Trying to cut back on sugar—but not sure what to use instead?
You’re not alone. Whether you're managing diabetes, eating low-carb, or just want a better-tasting cup of coffee, the world of sugar alternatives can be… confusing.
Some are natural, some are artificial. Some raise your blood sugar, others don’t. And let’s be honest—some just taste off.
We’ve done the research and rounded up the most popular sugar alternatives so you can find what works best for your needs—without wasting time (or your tastebuds).
1. Monk Fruit Extract
Best for: Natural sweetness with no aftertaste
Pros:
-
Zero calories
-
Doesn’t spike blood sugar
-
Naturally sweet without bitterness
-
Great for coffee, smoothies, and low-carb baking
Cons:
-
Can be more expensive
-
Usually blended with erythritol to improve texture
2. Stevia
Best for: Diabetics and natural-focused diets
Pros:
-
Plant-based
-
Zero calories and zero glycemic index
-
Easy to find in stores
Cons:
-
Can have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste
-
Not ideal for baking unless blended with other sweeteners
3. Erythritol
Best for: Baking with a sugar-like texture
Pros:
-
Looks and tastes like sugar
-
Very low glycemic impact
-
Often used in keto recipes
Cons:
-
Can cause digestive issues in large quantities
-
May have a slight “cooling” aftertaste
4. Allulose
Best for: Closest flavor and texture to sugar
Pros:
-
Tastes like real sugar
-
Doesn’t raise blood sugar
-
Works well in syrups and baked goods
Cons:
-
Newer to the market, so it’s pricier
-
May cause stomach upset in high amounts
5. Sucralose (e.g., Splenda)
Best for: Widely available, zero-calorie sweetness
Pros:
-
Very sweet (small amounts go far)
-
Doesn’t spike blood sugar
Cons:
-
Artificially made
-
Some dislike the chemical aftertaste
-
Mixed research on long-term health effects
6. Maltitol
Best for: Honestly… nothing we’d recommend
Cons:
-
Often spikes blood sugar
-
Causes digestive discomfort in many people
-
Common in sugar-free candy but not truly “safe” for most diets
Summary Chart
| Your Priority | Best Sugar Alternative |
|---|---|
| No aftertaste | Monk Fruit |
| Diabetic-friendly | Stevia or Monk Fruit |
| Best for baking | Erythritol or Allulose |
| Most natural | Stevia or Monk Fruit |
| Gut-friendly | Stevia or Monk Fruit |
| Closest to real sugar | Allulose or Erythritol |
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “perfect” sugar alternative—it all depends on your taste preferences, health goals, and how you plan to use it.
If you're just getting started:
-
Try monk fruit in your coffee.
-
Use stevia in dressings or drinks.
-
Test erythritol or allulose in your next baking project.
And most importantly: read labels, go slow, and listen to your body.
⚠️ Disclaimer
We’re not doctors or healthcare professionals. This blog is based on our research, product experience, and personal opinion. Always consult your doctor or registered dietitian before making dietary changes, especially if you have diabetes or food sensitivities.
What About Sugar-Free Syrup?
While we don’t currently offer a sugar-free syrup, we’ve explored several options—and here’s what we’ve found:
Many sugar-free alternatives on the market are packed with artificial ingredients, fillers, and chemicals we wouldn’t feel good about serving to our own family. And that’s just not who we are.
Instead, we’ve chosen to use pure cane sugar, with less sugar per ounce than most traditional syrups. It’s a decision rooted in our belief that natural, simple ingredients matter—and that you should never have to sacrifice quality for sweetness.
We’re continuing to research clean-label, low-sugar options that stay true to our values—and we’ll never cut corners just to check a “sugar-free” box.
Can’t Have Sugar Right Now? Give the Gift of Sweetness
If our syrup isn’t the right fit for your current health goals, consider sharing the love with someone who can enjoy it.
🎁 Our naturally flavored syrups make meaningful, handcrafted gifts for foodies, coffee lovers, and families who value quality ingredients. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a “thinking of you” moment—sweetness always makes people feel seen.
👉 Shop Our Syrup Collection Here
(P.S. Want to include handwritten notes with your order; just ask—because the little things matter.)
