There are many natural alternatives to refined sugar out there, and each of them can be used in slightly different ways to achieve different results with your cooking. Check out this guide to three of the main sugar alternatives, and how to make the most of them in your kitchen.
Date Syrup
A dark, rich syrup made from dates, this is perfect added to cakes and cookies to lend a delicious, full-bodied sweetness. Simply replace 2/3 of the quantity of sugar listed in a recipe with date syrup, and most cake recipes should turn out as expected. For biscuits and cookies, you may want to use half date syrup and half sugar, to help retain the structure you’re looking for.
Maple Syrup
This sweet syrup is ideal when used to make hot drinks including hot cocoa, chai latte and a turmeric latte. Simply add to the milk as you heat it, or stir into the hot water to ensure that the syrup dissolves. Maple syrup can also be used in place of sugar in pancake recipes, to gently sweeten the batter.
Honey
Honey is excellent in place of sugar on porridge, in coffee or tea, or when used to sweeten savory dishes, including gravy (where it can balance the rich flavors), roasted vegetables and cooked ham. A tablespoon is often all that’s needed, as honey is incredibly sweet compared with sugar.
Using natural alternatives to sugar means you will get a range of nutrients from your sweeteners and it also enables you to switch up the flavors and textures of the foods you make.
