Photo Gallery: Stock up now: 6 alternative sweeteners

Nov. 28, 2011 6:59pm

SweetLeaf Stevia Sweetener SteviaTabs Dissolvable Tablets

This calorie- and carbohydrate-free sweetener ranks zero on the glycemic index. It’s derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, an herb native to Paraguay that, when processed, produces a sweetener that’s 10 to 15 times sweeter than sugar. Suggest shoppers use one easily dissolvable tablet to sweeten a cup of coffee or tea.
Madhava Organic Coconut Sugar

Used for thousands of years in Southeast Asia, coconut sugar is just now gaining appeal among American shoppers. This organic, unrefined sweetener is sustainably harvested from the nectar of the coconut palm tree and contains magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, B vitamins and amino acids.
Nature’s Agave

Made from certified-organic blue agave, Nature’s nectars come in clear, amber and raw varieties. Naturally gluten free, agave is sweeter than sugar, does not crystallize and dissolves easily when drizzled onto hot or cold foods.
Navitas Naturals Lucuma Powder

Noted for its maple-like flavor, this gluten-free, vegan, certified-organic powder sweetens smoothies, ice cream, puddings and pie fillings. Lucuma, a fruit native to the highlands of Peru, Chile and Ecuador, is naturally low in sugar and rich in iron and B vitamins.
Pyure Nectur Stevia Syrup

Suggest shoppers use certified-organic Pyure Nectur in lieu of sugar or honey. Calorie and carbohydrate free, the syrup ranks zero on the glycemic index and is produced using a proprietary extraction method that emphasizes water conservation.
Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Sugar

Made from minimally processed maple syrup, this certified-organic sugar delivers antioxidants, calcium, potassium and iron. Encourage customers to try replacing cane sugar with this lower-glycemic option when baking and preparing hot beverages, dry rubs and marinades.

America has a sweet tooth. We consume 156 pounds of added table sugar per capita each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Experts peg this overconsumption as a leading cause of obesity and diabetes. Luckily, manufacturers are producing several alternative sweeteners that are gentler on the waistline but still taste like indulgences. Here are six favorites.