We put natural sugar alternatives to the test and found that they provide great benefits over table sugar—like delivering extra nutrients, saving calories (from granulated sugar’s 45 calories per tablespoon), and keeping blood sugar even. Here’s how they stack up.
Josh Rutledge
Stevia
Calories per tablespoon: 0
Sweetness: 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar
What it is: The stevia plant is a naturally sweet herb. Stevia-based sweeteners are sold in granular or liquid form.
The skinny: This zero-calorie natural sweetener ranks zero on the glycemic index, so it won’t cause your blood sugar to spike. Because it’s so sweet, you don’t need much for flavor.
Best in: Coffee. Most people don’t pick up an aftertaste from stevia.
Honey
Calories per tablespoon: 64
Sweetness: 1 1/2 times sweeter than sugar
What it is: Most honey is made by bees from the nectar and pollen of a variety of flowers; it comes in a range of colors and flavors.
The skinny: Though a little higher in calories than sugar, it’s sweeter, so you use less. Plus, it delivers antioxidants and isn’t as likely to cause a spike in blood sugar.
Best in: Hot tea. Honey is smooth and won’t overpower mild teas.
Agave
Calories per tablespoon: 60
Sweetness: 1 1/4 times sweeter than sugar
What it is: This golden nectar is made from the heated sap of the agave plant (the same plant used to make tequila).
The skinny: Not only is agave sweeter than granulated sugar, it’s better for your blood sugar, too. (And since it’s sweeter, you use less.) It tastes similar to honey but is easier to mix into cold drinks.
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