8 Natural Sweeteners That Make It Easy to Cut Back on Sugar (3 of 5)

Date Syrup or Date Paste

Dates contain natural sweetness paired with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. When blended into paste or reduced into syrup, they offer a rich, slightly fruity flavor that makes a wonderful alternative to sugar in smoothies, desserts, and breakfast bowls. Date paste can also replace sugar in baking recipes that benefit from moisture, such as brownies or breads. Because dates contain fiber, they help to steady blood sugar and keep you full for longer.

Stevia

Stevia is a plant-based sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It has zero calories and is incredibly sweet, which means only a tiny amount is needed. Stevia works well in coffee, tea, and cold beverages. Because its sweetness can be strong, some people prefer blends that mix stevia with other natural sweeteners for a smoother taste. For anyone trying to reduce sugar dramatically without sacrificing sweetness, stevia is a powerful alternative.