So, the search for natural and healthier substitutions for white sugar continues. Just remember that this takes time but in the end you will be so much healthier for your efforts! Here are a few more alternatives for you to explore;
Maple syrup as a sugar substitute
If you want an alternative to white sugar that is full of flavour and is 100%, natural pick maple syrup. Although this is not a simple 1:1 ratio substitution when working with a recipe, many recipes are written specifically with this as an ingredient.
The blog “The Baking Bites” has the following suggestion; to substitute maple syrup for sugar, you should use 1/3 less maple syrup than the amount of sugar called for (for instance, use 2/3 cup maple syrup for 1 cup sugar) and decrease the wet ingredients by approximately 2 tbsp for every half cup of maple syrup added.
The key to using alternative ingredients in your favorite recipes is flexibility! Experiment, adjust and take notes and you will very quickly master each one and your family will never know the difference; or love the new and improved version more than the original! Try this recipe for Maple Pecan Granola… yummy!!
Caution: Choose just 100% maple syrup, with the highest grade, and local when available. Or learn to tap a tree (free resource) to get your own!
Video: maple syrup dessert recipe
Dried fruit as a healthy snack – try dates and raisins
These two choices have always been seen as “nature’s sugar.” Throwing a handful of these treats into any all natural hot or cold cereal is a great way of adding sweetness! But I challenge you to give Tiffany’s suggestion a try:
- Place a handful of raisins and dates in your blender with a 1/2 cup of water.
- Blend until your ingredients turn into a caramel colored pudding-like substance.
The flavor is wonderful and it can be used to top off your fruit salads, or used in baking and creating healthy desserts.
Word of caution: For the healthiest options, choose dried fruit with nothing added. A lot of times there will be added oils, sweeteners and preservatives. The best dried fruit is that pulled from a wild growing tree and dried in your dehydrator at home.
