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In my article on how to get off sugar, the recommended first step is to replace all refined sweeteners with natural sweeteners.
Which natural sweeteners are best? Which ones are optimal for those with blood sugar problems?
In this latest video filmed for the Weston A. Price Foundation, I catalog the list of wholesome sweeteners and discuss which ones to avoid and which ones to use and for what purpose.
Sweet Doesn’t Have to Be Unhealthy!
Sugar is simultaneously demonized and revered in our culture. Most people are hopelessly addicted even if they don’t know it. The key isn’t to abandon all things sweet, but to embrace our need for sweet in a non-addictive way.
Which wholesome sweeteners to use in moderation? Clues come from our healthy, chronic disease free ancestors!
The video below will give you some good starting ideas. If you need more information, there are numerous articles about both natural sweeteners and alternative sweeteners on this blog that dig deep into each one individually discussing both pros and cons.
- Maple syrup
- Monk fruit
- Stevia
- Coconut sugar
- Xylitol
- Malted barley
- Swerve
- Erythritol
- Rice syrup
- Agave
- Yacon syrup
- Turbinado sugar
- Honey
Video on Natural Sweeteners
Be sure to check out my Resources page for places to source quality, wholesome sweeteners – even the hard to find, low glycemic ones mentioned in the video.
For a complete transcript of this video lesson in any language, click here.
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
I didn’t see anything above regarding Monk Fruit sweetner. Can you inform me about that?
Hi, thanks for the all the informative videos and articles!!!
I’ve been wondering about mixing molasses with milk: wouldn’t the calcium in the milk block the absorption of the iron in the molasses?
Thanks again!
I’d really like to know a bit more about sorghum syrup. Do you know if this is healthy? I can get it locally and it’s much cheaper than honey or maple.
Sarah, I am just overwhelmed by all the information, so please forgive me if I am asking something that has already been addressed elsewhere. I have type 2 diabetes, but I am going to beat the typical Conventional Wisdom protocol and someday not have to take meds. I LOVE my morning coffee and know it is only because it is sweet and creamy. I would never drink black coffee, though I have tried. My question is, what sweetener can I use that won’t affect my blood glucose, or affect it much? I was using splenda, then went on to Stevia in the Raw, now I have SweetLeaf Stevia. If the last is bad for me, then if you don’t have an answer, I’ll just have to give up my coffee. Not the end of the world, but the little pleasure I get to have is taken from me. Do you have some counsel for me? Thank you so much for all you do!
I would like to say that there is one thing that works, at least for me! It’s called lemon! I cut a lemon in half and take it to the bathroom with me. After I dry I get the half of the lemon and pat some of it very carefuly under my armpit. I let it dry completly before putting any clothes on. Now, since lemon can burn your skin, be sure never to expose the skin in the sun! It will burn you! Just make sure it’s dried. Store it in a container with a lid on to make sure it doesn’t dry completely. It can burn a bit if you use it right after shaving. Just hope this is healthy! ; )
Hi Sarah,
I love the web sight, and this article was very helpful. Do you have specific recommendations for replacing the nasty sweeteners called for in a specific recipes? Like a recipe that calls for a cup of white and a cup of brown- would I just use two cups of sucanat? or a two cups sucanat and a TB of molasses? to replace that ‘brown’ sugar flavor? If I also use einkorn flour or coconut flour- would it change the flavor entirely? or be a good substitute? Thank you 🙂
Hi Sarah,
My son will turn 1 year next month. I would like to prepare a birthday cake for him. What sweeteners are safe for a one year old? I don’t have access to a good quality honey so I would like to avoid it for a bit longer. Could you recommend a particular flour to use as well?
Thanks!
you mention that you drank molasses with raw milk… I understand the calcium in milk blocks iron absorption? very curious, trying to bring my iron up in breastmilk as my 1 yr old is anemic. this would be an easy addition to what I’m doing already. thanks.
Hi Sarah,
I make a lot of drinks at home and was wondering what kind of sweeteners will be better to use. There is so many of them on the market now, it is hard to know what to go with. I am looking for something healthy.
Thanks a bunch!
sarah,
what brand of molasses do you use…i can only get the Wholesome Sweeteners brand in my area but it is in plastic…
thanks!