




Looking to get that sweet taste without any artificial ingredients? Try a natural sweetener! Natural sweeteners include both healthy and decadent options. Some like stevia and monk fruit contain zero calories and low amounts of carbohydrates. On the other hand, natural sweeteners like agave nectar and maple syrup are high in fructose and calories.
To help you find the best ones, we compiled a list of our 10 favorites. We picked 100% Pure Raw & Unfiltered Honey from Nature Nate's as our number one natural sweetener! It's multi-purpose, made with pure honey, and high in antioxidants. If you want to know more, check out the rest of our 10 best list. We also have a buying guide reviewed by a registered dietitian that provides you with tips and suggestions on how to choose the right type of natural sweetener for you.
Quick List - Top Natural Sweeteners
Butternut Mountain Farm

A High-Quality Syrup With Intense Maple Flavor

Devan is a dietitian with a passion for preventative nutrition and educating the community on how to live a healthy life. She has experience in cardiovascular disease, GI disorders, and acute care.

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Besides our top 10 recommended sweetneners, we've also provided you with information that we think will be helpful for choosing the right product. Keep these following points in mind to help you decide which natural sweetener suits your needs!
Leaf- and tree-based sweeteners are derived from different parts of a variety of plants. They're also different in texture and flavor, so choose one based on what you'll be sweetening.
Stevia is a popular natural sweetener that is derived from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana plant, which is mostly found in South American countries such as Brazil and Paraguay. Although stevia can have a bitter aftertaste, it's commonly used for coffees, teas, juices, and soft drinks because it dissolves well.
Coconut sugar is made from coconut palm sap and has a subtly sweet, caramel-like taste. So, some people prefer using coconut sugar as a substitute for refined sugar to add a mild earthy flavor to sweet baked goods.
Maple syrup comes from the xylem sap of different types of maple trees, like sugar maples, black maples, and red maples. It has a distinctive rich taste - most people pair it with pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
Molasses is a concentrated juice from crushed sugar cane or sugar beets. Thus, it has a thick texture and robust flavor. The flavor and texture can vary depending on how many times it's boiled and the boiling time.
The longer it’s boiled, the thicker and richer it is in texture and flavor. Molasses is good for baking because it can add moisture and create a thicker consistency. Molasses goes well with recipes like gingerbread and pecan pie.
Agave nectar is made from the fluid inside several species of agave plants like agave tequilana and agave salmiana. It’s sweeter than sugar and has quite similar taste to honey, so it has been used widely in cocktails and other drinks.
Although agave nectar contains large amounts of fructose, it's still one of the most popular sweeteners because it has no bitter aftertaste.
Evaporated cane juice comes from the liquid of sugar cane plants. It tastes similar to brown sugar, which has a caramel-like flavor. Many people use it for baking, and it's also popular to use in drinks like lemonade, coffee, and tea.
Sweeteners from vegetables and fruits are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, which make them healthier sweetener options.
Yacon syrup is made from a root vegetable that is traditionally grown in South America. It's rich in antioxidants and potassium and can help control blood sugar levels. Some people say it has a caramel-like flavor, while others say it has a watermelon-like taste!
Many people use yacon syrup for salads, drinks, baking, and cooking. It has a look and consistency similar to molasses, so it makes a great substitute. It can be used to replace other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar, too!
Monkfruit (also known as lo han guo in Mandarin) is a small fruit from China. The sweetener is from the pulp and juices inside the fruit. It's considered to be a superfood sweetener because it's packed with nutrients, free from calories, and doesn't impact blood sugar levels. It's also safe for kids, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women!
It has a fruity and slightly bitter aftertaste, however, the bitter aftertaste is much less than stevia. Monkfruit is 200 times sweeter than sugar, and it's also heat-stable. Many people use it for hot drinks, baking, and cooking.
Date sugar comes from dried fruits of palm trees. It has a caramel and butterscotch-like taste. It's rich in fiber and antioxidants, as well! Most people use it in baked goods, oatmeal, smoothies, and snack bars. Since it's somewhat similar to coconut sugar, and they can replace each other in most recipes.
Lucuma is a low glycemic sweetener, which is a good choice for people with type 2 diabetes. The sweetener is made from the fruit of Pouteria lucuma tree. It has a subtle sweetness with a hint of nutty, maple flavor. Many people use lucuma to sweeten nut milk, coffee, acai bowls, and cakes.
Honey is a good natural sweetener because it can be used for many purposes, including foods, beverages, skincare products, and medicinal uses. The flavor and color of honey differ depending on the nectar sources. Thus, you’ll have a variety of choices to choose from!
For example, acacia honey has a delicate, vanilla-like flavor. It also has strong antibacterial properties that can soothe a sore throat, treat acne, and support the digestive system. In contrast, sourwood honey has a caramel-like flavor, so many people choose to pair it with French toasts, cupcakes, or muffins.
When it comes to natural sweeteners, you should make sure that the sweetener you choose is made from mostly or 100% natural ingredients. Some products are made from pure ingredients, while others may contain preservatives like sodium benzoate or sodium nitrite.
The studies have found that sodium benzoate may increase the risk of diabetes and inflammation, whereas sodium nitrite may damage blood vessels, which can later lead to heart disease. If you're looking for safe ingredients, make sure to avoid harmful chemical additives and preservatives.
We also highly recommend checking the nutrition facts, especially if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or follow a certain type of diet. Three main things to note are the calories, carbohydrates, and sugar per serving.
For example, if you follow the ketogenic diet, your best natural sweeteners are stevia and monk fruit - they contain zero calories and zero carbohydrates. You should stay away from maple syrup and dates since they’re packed with carbohydrates, which don’t fit into a keto lifestyle.
Even if you don't follow any particular diet, checking the ingredients and nutritional facts can help you be more informed about what you're eating.
Natural sweeteners usually come in powder, cube, or liquid forms. Powder and cubes usually come in small packets, plastic bags, or plastic jars, whereas liquid usually comes in plastic or glass bottles.
Small packets are convenient to use, easy to store, and good for taking on-the-go. So, it's a good packaging option for drinks, smoothies, and oatmeal. Since each packet comes with a single-serving size, it'll help you control your consumption of sugar, too!
If your buying a sweetener for baking or cooking, we suggest that you get a larger package. Also, make sure that you choose a resealable bag. Resealable bags are easier to use and can help keep out moisture.
BPA is a synthetic chemical found in many plastic containers, but in recent years, many have health concerns about its effects on the human body. There are two ways to avoid BPA in packaging. First, choose a product that has a BPA-free label.
Second, check the bottom of the container. If it has the number 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, it usually means the packaging is free from BPA. If you see the number 7, take caution - this is a catch-all category of plastic than can include plastics made with BPA. However, plastic containers are lightweight and convenient to carry around. We recommend choosing a squeeze bottle, which allows you to control the portion and avoid any mess.
Glass containers have a sense luxury and come in beautiful designs, which can add value to the products. They're also heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe, too!
Glass doesn't absorb stains, smells, and colors, thus, they can keep the sweetener fresh. Most importantly, they're all free from BPA! And if you're eco-conscious, glass is often easy to reuse or recycle.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nature Nate's 100% Pure Raw & Unfiltered Honey | ![]() | A Taste of Nature's Purity | |
2 | Pyure Organic Stevia|1000 pack | ![]() | A Healthy Sweetener That Suits Various Diets | |
3 | Butternut Mountain Farm Grade A 100% Pure Vermont Maple Syrup|Dark Robust | ![]() | A High-Quality Syrup With Intense Maple Flavor | |
4 | Health Garden Monk Fruit Sweetener | ![]() | A Non-Glycemic, Allergen-Free Sweetener | |
5 | Terrasoul Superfoods Medjool Dates | ![]() | Soft and Chewy Dates for a Whole-Food Sweetener | |
6 | Agave In The Raw Organic Agave Nectar | ![]() | A Thick, Quick-Dissolving Liquid Sweetener | |
7 | Better Body Foods Organic Coconut Palm Sugar | ![]() | A Subtly Sweet, Caramel-Flavored Sugar | |
8 | Golden Barrel Unsulfured Blackstrap Molasses | ![]() | A Thick, Strong, and Unsulfured Syrup | |
9 | Terrasoul Superfoods Lucuma Powder | ![]() | A Diabetes-Friendly Superfood Sweetener | |
10 | Zint Organic Yacon Syrup | ![]() | A Root Extract With Many Health Benefits |
Nate's Organic Raw Honey prioritizes the natural goodness of honey. This brand is committed to organic practices and minimal processing. By leaving the honey unfiltered, Nate's captures the full spectrum of flavors and potential health benefits that raw honey offers. This includes the delicate enzymes, beneficial pollen, and antioxidants that may be lost during processing. Enjoy the unique taste of Nate's Organic Raw Honey, a spoonful of nature's sweetness.
Stevia is a perfect option for people with diabetes, as well as many popular types of diets. Whether you follow a ketogenic, vegan, Atkins, paleo, or Mediterranean diet, stevia is okay to use.
This product comes in 1000 packets, and each packet contains one serving size. The small packets are convenient to use and help with portion control. Although it includes erythritol, it's a safe ingredient that does not affect glucose or insulin levels.
A few reviewers claimed that it has a bad aftertaste, and they prefer a pure stevia extract that doesn't contain sugar alcohol. However, most said it's the best organic stevia in the market. They liked that it's free from GMOs, tastes great, dissolves well in both hot and cold beverages, and comes in handy packets. Many people also said that the large quantity will last them for quite a while!
This maple syrup is 100% pure and made from the sap of sugar maple trees in North America. Additionally, it comes in a BPA-free plastic bottle that's safe and convenient to use. It has a bold maple flavor, which goes well with coffee, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, toast, and bacon.
Some reviewers claimed that they received an expired product, while others said they saw mold in the bottle. However, most reviewers said this syrup is very high-quality, and they enjoyed the intense flavor. If you prefer a lighter flavor, we suggest trying the "Amber Rich" type.
They liked the fact that it's made in the USA and that there are no added ingredients. It's a nutrient-dense sweetener that makes a perfect alternative to honey. Some reviewers also said it pairs well with many baked goods, and others noted that it's a good ingredient for making snack bars.
This monk fruit sweetener is free from GMOs, gluten, allergens, calories, and sugar. Basically, it's a healthy substitute for refined sugar and brown sugar! It can be used for a variety of savory and sweet recipes.
Monk fruit has a similar consistency to sugar, so you can use a one-to-one ratio for substitutions. But since it's a lot sweeter than sugar, some people prefer using in small amounts to prevent a dish from becoming too sweet.
Some reviewers claimed that it would have been better if it was made without erythritol; however, others said it's a healthy sugar substitute. It has the same texture and smells like brown sugar. Additionally, they confirmed that it tastes natural and doesn't have a bitter aftertaste! They also said the resealable bag is very convenient to use.
These dates are Medjool dates - also known as the king of dates! They're big, soft, chewy, and have a rich caramel flavor. They're a great whole-food ingredient to sweeten your smoothies, oatmeal, or nut milk! Additionally, they're a perfect option for a sweet healthy snack.
Some reviewers said these dates weren't fresh. Some found bugs inside the dates, which isn't all that uncommon with this fruit. On the other hand, many supported the claim that they're sweet, creamy, and very soft. They're also very filling and help to reduce hunger for hours!
Dates are an ideal nutritious snack, and they're also a good ingredient for dessert recipes. Additionally, they suit a vegan diet and someone who wants to cut down on sugars!
The good thing about agave nectar or agave syrup is it dissolves quickly in both hot and cold drinks. This agave nectar comes from a blue agave plant in Mexico. It's sweeter than refined sugar, so make sure to start with smaller amounts. You can also follow the sweetener conversion charts that are available online, too!
Some reviewers said the lid wasn't sealed properly, which caused the bottles to leak during shipping. Additionally, agave nectar may not be a good natural sweetener option for everyone because of the high fructose content.
Other reviewers said it's a perfect substitute for honey and maple syrup. They noted that it dissolves much faster than honey and tastes sweeter than maple syrup. Some people also said it goes well with tea, pecan pies, short ribs, and many other sweet and savory recipes!
Coconut sugar has a subtly sweet, caramel flavor. Thus, it creates a perfect balance of flavors in a variety of recipes. Plus, this coconut sugar is organic and made with only one ingredient.
It works well in savory recipes like curry dishes as well as sweet baked goods like cakes, brownies, cookies, and bread. If you want to add a touch of caramel flavor to your coffee or tea, coconut sugar is definitely worth trying. Some reviewers claimed that it takes some time to fully dissolve in drinks and comes in a powder form (not granules like in the picture).
However, others said it's delicious and has no aftertaste! They liked that it's an all-purpose sweetener that comes in convenient packaging. Reviewers also appreciated that it's a slightly healthier substitute for white and brown sugar. Since it is a low-glycemic food, it's a good option for people with sugar sensitivities and diabetes.
A robust flavor of this syrup comes from molasses being repeatedly boiled until it gets a thick texture. Since it has a strong flavor, it's a popular ingredient for savory dishes, like baked beans, and classic sweets, like cookies.
It's also 100% unsulfured and preservative-free, which means it's made without a chemical called "sulfur dioxide." Sulfur dioxide is a preservative that is considered to be safe; however, it may cause respiratory problems in some if inhaled in large amounts.
Additionally, it has calcium, magnesium, iron, and other vitamins and minerals, which makes molasses a healthier sweetener. However, some reviewers noticed a lower level of these minerals in their current product's nutritional labels when compared to past bottles.
Most reviewers liked that it comes in a big bottle that lasts for a very long time. They also noted that it has a deep and rich flavor that's not overly sweet. Some people said it helps to boost their energy levels, too!
Lucuma is a good sweetener for someone with diabetes because it has a low glycemic index. This means it won't spike blood sugar levels! It's also high in antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, and many other nutrients. Since it has a maple-like taste, many people use it for smoothies, ice cream, and many other desserts.
Some reviewers claimed that it is not sweet enough. Others said it doesn't dissolve well in coffee, and it has a short expiration date. However, many reviewers said it's a must-have sweetener for people with diabetes. They liked that it tastes fresh and is free of chemicals. Additionally, reviewers noted that it makes a great addition to protein shakes and baked goods, too!
This is pure organic yacon syrup from Peru. It helps to promote weight management by slowing the absorption of sugar and boosting metabolism. The prebiotic in yacon syrup also helps to support your digestive system, too! Yacon syrup makes a great sweetener for many savory recipes, baked goods, and morning drinks.
A few reviewers said it comes in a small bottle, so it doesn't last long. However, others liked the fact that it's 100% natural and makes a good substitute for molasses, maple syrup, and cane sugar. It also has a light texture and subtle sweetness. Many people said it tastes great with coffee, tea, and pancakes.
Natural ingredients are packed with vitamins and minerals and can offer many benefits to your health. Check out our recommendations below!

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Nature Nate's|100% Pure Raw & Unfiltered Honey
No. 2: Pyure|Organic Stevia|1000 pack
No. 3: Butternut Mountain Farm|Grade A 100% Pure Vermont Maple Syrup|Dark Robust
No. 4: Health Garden|Monk Fruit Sweetener
No. 5: Terrasoul Superfoods|Medjool Dates
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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