thicker and richer it is in texture and flavor. Molasses is good for baking because it can add moisture and create a thicker consistency. Molasses goes well with recipes like gingerbread and pecan pie.

Agave nectar is made from the fluid inside several species of agave plants like agave tequilana and agave salmiana. It’s sweeter than sugar and has quite similar taste to honey, so it has been used widely in cocktails and other drinks. 

Although agave nectar contains large amounts of fructose, it's still one of the most popular sweeteners because it has no bitter aftertaste. 

Evaporated cane juice comes from the liquid of sugar cane plants. It tastes similar to brown sugar, which has a caramel-like flavor. Many people use it for baking, and it's also popular to use in drinks like lemonade, coffee, and tea.

Sweeteners from vegetables and fruits are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, which make them healthier sweetener options. 

Yacon syrup is made from a root vegetable that is traditionally grown in South America. It's rich in antioxidants, potassium, and fiber and can help control blood sugar levels. Some people say it has a caramel-like flavor, while others say it has a watermelon-like taste!

Many people use it for salads, drinks, baking, and cooking. It has a look and consistency similar to molasses, so it makes a great substitute. It can be used to replace other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar, too!

Monk fruit (also known as han gao) is a small fruit from China. The sweetener is from the pulp and juices inside the fruit. It's considered to be a superfood sweetener because it's packed with nutrients, free from calories, and doesn't impact blood sugar levels. It's also safe for kids, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women, too!

It has a fruity and slightly bitter aftertaste, however, the bitter aftertaste is much less than stevia. Monk fruit is 200 times sweeter than sugar, and it's also heat-stable. Thus, many people use it for hot drinks, baking, and cooking. 

Date sugar comes from dried fruits of palm trees. It has a caramel and butterscotch-like taste. It's rich in fiber and antioxidants, as well! Most people use it in baked goods, oatmeal, smoothies, and snack bars. Since it's somewhat similar to coconut sugar, and they can replace each other in most recipes.

Lucuma is a low glycemic sweetener, which is a good choice for people with type 2 diabetes. The sweetener is made from the fruit of Pouteria lucuma tree. It has a subtle sweetness with a hint of nutty, maple flavor. Many people use lucuma to sweeten nut milk, coffee, acai bowls, and cakes. 

Honey is a good natural sweetener because it can be used for many purposes, including foods, beverages, skincare products, and medicinal uses. The flavor and color of honey differ depending on the nectar sources. Thus, you’ll have a variety of choices to choose from!

For example, acacia honey has a delicate, vanilla-like flavor. It also has strong antibacterial properties that can soothe a sore throat, treat acne, and support the digestive system. In contrast, sourwood honey has a caramel-like flavor, so many people choose to pair it with French toasts, cupcakes, or muffins.

When it comes to natural sweeteners, you should make sure that the sweetener you choose is made from mostly or 100% natural ingredients. Some products are made from pure ingredients, while others may contain preservatives like sodium benzoate or sodium nitrite. 

The studies have found that sodium benzoate may increase the risk of diabetes and inflammation, whereas sodium nitrite may damage blood vessels, which can later lead to heart disease. If you're looking for safe ingredients, make sure to avoid harmful chemical additives and preservatives.

We also highly recommend checking the nutrition facts, especially if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or follow a certain type of diet. Three main things to note are the calories, carbohydrates, and sugar per serving. 

For example, if you follow the ketogenic diet, your best natural sweeteners are stevia and monk fruit - they contain zero calories and zero carbohydrates. You should stay away from maple syrup and dates since they’re packed with carbohydrates, which don’t fit into a keto lifestyle. 

Even if you don't follow any particular diet, checking the ingredients and nutritional facts can help you be more informed about what you're eating. 

Natural sweeteners usually come in powder, cube, or liquid forms. Powder and cubes usually come in small packets, plastic bags, or plastic jars, whereas liquid usually comes in plastic or glass bottles. 

Small packets are convenient to use, easy to store, and good for taking on-the-go. So, it's a good packaging option for drinks, smoothies, and oatmeal. Since each packet comes with a single-serving size, it'll help you control your consumption of sugar, too! 

If your buying a sweetener for baking or cooking, we suggest that you get a larger package. Also, make sure that you choose a resealable bag. Resealable bags are easier to use and can help keep out moisture. 

BPA is a synthetic chemical found in many plastic containers. It may negatively affect brain development and behaviors. Some studies have found that BPA can even increase the levels of depression, aggression, and anxiety in infants and children.

There are two ways to avoid BPA in packaging. First, choose a product that has a BPA-free label. Second, check the bottom of the container. If it has number 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, it usually means the packaging is free from BPA. If you see the number 7, take caution - this is a catch-all category of plastic than can include plastics made with BPA.

However, plastic containers are lightweight and convenient to carry around. We recommend choosing a squeeze bottle, which allows you to control the portion and avoid any mess.

Glass containers have a sense luxury and come in beautiful designs, which can add value to the products. They're also heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe, too!

Glass doesn't absorb stains, smells, and colors, thus, they can keep the sweetener fresh. Most importantly, they're all free from BPA! And if you're eco-conscious, glass is often easy to reuse or recycle.

Natural ingredients are packed with vitamins and minerals and can offer many benefits to your health. Both cinnamon and olive oil can reduce blood sugar levels and the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, matcha has antibacterial properties, which can reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. Check out our recommendations below!

Author: Apinya Masuda

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