10 Best Sugar Alternatives in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian

Stevia is the most common type of sugar alternative available in the market. It is extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant and can be found in powder or liquid form. Stevia packs a wallop - it can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. It is classified as a non-nutritive sweetener, meaning that no nutrition can be derived from it. 

It can simply give you the sweet taste you are craving, but it won't raise your glucose levels because it has no carbohydrates and calories in it. However, when used excessively, stevia can begin to affect the way your body metabolizes fat and energy. 

So in order to keep reaping its benefits of being zero-calorie and zero-carbohydrate, it is advisable to use stevia moderately. It is best used as a sweetener for drinks and baking recipes.  

Sugar alcohols are derived from the natural fiber in fruits and vegetables. There are a number of sugar alcohols, but the most commonly-used are sucralose, erythritol, and xylitol. You can find these in powder or granulated form. Sugar alcohols contain very few calories but taste like the real thing, even if they have about 70% of the sweetness of sugar. 

Because it has a few calories, keto dieters tend to shy away from it. But they are safe for diabetics since they have a relatively low impact on blood glucose. However, they may cause gas or diarrhea, so people with sensitive stomachs might want to consume only small doses. 

Coconut sugar is one of those health foods that have risen to popularity in recent years. It is a natural sugar made from coconut palm sap. Coconut sugar is considered a nutritive sugar, with many minerals and vitamins packed in it, such as potassium, iron, and calcium. 

What makes it good for diabetics is the presence of inulin fiber, which slows the absorption of glucose and keeps blood sugar levels balanced. It gives coconut sugar a low glycemic index. This is necessary for the proper control of diabetes, as well as for lowering cholesterol.

However, coconut sugar does have almost the same number of calories per serving as regular sugar. A teaspoon contains approximately 15 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates, so it should be used in moderation, especially if you are trying to lose weight. 

Monk fruit sweeteners are derived from the tiny monk fruit, a fruit found in China. The fruit is crushed, and the juice is collected to make the sweetener. It is 150-200 times sweeter than sugar but has no calories. Only very small amounts of monk fruit sweeteners are needed to match the sweetness level of sugar.

It is also safe for children since there is no risk of cavities. It is safe for pregnant and lactating women as well. Since it contains zero net carbs and zero calories, it is a good choice for diabetics and people who want to lose weight. 

However, to make measuring and pouring easier, monk fruit sweeteners are sometimes blended with molasses or other syrups, which would then alter the sugar level. So it is wise to check first what other substances, if ever, are present with the sweetener.

Yacon syrup is the newest kid on the sugar substitutes-block, but it has already surged to popularity among people with diabetes. It comes from the yacon, a root vegetable that is similar to a sweet potato but is more nutritious. It can be used as an alternative for honey, maple, or agave syrup.

For people with diabetes, the good news is that the syrup contains fructooligosaccharides, a type of starch that is indigestible. This means that it does not raise blood sugar levels. Research studies also state that yacon syrup may actually reduce insulin resistance and fasting insulin levels.  

Another benefit of yacon syrup is that it is prebiotic. Once it reaches the digestive system, it feeds the good bacteria in the gut, leading to a lower risk of diabetes and a better immune system. However, it is not recommended for keto dieters and people who want to lose weight because it contains calories.