Delicious though it is, it’s no secret that refined table sugar is not the healthiest food ingredient. Typical sugar is loaded with calories, so consuming too much of it is sure to lead to weight gain and poor health. It can also damage teeth and cause blood sugar problems.

Table sugar can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet, but only as long as it is consumed in small quantities. People who are inclined to sweeten their drinks with sugar or are partial to sweet treats and desserts need to be careful not to consume too much of it.

This is the reason why there is a real consumer demand for refined sugar alternatives in commercially available bakery and dessert products and restaurant and cafe menus.

Read on to find out what people are looking for in a sugar substitute and what options are available for purchase from food flavour suppliers. 

What consumers and producers want from a sugar substitute

Different people are often looking for different things from a sugar    substitute. Here, we sum up the main qualities people may require when looking for sugar alternatives.

Those looking to lose or maintain weight may be looking for a zero or lower-calorie product. There are several available, including stevia, that fit the bill for a sweet taste with zero calories or a very low calorie count. 

Health-conscious consumers can sometimes be less worried about the calorie count but prefer their sweeter foods to have more nutritional value. Regular sugar in foods adds no health benefit, only sweetness, so there is a demand for healthier, natural sweeteners that provide more nutrition. 

Some people may be looking to cut down on processed foods for health reasons. Refined sugar is heavily processed. Good thing there are some more natural alternatives available.

Food manufacturers, commercial bakeries, restaurants and cafes are likely to be looking for sugar alternatives that are as delicious as refined sugar. They do not want to compromise on taste or texture. This means that any sugar alternative must be stable enough during cooking or baking to produce excellent results. 

Seven sugar alternatives

Here are seven of the leading alternatives to refined sugar, used by manufacturers, chefs, and cooks at home.

1.    Stevia

The introduction of stevia has been one of the most exciting developments in sugar alternatives in recent years. It’s currently one of the most popular and fastest-growing products in the sector. Even major soda companies are using it to sweeten healthier alternatives of their key products. 

Stevia is extracted from the leaf of the stevia plant. This natural ingredient is between 200 and 300 times sweeter than regular sugar, so only a tiny amount is required to sweeten foods. It contains no carbohydrates or calories, so it’s perfect for those who want to cut their sugar or calorie intake drastically.

Because it is plant-based, stevia also delivers for those looking for a natural, ‘clean’ product without compromising on sweetness or taste. Stevia also exhibits good stability all round, even at high processing temperatures. 

Some people are sensitive to the slightly bitter off-notes that can be found in some stevia products. However, this taste is barely noticeable in the most superior examples of stevia available on the market.  

Key benefits: Natural and easy-to-use.

2.    Sucralose

Sucralose contains zero calories. It may already be familiar to you as a tabletop sweetener for hot drinks.

Sucralose is a high-intensity sweetener, so only the tiniest amount needs to be added to sweeten foods and beverages. It’s also very stable and is, therefore, suitable for use in frozen desserts and even foods heated to high temperatures for sterilization. 

Sucralose is created by further processing refined sugar, so it’s less likely to appeal to people looking for a naturally healthy diet. 

Key benefits: Stability despite having zero calories. 

3.    Acesulfame

Acesulfame (sometimes known as Ace-K) is an artificial sweetener. It’s around 200 times sweeter than sugar. It’s commonly used in baking and commercially available sweeteners for the home kitchen. 

This product was developed by German researchers in the 1960s and has been widely used since the 1980s.

Key benefits: Zero calories and good for adding to baked products. 

4.    Aspartame

Aspartame is a well-known low-calorie sweetener. It’s used to flavour diet sodas and is also used in well-known brands of tabletop sweeteners. 

While it's highly processed, over 200 studies have shown that aspartame is safe for use. It’s one of the most widely studied ingredients available because of its popularity. 

Key benefits: Its pleasant, sugar-like flavour.

5.    Neotame

Neotame is derived from aspartame and is touted as the next-generation sweetener. Like aspartame, its uses are versatile. It can help mask the bitterness of other sweeteners and even enhance the flavours of some ingredients, such as berries and citrus. 

It’s incredibly sweet. Estimates claim that neotame is 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar and at least 30 times sweeter than aspartame. 

Key benefits: Its intense sweetness provides good value.

6.    Glycerine

Glycerine is only around 70% as sweet as sugar. It also contains more calories per gram than sugar, so it isn’t a suitable substitute for those people looking for a lower-calorie alternative to sugar.

Glycerine does have a place in a healthy, balanced diet. It’s found naturally in fermented foods and is less processed than many of the products on this list. It’s an exceptional baking ingredient as it helps to retain moisture, adds a smooth texture and prevents the crystallisation of sugars and adds a sweetness of its own. 

Key benefits: Its multi-purpose uses in baking.

7.    Coconut sugar

Coconut sugar is popular amongst those on a vegan diet. This is because it is plant-based and minimally processed. 

Each teaspoon of coconut sugar contains around 18 calories and 5g of carbohydrates, similar to cane sugar. However, it retains some of its nutritional value after processing, unlike sugar, so coconut sugar may be seen as a slightly healthier alternative.

Many people prefer the taste of coconut sugar over other alternatives. It is darker in appearance and has a more caramel-like flavour than regular sugar. This makes it a good alternative to dark sugars for baking.  

Key benefits: Its naturally great taste.

Which is the best sugar alternative?

The best sweetener entirely depends on your requirements. For example, you might be looking for a vegan-friendly sweetener to use in your cafe. Or you might be a commercial baker seeking healthy ingredients for lower-calorie bakes. The best sugar alternative is different for both.

For expert advice on the best sugar substitute for your unique needs, talk to a reputable food ingredients company.