Coffee sweeteners are a popular way to add sweetness to the coffee. They come in many forms, including sugar, artificial sweeteners, and syrups. The best coffee sweeteners vary depending on your preferred flavor and sweetness level. Some of the most common coffee sweeteners include sugar, aspartame, neotame, sucralose, saccharin, and stevia.
Do you find unsweetened coffee too harsh and need to sweeten it with anything else?
There are many different types of coffee sweeteners on the market. The most common are sugar, artificial sweeteners, and syrups. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.
We’ve compiled a list of the best coffee sweeteners for you to try.
Sugar
The most common way to sweeten coffee is with sugar. Sugar, without a doubt, contributes to the sweetness of your coffee. You can sweeten your coffee with white, raw, or brown sugar. Most people use white sugar, although raw or brown sugar can be used if you want a stronger flavor.
Sugar (white)
White processed sugar is available in various forms, from the traditional granulated to finer crushed forms like powdered sugar. However, this type of sugar is rarely used to sweeten coffee.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar has a stronger flavor than white sugar because molasses is added back into the sugar during the refining process. Brown sugar becomes thicker and moister as a result, making it more prone to clumping.
Raw sugar
In the same way, brown sugar hasn’t been treated; raw sugar hasn’t. This indicates that the molasses has not been extracted and is still intact. As a result, brown sugar has a milder flavor, but it has a coarser texture.
Artificial sweeteners
These artificial sweeteners have a special place in your cup if sugar isn’t your favorite sweetener.
Splenda
Splenda is the brand name for sucralose. Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener created by adding chlorine to the sugar molecule during the manufacturing process. The final product benefits your health, has no calories, and is about 600 times sweeter than regular sugar.
Equal and Nutrasweet
Equal and Nutrasweet, like Splenda, are brand names for sweeteners containing Aspartame. Aspartame is a completely artificial sugar substitute, has no calories, and is 200 times sweeter than natural sugar. However, there has been some discussion over the health dangers of using aspartame.
Low ‘n sweet
Sweet’s Low is a brand name for a sweetener comprised mostly of a dextrose and saccharin blend. Saccharin is the main sweetener in the blend, while dextrose is used to dilute it. Saccharin is 300-500 times sweeter than natural sugar and contains no calories. However, there are concerns regarding saccharin’s safety, much as with Aspartame.
Natural sweeteners
Here are some natural sweeteners to try if you still don’t want to use natural sugar or artificial sweeteners in your coffee.
Honey
Honey has more calories than sugar, yet it is still a healthier choice due to how it affects your body. It does not result in a sharp reduction or rise in blood sugar levels. Honey is also high in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins, which your body needs. It is also good for digestion and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Molasses
Molasses, particularly dark and blackstrap molasses, contain a lot of antioxidants. As a result, molasses sweetens and affect the flavor of your coffee. If you’re using molasses for the first time, start with a small amount and gradually increase until you have the flavor you want.
Maple syrup
Using maple syrup to sweeten your coffee will improve the taste. Antioxidant chemicals in this sweetener have anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-bacterial activities. Make careful to choose natural maple syrup to reap all of the benefits. Artificial versions don’t have much to offer.
Stevia
This calorie-free sweetener is derived from the stevia plant, which grows in South America. Stevia is 300 times sweeter than sugar, making it a great choice for people with diabetes.
In addition, regular usage of stevia has been proven in studies to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in those with high blood pressure. Apart from that, stevia is anti-diarrhea, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, and antioxidant.
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol made from polysaccharides found in plants. It, like stevia, must undergo a chemical transformation before being used as a sweetener. Since the 1990s, this method has been in use.
Erythritol has a similar look to table sugar. However, it has a much finer texture. On the other hand, the granules can be used in any recipe that needs sugar. They are, however, usually mixed with stevia.
Erythritol has no calories and is low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people with diabetes because it does not affect blood glucose levels. There will be no empty calories or blood sugar spikes here! It’s the perfect health-conscious coffee accompaniment. That is why it is used in different products and monk fruit. No additional sweeteners are necessary with gold coffee!
Monk fruit extract
Monk fruit extract is becoming more popular in coffee shop drinks, and anybody with a sweet tooth will like this sugar replacement.
The fruit’s roots have been discovered in southern China and used for hundreds of years for medical purposes. However, before the fleshy sections of the fruit are crushed up into a pulp to extract the sugar, the seeds and skin are removed.
The resulting drink is calorie-free, making it an enticing option for individuals trying to lose weight. It also has 200 times the sweetness of regular sugar. It can be substituted for sugar in any recipe that calls for sugar but in fewer amounts.
This is why it lightly sweetens some unique gold coffee flavors with monk fruit and erythritol. We use the best-tasting sweeteners instead of sugar to keep things light on your tummy.
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Agave nectar
Agave nectar, originally from Mexico, entered the sweetener market in the 1990s. The nectar, or syrup, is made from the blue agave plant, also used to make tequila, a popular Mexican import.
The sweetener is honey-like in consistency and has a low glycemic index. That means it’s better for people with diabetes and those who need to monitor their blood glucose levels.
However, it should be consumed in moderation because of the high fructose level. It contains even more fructose than high-fructose corn syrup, but it is less detrimental to your health because it is obtained from natural sources.
In addition, Agave nectar’s subtle caramel flavor can help mask the harshness of coffee, especially in a full-bodied beverage like an espresso. As a result, agave nectar is a popular choice when it comes to sweeteners.
Coconut sugar
Given its centuries-long history in southern Asia, coconut sugar is gaining appeal right now, like other coconut products.
Coconut sugar devotees like that just a sprinkle provides a little sprinkle of various vitamins and minerals. This is high in magnesium, calcium, and inulin, a starchy fiber good for digestion.
On the other hand, that good thing is present in trace amounts, with a fructose content equivalent to table sugar. Coconut sugar has a nutty taste to it. Most individuals will detect a trace of coconut in their coffee, depending on the brand, which may or may not be their preference.
Sweeteners other than sugar
Here are some more sweeteners you can use to sweeten and flavor your coffee.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon not only adds flavor and sweetness to your beverage but also has health benefits. Cinnamon, for example, has been proven to improve your immune system. So when making your beverage, add a cinnamon stick for the best results.
Cocoa powder
Another great method to spice up and sweeten your coffee is adding cocoa powder. Make sure you have the proper powder for the best results. Remember to use it judiciously since too much of it might backfire. Cocoa is also helpful for your health since it contains potassium, protein, and other nutrients.
Ice cream
Adding ice cream to your coffee should not be a problem if you enjoy both ice cream and coffee. Your drink will be thickened by the cream in the ice cream, while the sugar and flavors will sweeten it.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a natural sugar substitute that is also nutritious. It sweetens and spices up your morning coffee while also providing significant manganese. We recommend starting with a little quantity of nutmeg and gradually increasing it until you find the right amount for you.
Vanilla or almond extract
There’s no denying that adding a drop or two of vanilla essence to a cup of coffee improves it. Just be careful not to overuse it; a little is all you need for the greatest results. Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a better result.
How to use sweeteners: adding them during the coffee brewing process or as a syrup or creamer
There are all sorts of different sweeteners on the market these days. From natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup to artificial sweeteners like Splenda, there’s a sweetener for everyone. And while they all have their unique properties, they can generally be grouped into two categories: liquid and powdered.
Liquid sweeteners are typically syrups, like honey or maple syrup. They’re easy to add during the coffee brewing process but can also be added as a topping once the coffee is finished.
On the other hand, Powdered sweeteners are usually granulated or in tablet form. They must be dissolved in water before being in coffee, but this also gives you more control over how sweet your coffee tastes.
So which is better? The answer depends on your preferences.
Conclusion
While drinking black coffee is a great idea, adding a few sweets improves the brew and makes it healthier. The good news is that you can try out different sweeteners until you find the ones you truly enjoy. The ball is now in your hands. Experiment, and don’t forget to share your findings.
What are the benefits of using a sugar alternative in coffee?
One of the benefits of using a sugar substitute in coffee is the higher nutritional value of most alternative coffee sweeteners. On the other hand, refined sugars, particularly industrial brown sugar, have been linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and weight gain. Some of these health risks can be mitigated by natural alternatives.
What’s the difference between artificial and natural sweeteners, exactly?
Natural sugars are naturally found in the foods we eat. Thus the differentiation between artificial and natural sweeteners is simple. Artificial sweeteners are chemically altered and synthesized in a lab.
Artificial sweeteners are Equal, NutraSweet, Sweet ‘N Low, and Splenda. Saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame are these sweeteners’ most frequent chemical names.
FAQs
How many calories does coffee have without the sugar?
Black coffee is so low in calories that it is sometimes called “no-calorie” and is suitable for fasting consumption. In terms of calories, one cup has around two calories. The calorie count is likely to change as an additional item is added.
What is the taste of stevia like?
Stevia’s most characteristic flavor is its sweetness. It’s so sweet that it’s almost overpowering. However, stevia can leave a slightly bitter, almost licorice-flavored aftertaste after your taste buds have recovered from the first shock.
How do you sweeten coffee on keto?
Heavy cream is likely the most common way to sweeten coffee if you’re on the Keto diet. Dairy adds sweetness naturally, but it also decreases the harshness of the coffee, making it more enjoyable for those who don’t like their coffee black. It also adds a good amount of fat to your diet, which is always welcome in the keto world.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
