Alternative Sweeteners: A Comprehensive Guide

Blog Image

Sweetener Comparison Chart

Sweetener Glycemic Index Sweetness vs Sugar Calories/tsp
Monk Fruit 0 150-200x 0
Agave Nectar 30 1.5x 20
Stevia 0 200-350x 0
Coconut Sugar 35 1x 15

Monk Fruit Extract

Chemical Properties

  • • Active compounds: Mogrosides (triterpene glycosides)
  • • Heat stable up to 400°F (204°C)
  • • No fermentation properties
  • • Non-hygroscopic (doesn't attract moisture)

Advantages

  • • Zero calories
  • • No impact on blood sugar
  • • Heat stable for baking
  • • No known side effects
  • • Natural antioxidant properties
  • • No bitter aftertaste

Limitations

  • • Expensive
  • • No bulk for structure
  • • Doesn't caramelize
  • • Limited availability
  • • Requires recipe modification

Baking Applications

Conversion Rate:

1 cup sugar = 1-2 teaspoons pure monk fruit extract

Best Used In:

  • No-bake desserts
  • Beverages
  • Sauces and glazes
  • Combined with bulk sweeteners

Agave Nectar

Chemical Properties

  • • 90% fructose, 10% glucose
  • • 25% water content
  • • pH: 3.5-4.0
  • • Highly soluble in liquids

Advantages

  • • Lower glycemic index than sugar
  • • Excellent moisture retention
  • • Smooth texture in baking
  • • Neutral taste
  • • Good shelf stability
  • • Dissolves easily

Limitations

  • • High fructose content
  • • More calories than sugar
  • • Can make batter too moist
  • • Browns faster than sugar
  • • More expensive than sugar

Baking Adjustments

For every cup of agave:

  • Reduce liquids by ¼ cup
  • Lower oven temperature by 25°F
  • Add ¼ tsp baking soda
  • Increase mixing time by 20%

Stevia

Chemical Properties

  • • Steviol glycosides
  • • Heat stable to 392°F (200°C)
  • • Non-fermentable
  • • Highly concentrated sweetness

Advantages

  • • Zero calories
  • • No glycemic impact
  • • Small amounts needed
  • • Natural origin
  • • Heat stable

Limitations

  • • Bitter aftertaste possible
  • • No bulk for structure
  • • Complex conversion ratios
  • • Doesn't brown/caramelize

Tips for Success

  • • Combine different sweeteners for better results
  • • Use bulk alternatives (applesauce, banana) with concentrated sweeteners
  • • Start with less and adjust to taste
  • • Account for moisture changes in recipes
  • • Consider using pure extracts to enhance sweetness
  • • Test small batches when experimenting