Keto/Paleo-Friendly Sweetening Ingredients
There are many sweetening ingredients that you can use in your paleo or keto diet recipes if you're looking to replace the sugars, syrups, and other sweeteners found in day-to-day foods.
Stevia
One of the most popular and well-known keto-friendly options is stevia, a natural plant extract that has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits. While stevia doesn't have the same sweetness as sugar, it can be used to sweeten food and beverages without adding calories or raising blood sugar levels.
Monk Fruit Extract, Xylitol, and Erythritol
Other popular keto-friendly sweeteners include monk fruit extract, xylitol, and erythritol. These sweeteners are all low in calories and have a negligible impact on blood sugar levels, making them ideal for people following a ketogenic diet.
- Monk fruit
Like stevia, monk fruit is a natural plant extract that can be used to add sweetness to foods and beverages without calories or blood sugar spikes. Monk fruit also has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it was traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory remedy.
- Xylitol and erythritol
Xylitol and erythritol are sugar alcohols that are also commonly used in keto recipes. These sweeteners are usually well-tolerated by people with diabetes, as they have a minimal effect on blood sugar levels. Xylitol and erythritol can be found in many processed foods and candies, so be sure to read labels carefully if you're trying to avoid them.
Allulose
Allulose, a naturally occurring monosaccharide, is another option that has recently gained popularity. Allulose is similar in taste and texture to regular sugar, but it's not metabolized by the body like other sugars and syrups.
Sucralose
Sucralose, which is often used as a sugar substitute and has been proved to be safe for human consumption, is produced from sugar.
Yacon Syrup
Finally, yacon syrup is a sweetener that comes from the yacon plant and can be used to provide sweetness in ketogenic recipes. Yacon syrup contains a great deal of soluble fiber, making it ideal for people who are trying to increase their fiber intake on the keto diet.
Natural Sweets
If you're looking for something a little different, try using these naturally sweet ingredients to flavor your favorite keto dishes. Maple syrup, honey, and molasses are all great options that can be used in moderation on a ketogenic diet.
Implementing these Sugar Alternatives
A great way to use stevia or these other sweeteners in your keto diet recipes is to replace the refined sugar in quick bread, muffins, and cakes with a paleo-friendly keto sweetener. You can also use them to create desserts like ice cream, pudding, or cookies that don't contain any traditional sugars.
How to Choose the Right Keto-Paleo-Friendly Sweetener for You
When choosing sweeteners for your paleo or keto recipes, be sure to read the label carefully to make sure they are free of added sugars and other unhealthy ingredients.
Ingredient Sourcing for Keto-Friendly Sweeteners
North Central Companies is your full-service supplier of keto-friendly and paleo sweeteners. Whether you're looking to enhance taste or add nutritional value, we can find the right diet-friendly sweeteners for your recipes or products. Contact us today to get started!