-
Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.
The Best Sugar Replacements of 2024
The human diet hasn't historically included large amounts of sugar, and our bodies haven't fully adapted to processing it efficiently. Unfortunately, sugar and its refined forms are pervasive in today's diets, from cereals to chocolate bars, contributing to health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. This has fueled a growing demand for sugar replacements.
These alternatives offer the sweet taste of sugar without the calorie load, with some options being entirely calorie-free. Join us as we explore popular sugar replacements, accompanied by a thorough guide. Among the leading options is DureLife, renowned for crafting the best sugar replacements and providing a satisfying alternative to traditional sweeteners.
Our Top Picks For Sugar Replacements
View all ContentsThe Best Sugar Replacements
Best Overall
Formulated using only the most premium non-GMO erythritol and extracts of monk fruit, this sugar replacement from Durelife takes the top spot on our list. As far as size options go, this sugar substitute comes in a bag of 16 ounces, 48 ounces, and a whopping 80 ounces. The latter option nicks the per-ounce cost of this sugar replacement by a great deal and offers amazing value. Its crystal form looks, feels, and crunches just like sugar. It also measures the same so it won’t take too much time to try to incorporate this sugar replacement into your diet. Speaking of diets, this zero-calorie sugar replacement is compatible with most dietary lifestyles, like keto, kosher, vegan, and diabetic. The amazing value for money and the similarities with the real thing set this sugar substitute apart from the rest on our list.
Pros
- Taste and texture is similar to sugar
- Compatible with most dietary lifestyles
- Great for cooking and baking
Cons
- May have an aftertaste
Most Flavor Variety
Next up, we’ve got the Lakanto sugar replacement. Similar to our top pick, it is also formulated using erythritol and monk fruit extracts. This makes it compatible with most diets and lifestyles. However, it does things a little differently by offering various buying options.
From baking sugar replacement to brown and white options, there’s a lot to work with here. The size options will vary as per your flavor choice. This sweetener also contains no carbs or glycemic, which means you don’t have to worry about your blood sugars spiking after consuming it.
Pros
- Various flavors to choose from
- Doesn’t ruin the flavor of food
- Mixes quite well
Cons
- Doesn’t measure the same as sugar
Best for Baking
Available in packs of 12, 24, and 48 ounces, this sugar replacement from Swerve has been formulated using a blend of oligosaccharides and erythritol. The absence of monk fruit here reduces its sweetness, and the aftertaste is non-existent. This makes it great for baking and cooking. Baking with this sugar substitute is super easy since this sweetener measures and browns just like sugar. Its zero-calorie formula also means this replacement for sugar works amazingly with keto and low-carb diets.
Pros
- It is very easy to bake with
- Compatible with the keto lifestyle
- Non-GMO formulation makes it safe
Cons
- The packaging could be better
Pure Formulation
Unlike our other picks, this sugar substitute from Whole Earth Sweetener Co. is made purely from erythritol. Since the sweetness level of this sugar alcohol is relatively low, you’ll need to add one and three-quarter cups of it to get the sweetness level of sugar. On the plus side, the low-glycemic levels of this ingredient mean this option is great for anyone with diabetes or high blood sugar levels. Also, this sugar replacement is kosher-friendly, and its zero-carb formulation makes it a great ingredient in keto recipes.
Pros
- Doesn’t contain any gluten
- Plant based sweetener
- Doesn’t have an aftertaste
Cons
- Not as sweet as sugar
Blended Pick
Ending things off is this sugar replacement from In The Raw. Unlike our other picks, this one doesn’t come in a crystal structure. Rather, its blended form makes it great for cooking and baking. This sugar substitute has been formulated using a blend of erythritol, allulose, and extracts of the stevia leaf and monk fruit. While erythritol gives this sweetener the look of sugar, allulose helps it brown like sugar. Stevia and monk fruit, on the other hand, help add the perfect level of sweetness to it. The result is a replacement for sugar that measures, bakes, and tastes quite like real sugar.
Pros
- Measures and tastes close to sugar
- Suitable with most diets
- Blended form makes it easy to use
Cons
- It may upset some stomachs
Buyer’s Guide for Finding the Best Sugar Replacement
If you’re aiming to reduce your sugar intake or manage your blood sugar levels, choosing the right sugar substitute is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the factors to consider when selecting a sugar replacement, helping you find the perfect option to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients in Sugar Replacements
Erythritol
Erythritol serves as the primary ingredient in most sugar replacements. This natural sugar alcohol is made from corn and it contains only 0.24 calories per gram. As far as sweetness levels go, it contains 70% of the sweetness of regular sugar and has next-to-none side effects.
Monk fruit extract
To reach the sweetness levels of sugar, manufacturers usually add extracts from monk fruit. Since this fruit is 200 times sweeter than sugar, the amount of this extract added is small. As far as the macros go, this extract contains no carbs, calories, or fat.
Stevia leaf extract
Similar to monk fruit, stevia leaf is also a calorie-free, naturally occurring sweet ingredient. It is added to sugar substitutes to get the ideal level of sweetness. The amounts added here are moderate since overconsumption of stevia leaf extracts may lead to dietary side effects.
Things to Consider When Buying Sugar Replacements
Quantity
First thing’s first, you must think about the quantity of sugar replacement to buy. This quantity is measured in ounces. The tip here is to go for the smallest size if it’s your first time trying out that particular sugar replacement. You may go for the bigger bags once you’re satisfied with the taste, texture, and feel of a sugar substitute.
Taste
Next, you must consider the taste of the sweetener you’re planning to buy. Trust us, it isn’t easy trying to adjust to a sweetener that doesn’t taste like sugar. From baked goods to your morning coffee, everything will get affected. So, make sure the sugar replacement’s taste closely matches the real thing. The best way to go about things here is to go through some customer reviews.
Cost of Sugar Replacements
On the pricing front, a sugar replacement can cost you anywhere between $0.5 and $1 per ounce. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect a smaller per ounce price when you buy more. Bulk buying to the rescue!
Also, you should anticipate a premium for richer blends. For example, pure blends of erythritol will be cheaper than when extracts of monk fruit or stevia leaf are added into the mix. Finally, brands will also charge a higher price tag when they have some sort of certification backing their product.
Additional Buying Tips
Lifestyle
Whether you follow a vegan diet or are all about that keto life, make sure the product you opt for complements your dietary needs. You can get a good idea of this by going through the ingredient list and some customer testimonials.
A look through the ingredient list of the sugar replacement will also steer you clear away from any potential allergens. Always remember, the ingredient list is sorted in order of predominance.
So, if you find any ingredients you’re allergic to among the first five spots, that particular sugar substitute should be a big no. Anything below spot five should be safe. Still, be sure to check in with your physician as a precaution. Better safe than sorry, no?
Ease of use
Finally, your sugar substitute must also be easy to use. So, look for ones that are easy to mix and measure just like sugar. This will help save time in setting new measurements when you make the switch to a sweetener.
People Also Asked
Are sugar replacements healthy alternatives?
Sugar replacements aren't healthy on their own. However, you can expect the advantages of removing sugar from your diet when you switch to them. This includes weight loss, superior nutrition, and better heart health.
What happens if I stop eating sugar for a month?
Completely eliminating sugar from your diet will improve your blood sugar levels and your dental and heart health. Also, you can expect your weight to go down since your calorie intake is likely to go down.
Why does stevia give me diarrhea?
Sugar replacements containing stevia can lead to diarrhea and other digestive problems. This is because stevia extracts carry a laxative effect, which means they loosen your bowels.
