It's impossible to ignore our sweet tooth, but thankfully healthy sugar substitutes make it simple to keep sugar consumption low while still indulging in yummy sweet treats. Grape Nectar conquers all sugar alternatives as it is lowest in sugar content and calorie count per teaspoon!

The Basics of Sugar Substitutes

Sugar hides in practically all foods sold in commercial America today. Ketchup, salad dressing, granola bars, bread, meats, everywhere. Surrounded by new discoveries and new innovations, sugar substitutes offer healthier options to conventional white sugar and artificial sweeteners, which raid our pantries.

"Healthy sugar substitutes" you say...

• honey
• agave
• maple syrup
• coconut sugar

When we think of sugars substitutes, or healthy sugar alternatives, these four products overrun the grocery store. Each has about half or less sugar content per teaspoon than granulated white sugar; however, Domaine Santé Grape Nectar is the lowest of all. 

Natural sweeteners are the way of the future. Able to be used as sugar substitutes for baking, cooking, and in beverages, natural sugar substitutes can be used in the same amount or even less than artificial sweeteners like white sugar and sweet n low. Due to intense flavors and aromatics of these sugar substitutes, a little goes a long way. 

So what are the healthiest sugar substitutes?

Honey has been used for hundreds of years as a medicine and sweetener. Although natural and minimally processed, it is a product of bees which is makes it unpalatable for the vegan diet. Honey's thick viscosity and concentrated nature also make it higher in sugar content than many other natural sweeteners.

Then we turn to agave, another popular sugar substitute. But unfortunately, this sugar alternative is highly processed and has the highest fructose content of all sugar types, increasing ones risk for type 2 diabetes. Agave plants are also a declining crop and very unsustainable, so the popularity and availability of this sugar alternative is expected to drastically fall.

Another sugar substitute is maple syrup, a favorite especially in the AM. This healthier sweetener's downfall is its distinct, rich taste that goes so well with pancakes and waffles, but is less appealing with coffee and tea. And although we know our East Coasters may not be the first to look for a substitute for pure maple syrup, we would love for you to give grapes a chance!

One option that rivals our nectars on the nutrition facts label is coconut sugar. Found in granulated and liquid form, coconut sugar is a richer yet healthier option to white sugar. While coconut sugar also pairs better with coffee and tea, if you aren't a fan of coconut, you might not enjoy the powerful taste of this sugar substitute in your morning beverage or baked goods.

So what is the best alternative to sugar, you ask? With three individual and remarkable blends, Grape Nectar offers versatile, plant-based blends that can compliment any dish imaginable. Non-GMO grape sugar contains antioxidants and minerals that optimize and prolong energy through efficient metabolism. Finally a sugar substitute with health benefits! One teaspoon has a mere 10 calories and 3 grams of sugar...your new best friend :)

quick hack: Grape Nectar + bee pollen = honey

Next Steps: Incorporating Sugar Substitutes in Your Diet

Incorporating sugar substitutes into your diet isn't as difficult as it may seem. While honey, agave, coconut sugar, and maple syrup are popular sugar alternatives these days, Grape Nectar is a force to be reckoned with; after all, its the only sugar substitute with loads of antioxidants and such a low glycemic index. Check out The Sweeter Side Blog for some deliciously nutritious meals and snacks which highlight the magnificent flavor profiles of grape sugar. By choosing Grape Nectar, a refined taste is added to food and beverages while blood sugar levels are prolonged and calories need not be counted!

So ditch the other sugar alternatives and choose the best natural sugar substitute: Grape Nectar. And let us know your favorite way to use our three unique sweetener blends by tagging #NotYourAverageSweetner on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!