Best natural sweetener for coffee
Whether they’re relaxing at home, socialising with friends or working from 9 to 5, people who love coffee can easily enjoy between two to three cups a day.
As a result, those who take it sweet often look for a healthier option than refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. While many alternatives exist to these common choices, many people looking to adjust their diet seek out natural solutions like maple syrup and honey, among others. Here we explore, some of the best natural sweeteners available that suit coffee.
Top natural sweeteners for coffee – an overview
While there are a range of natural sweeteners to select from, which one you pick will be determined by your goals. Avoiding heavily processes sugar in your coffee can promote better oral health and help manage weight as part of a structured plan. Some sweeteners are better suited to certain diets like monk fruit and stevia, while others like pure maple syrup and honey offer additional health benefits due to their impressive nutritional value.
Monk fruit
Monk fruit-based sweeteners are a zero-calorie sugar substitute that is extracted from the luo han guo fruit found in Asia. As it is between 100 and 250 times sweeter than standard sugar, just a tiny amount is necessary for coffee. Monk fruit doesn’t spike blood sugar, and it is suitable for both diabetic and keto-friendly regimens.
Stevia
Another zero-calorie option, stevia is a plant-based sweetener taken from the plant, Stevia rebaudiana. It’s 300 times sweeter than sugar and is used commonly in coffee, when people need to avoid spiking their blood sugar.
Raw honey
Raw honey is an unfiltered and unheated natural sweetener. Compared to refined sugar, it keeps trace enzymes, antioxidants and minerals. As it has a higher ratio of fructose in it to glucose, it has a sweeter taste than regular sugar.
Pure maple syrup
Lower in calorie and fructose than honey, pure maple syrup is an outstanding, natural sweetener manufactured entirely from concentrated maple tree sap. Adding a rich and sweet caramel flavour to coffee, it is often adopted by professional baristas for speciality beverages. It also has a nutrient-rich profile that includes manganese, calcium and beneficial polyphenols, helping support health for a range of diets including vegetarian, vegan, FODMAP-friendly and gluten-free.