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Did you know that the average person consumes just under 100 pounds of sugar a year?
That is a lot of sugar. Think about it, think of the bags of sugar you buy for baking and now visualize 100 pounds of sugar.
No wonder people are looking for healthier, more natural ways to sweeten their tea, coffee, baking goods and other foods.
There are great sugar replacements out there and they won’t break the bank.
In fact they are better for you. To name a few stevia, honey, coconut sugar and much more.
It used to be that you would find natural sourced sugar replacers in the health food store. Now they are becoming more mainstream.
You can find raw honey, stevia and coconut sugar at some dollar stores. Most of your local grocery stores will carry natural sugar sources.
I love sourcing raw honey at our local farmers market in the spring. We use raw honey in our baking, in our morning coffee and to sweeten fresh yogurt.
Swapping out the sugar and getting your family on board.
Honestly, in our house swapping out the sugar wasn’t a problem. In fact my husband noticed when I ran out of honey and ended up adding sugar back into his coffee. He didn’t like it.
In baking we use honey, maple syrup, applesauce and bananas to sweeten muffins and breads. And nobody notices the difference.
I think the best advice is let your family know you are swapping out the sugar and the options you have available.
Now when it comes to decreasing the soda, the chocolate and the sweets that is a little bit more tricky.
I added more homemade baked goods with almond flour and natural sweeteners into the mix.
When we opted to decrease the pop, I added more tea, juice and water to the fridge .
And honestly, there is still pop in our fridge and I am choosing my battles, but the pop consumption has decreased.
So what are some of the simple frugal ways to replace sugar?
Raw Honey
Raw honey is different than the store bought pasteurized honey that is clear, golden and comes in a honey bee bottle.
Raw honey has all the nutrients and minerals directly from nature and the hive. And it is healthier for you.
If you are opting to add honey into a recipe add 3/4 of a cup of honey to 1 cup of sugar depending on taste.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is amazing I love the stuff. Now I am talking about pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup which is a mix of cane syrup and high fructose corn syrup.
Pure maple syrup like honey contains nutrients and minerals your body requires and it adds a nice sweetness and maple flavor to baked goods and coffees.
You can add 3/4 cup of maple syrup to baking for every 1 cup of sugar required. Adjust the dry ingredients and liquids accordingly.
Coconut Sugar
This is a great, one for one sugar replacement. Coconut sugar is exactly as it sounds natural sourced sugar from coconuts. It will not spike your blood sugar like regular white sugar.
Coconut sugar does clump and harden like other brown sugars so store in an airtight container.
Dates
Usually found in the dried food aisle of the grocery store. Dates are high in fiber and naturally sourced sugars.
You can purchase fresh soft dates or the dried date variety. You simply plump them up by soaking them in hot water.
Dates are great for adding sweetness to smoothies, cakes and breads.
Stevia
I will be honest with you I don’t use stevia often as I opt for honey or maple syrup by preference. Stevia is a naturally sourced granular sugar, but you use less of it.
You would use one teaspoon of stevia to every cup of sugar. Available int he baking aisle of most grocery stores.
Using natural sweeteners versus the processed white variety.
Choosing to use natural sweeteners is better for your body. Natural sweeteners will cause a lower spike in your blood sugar during and after consumption.
Most natural sweet alternatives are available at your local grocery store and price for price are comparable to the white variety.
Natural is better, than processed.
Have an amazing day,
Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity
