8 easy sugar alternatives

While we all try to cut on our daily intake of sugar, let's accept it, it's not easy. According to Bupa , Australians currently consume about 30 teaspoons of sugar a day on average - more than double the recommended amount!

For all those who struggle to keep sugar under control, here are eight sugar alternatives.

1. Barley Malt Syrup.

This is made from sprouted (malted) barley. It is dark brown in color, thick and sticky with a malty flavor. It is not as sweet as white sugar. It is great for baking bread.



2. Rice Malt Syrup.

It is a fructose free popular vegan alternative to honey. It is produced by cooking brown rice flour or brown rice starch with enzymes. This process breaks down the starches into simple sugar in a liquid form. It is then heated until it reaches a desired consistency.

3. Monk Fruit Sugar (Norbu).

Derived from monk fruit, this sugar contains a group of sweet-tasting compounds of antioxidants. It has 96% fewer kilojoules than sugar. Being 100% natural sweetener, it does not affect blood glucose or insulin levels.



4. Raw Honey.

Raw honey is the purest form of honey. It has not been treated with heat and is completely left in its natural state. It contains pollen, enzymes, antioxidants and many other healthy components. Most of the honey that we see in supermarkets is highly processed, which removes many of the phytonutrients found in raw honey as it exists in the hive.

5. Agave Syrup.

Agave Syrup is extracted from agave plant, which is found in Mexico. Agave Syrup is mostly fructose whereas sugar is half fructose and half glucose. Due to the high percentage of fructose present in it, it has low GI. Considering the amount of fructose present in it, lower consumption is advised.

6. Stevia.

Stevia is extracted from the leaves of a plant species Stevia rebaudiana. It has a minimal effect on blood glucose levels and has no kilojoules.

7. Maple Syrup (Pure).

Pure maple syrup is concentrated sap of maple tree. It contains significant amount of nutrients and antioxidants. Since it has low GI, it is an excellent choice for blood glucose control.



8. Coconut Sugar.

Coconut sugar is made from the sap of blossoms of the coconut palm tree. The sap is collected and boiled. This process leaves sugar which looks like raw sugar. It has the same kilojoules as white sugar.

Although, these alternatives are safe to use, it is recommended to stick to moderation. If under medication, always consult your doctor.

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{The weigh in on sugar substitutes}
{Learning to live without sugar}

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