5 alternatives to refined sugar

Before getting starting, understand that you shouldn't feel guilty if you consume refined sugar. I also eat some occasionally. However, there are existing alternatives way richer in minerals, vitamins and nutrients, and I think it's good to acknowledge them. In my opinion, they even have better taste than refined sugar!

So here are my 5 favorite alternatives:

1. Fruits!

Fruits are great natural sweeteners, and they taste so good! For example, in your sweet recipes, incorporate mashed bananas, apples or dates, and you'll see that their taste will be 100 times better, in addition to adding a very moist texture to your desserts!

2. Maple syrup, agave syrup and molasses

Personally, I love maple syrup! It's actually the main sweetening agent in my recipes. Besides being a source of antioxidants, its taste is simply divine, and its syrupy texture is perfect! On its side, agave syrup has a more neutral taste reminiscent of honey, so this is an excellent alternative in a vegan diet. As for molasses, I use it in my fall and winter recipes since its licorice and caramel taste goes wonderfully with spicy recipes!

3. Natural flavors

It's only recently that I started using more natural flavors in my recipes. There are a ton of varieties: pure vanilla, orange blossom, almond, lemon, caramel, mint, etc.! All these additions are making our recipes so flavorful!

4. Coconut sugar

I have to admit that I don't often cook with this sugar, but what I do know is that it has several advantages, such as having a lower glycemic index and being a less-processed sugar (by going through only two processing steps). Its taste is even more pronounced than refined sugar, similar to caramel.

5. Spices

Kind of like natural flavors, spices have the power of giving a taste to our meals! For dessert recipes, I love adding cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom and/or ginger!

If you wish to reduce your intake in refined sugar, I hope you'll find this article helpful!

By Katia Bricka
Writer at RAW Nutritional