Natural alternatives

Stevia is extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It has almost no calories, zero carbohydrates and includes compounds which make it two hundred times sweeter than sugar, gram for gram. Stevia’s health benefits are said to include lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol found in some fruits and is regarded as a low calorie sweetener. Studies have found it does not spike blood sugar or insulin levels, has 6 percent of the calories of sugar but with 70 percent of the sweetness.

Xylitol This sugar alcohol has about two thirds of the caloric value of sugar and appears to have some benefits for dental health, reducing the risk of cavities and dental decay, according to research.

Raw honey once pasteurised loses many of its health benefits. The darker the honey, the better the health benefits as well as a richer taste. Coconut sugar is another natural sweetener that is fast gaining popularity. It is extracted from the sap of the blooms of the coconut, which is heated and put through an evaporation process. Coconut sugar is said to contain a rich mineral content, including polyphenols, iron, zinc, calcium potassium and antioxidants, as well as having a low glycemic load. Yacon Syrup: Has recently gained popularity as a weight loss supplement. Very high in fructooligosaccharides, it can help with constipation due to its high soluble fibre.