If you have ever ripped open an artificial sweetener at a restaurant to add to your iced tea, you are not alone. Also, if you drink diet sodas, you are among the millions of people who ingest artificial sweeteners every day around the world. While some research suggests that there is no harm that can arise from adding artificial sweeteners into your daily diet, other research points to harmful side effects such as cancer. For those who are seeking natural, healthy alternatives to artificial sweeteners, consider the list below for your daily diets.

Agave Nectar

Agave nectar is produced from Blue Agaves, derived from Southern Mexico. While many are familiar with the agave fruit from tequila, many are not aware of its ability to be used as a natural sweetener. The actual plant in some ways resembles the aloe vera plant, although they are large and spikey in appearance.

The plant’s high carbohydrate content is what creates the fructose used in agave nectar products. While there are over 100 varieties of agave plants, the Blue Agave is preferred for nectar creation. The flavour of agave nectar is similar to that of honey. And, most people who don’t like honey do not like this natural sweetener.

Stevia

Stevia is a calorie free, natural sweetener that many are using to substitute their artificial sweeteners with. Stevia is derived from plants that are related to asters and sunflowers. The actual sweetness of Stevia comes from the leaves. While there are many benefits of this plant, it has not been yet approved by the FDA.

Sugar Cane

Sugar cane is one of the most widely used sugar forms in the world today. It has to grow in a tropical type climate and is harvested in the form of tall grasses. The two largest producers of sugar cane in the world are Brazil and India. Sugar cane can be directly processed into traditional sugar for consumption. But, it is also used in its raw form, to produce juice, to produce molasses and to produce sugar cane syrup.

Erythritol

This is a naturally derived sugar substitute that has a similar flavouring and texture to sugar. But, it has grown in popularity as it does not contain any calories. And, it is available in both granulated and powdered forms. While it has been used overseas for years, it is relatively new in the U.S. It is created from plant sugars and is only about 70% as sweet as traditional sugar.

Naturally Sweet Foods

If you are not cooking with these substances and are simply looking for a sweet addition to their food, you can consider molasses, cinnamon, honey or cloves. Many people find their flavouring to add the level of sweetness to their tea or as a side spice or flavouring to many common foods. Or, instead of adding sugar onto your cereal in the morning, add fresh fruits as a topping.

While artificial sweeteners tend to be everywhere in consumer marketplaces, you can work to avoid and even to substitute them in a variety of fashions. First, you can reduce or eliminate foods that are commonly produced and served with artificial sweeteners. Then, you can seek any of these natural sweetener options as choices for your everyday foods and even some of your cooking recipes. While it may take some time to get used to the different flavouring, many people prefer the taste over time. And, you get the added bonus of health and in some cases reduced calories when you select these sweetener alternatives. All of the options are not suitable for cooking, but in time, you can learn to adapt your sweetener lifestyle.