Sweeteners

What are Natural Sweeteners?

When you eat sugar, your glucose levels soar which gives you a short burst of energy before they come crashing back down. This typically causes you to eat more sugar to bring your levels back up again. The constant ‘yoyo’ effect of indulging in a sugar cycle can cause inflammation in the body and trigger an immune system response. If left to go on for years, it can lead to a number of diseases and chronic health conditions.

Enter the natural sugar alternative!

Natural sweeteners are a great alternative to artificial sweeteners that have been made using synthetic ingredients. Most natural sweeteners are derived from plants and are naturally sweet with no or very few calories, making them a much healthier option all round. They are also much sweeter than regular sugars, so you don’t need as much of them.

Are Natural Sweeteners Healthier Than Sugar?

It’s a widely-accepted fact these days that refined sugar, particularly white and brown sugar, can have some seriously negative effects on your long-term health. Studies suggest that excessive and extensive use of artificial sweeteners can contribute to a number of health conditions, including obesity, heart disease and tooth decay.

Luckily, natural sweeteners are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. These beauties have been extracted from natural sources with less processing and contain no artificial chemicals, so they are much better for you and can even offer a range of health benefits.

One of the best things about natural sweeteners is that they don’t spike blood sugar levels like artificial sweeteners do which makes them a better choice for people with diabetes.

Check out some of the benefits of swapping out the refined sugar for a healthier alternative:

• They taste like the real thing
• They don’t spike blood sugar levels like refined sugar
• They contain less calories
• They won’t increase the likelihood of tooth decay
• They can contain important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to enhance health and wellbeing

It’s important to remember, however, that even natural sweeteners are still sugar so it’s always best to limit your intake and consume it in moderation!

What are the Best Natural Sweeteners?

GoodnessMe offer a generous selection of natural sweeteners to indulge your sweet tooth without the sugar crash. Check out this list of natural sweeteners available online now at GoodnessMe by leading health brands:

• Xylitol
• Liquid stevia
• Powder stevia
• Erythritol
• Manuka honey
• Raw honey
• Pure maple syrup
• Monk fruit sweetener
• Agave nectar
• Organic coconut sugar
• Brown rice malt syrup

How do You Use Natural Sweeteners?

You can use natural sweeteners in the same ways that you would normally use artificial ones. There are both wet and dry natural sweeteners – the one you use will depend on what you are making. Keep in mind that they are much sweeter than artificial ones so you may need to adjust your measurements and taste as you go. 

A good tip is to swap out liquid sweeteners for liquid, granular for granular and powder for powder. There’s plenty of sneaky ways to make the swap, from adding stevia to your hot chocolate, tea and coffee instead of sugar and making a creamy cake frosting using Monkfruit Sweetener Icing Powder by Lakanto instead of icing sugar.

We’ve put together some decadent and delicious refined sugar-free recipe ideas to get the inspiration flowing and the tastebuds watering:

• Chocolate and sticky date pudding
• Lemon curd tart
• Coconut, pineapple and lime icicle pops
• Nice-cream with coconut yoghurt and mango
• Chocolate avocado mousse
• Ricotta cheesecake with berries
• Healthy granola bars
• Rhubarb and apple muffins
• Raspberry sorbet
• Cherry and coconut brownie slices

What Sweeteners are Keto-Friendly?

A keto-friendly natural sweetener is one that has no or low net carbs and calories. We have a superb selection of keto sweeteners to sweeten up your sweet treats, drinks, healthy snacks, baked creations and more.

Check out our range of Lakanto Monkfruit sweeteners with erythritol that tastes and bakes so much like real sugar, you won’t believe it’s not sugar! Monkfruit sweetener is keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, vegan, diabetic-friendly, low-carb, low-sugar and non-GMO with absolutely no net carbs or calories.

There’s also Lakanto baking blends and icing powders, as well as caramel and chocolate flavoured toppings which are divine poured over pancakes, waffles and ice cream.

If you’re looking for a keto-friendly stevia substitute, Natvia 100% Natural Sweetener is a great choice. You will get 40x sticks of organic stevia that can be used to sweeten your favourite healthy drinks or sprinkle over your morning porridge and cereals.

GoodnessMe can help you to cut refined sugar out of your life with our range of the best natural sweeteners. Shop them online today and get free delivery when you spend over $75 Australia-wide!