5 natural sweeteners you need to try
What's the story
As vegan baking has grown in popularity, many home bakers and professionals have turned towards alternatives to traditional sweeteners. Natural sweeteners not only adhere to vegan principles but also provide unique flavors and health benefits. Here are five natural sweeteners that are taking the world of vegan baking by storm and how they can be used and what benefits they offer.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup's versatile appeal
Maple syrup is another favorite among vegan bakers, owing to its rich flavor and versatility. Extracted from the sap of maple trees, it provides a distinct flavor that complements baked goods without overpowering them. It is commonly used in cookies, cakes, and muffins in place of refined sugar. Maple syrup also has antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese, making it a healthier alternative for those wanting to cut down on processed sugar.
Agave nectar
Agave nectar's subtle sweetness
Another favorite in vegan baking circles is agave nectar. With its mild sweetness and smooth texture, this liquid sweetener is extracted from the agave plant. It blends seamlessly into the recipes for cakes, brownies, and breads. Plus, its low glycemic index makes it an attractive option to those managing blood sugar levels. However, it's important to use agave nectar sparingly as it's sweeter than regular sugar.
Coconut sugar
Coconut sugar's caramel notes
Coconut sugar is rapidly gaining traction as a natural sweetener with its subtle caramel flavor profile. Made from the sap of coconut palm flowers, it can be used as a direct replacement for granulated sugar in most recipes. Its lower glycemic index than white sugar makes it appealing for health-conscious bakers. Coconut sugar even retains some nutrients found in the coconut palm like iron and potassium.
Date syrup
Date syrup's rich flavor profile
Date syrup provides an intense sweetness from dates that complements dense baked goods such as brownies or energy bars. This thick syrup provides sweetness, yes, but also moisture to the recipe, which can make a big difference in texture when used correctly with other ingredients like flour or oats (depending on what you're making)! Dates themselves are full of fiber, which aids digestive health too!
Stevia
Stevia's calorie-free sweetness
Stevia has an edge over other natural sweeteners, as it's calorie-free yet super sweet—often 300 times sweeter than table sugar. Extracted from stevia plant leaves using careful processing methods, it ensures purity while keeping it potent. Thus, allowing small quantities required per recipe as opposed to larger amounts needed by other sugars or sweetening agents generally used in culinary applications nowadays.