10 Best Sugar Alternatives in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
Our buying guide in this article will help you understand the differences between various types of sugar alternatives. We have also rounded up a list of the top 10 best sugar alternatives you can enjoy without worrying about your blood sugar level. And best of all, we have nutritionist Jo Sebastian lending us her expertise! We hope that this article would help you go on satisfying your sweet tooth without endangering your health.
Quick List - Top Sugar Alternatives
Naturals
Rich, Familiar Taste Without the Usual Sugar
Jo Sebastian is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian who graduated BS Community Nutrition from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Throughout the past year she has worked with Uniqlo, Adidas, Rebel Fitness app, and more to make nutrition fun, easy and accessible. She believes that life is not about restricting food but through simple lifestyle and dietary changes to attain our optimal health we can reach our full potential.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Benefits of Sugar Alternatives
We already know that too much sugar is bad for our teeth. But recent research has established that sugar creates many problems in the body when consumed excessively. Diets high in sugar lead to increased insulin and fat storage. This, in turn, leads to even more complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and other serious illnesses.
The hormones that regulate hunger also get affected, and we develop an addiction to sugar because it activates the brain's reward system every time we consume sugar. This leads to overeating and cravings that lead us away from making better food choices.
This is where sugar alternatives can help. By giving us that same sweet kick that we are looking for, our cravings are satisfied without triggering harmful metabolic responses. Below, we will show you the top sugar substitute choices available in the market to help you eat healthier.
Sugar is not evil on its own. It is usually how much sugar we consume that we have to look out for. We also have to look into what sugar replaces in our diets. The tendency is to have a higher added sugar intake and lower vegetable, fruit, protein, and unsaturated fats.
Recommendations are around 35-45g of added sugar per day. Remember that added sugar is what we want to look out for and not necessarily all the sugar right away.
How to Choose a Sugar Alternative – Buying Guide
When selecting a sugar alternative, it's essential to weigh factors like sweetness intensity, health benefits, and compatibility with your dietary needs. Whether cutting back on sugar for health reasons, managing your weight, or following specific plans like keto, the right substitute can curb cravings without sacrificing taste.
Choose Between Nutritive and Non-Nutritive Sweeteners
Sugar substitutes are categorized into two main groups - nutritive and non-nutritive. Nutritive sweeteners are also known as caloric sugars because they provide energy as carbohydrates. Aside from sweetness, they offer some nutrition like vitamins and minerals.
On the other hand, non-nutritive sweeteners provide fewer calories per gram than sugar; in fact, most of them have little to no calories at all. They offer no nutritional value and are much sweeter, so just a little goes a long way. However, the digestive system does not completely absorb them.
Just because a sweetener has calories does not automatically mean they are bad or harmful for the body. Especially since most caloric sweeteners (like coco sugar, honey, and agave, among others) have other nutrients and antioxidants to offer.
However, if the main concern is blood sugar levels, then taking note of the amount of added sugar you consume or switching to non-nutritive sweeteners once and a while can be beneficial.
Get a Sugar Alternative Based on Your Preferences and Dietary Restrictions
Not all sugar substitutes are equal. They each have their own properties and different levels of sweetness and ratios to regular sugar. It's important to know what these properties are so that you can make a better choice. Here are the most common types of sugar alternatives available.
Stevia for Ultimate Sweetness
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.
Just like all sugar alternatives it’s important not to abuse it in your diet. The safe level of consumption for stevia is 4mg/kg of bodyweight per day!
Sugar Alcohols From Natural Fruit and Vegetable Fibers
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.
Sugar alcohols are considered to be non-nutritive sweeteners. They provide taste but no nutrients. Because it is not recognized by the gut, it can cause disruptions. Those who have IBS, GERD, or IBD might want to watch out for sugar alcohols.
Coconut Sugar for Added Vitamins and Minerals
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.
While coconut sugar may have a lower glycemic index, the impact on your blood sugar is relatively the same as that of white sugar. Coconut sugar and white sugar have about the same amount of carbohydrates and calories as well. However, the main winner for coco sugar is the fact that it contains inulin, which is beneficial for gut health, and many other nutrients.
Monk Fruit for Safe Use by Pregnant Women
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.
Most monk fruit sweeteners will be paired with erythritol. So watch out for the sugar alcohols if you experience any gut disturbances.
Yacon Syrup for Additional Probiotic Benefits
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.
While Yacon syrup has benefits for the gut, an overload in consumption can have the opposite effects.
Buy From Trusted Brands for a Safer Choice
Make sure to check the brand of the sugar alternative you want to buy. It is always safer to check out the leading brands in the market because it is more likely that they ensure better quality control than unknown brands. Look for FDA approval as an additional step to find safe products.
You can also do your own research online and review the background of the brands you are eyeing. There are a lot of reviews online about these products that you can get ideas from. Research does take time, but your body deserves the extra effort.
Aside from buying from trusted brands, it is important to be educated on the safe amounts of the sugar alternatives.
10 Best Sugar Alternatives to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Type | Form | |||||
1 | Naturals Stevia Zero Calorie Sweetener 100 Sticks | | Smooth Everyday Taste for Your Favorite Drinks | Non-Nutritive | Stevia | Granules | |
2 | Pure Via Stevia Zero Calorie Sweetener 100 Sticks | | Light Flavor in Every Simple Sip | Non-Nutritive | Stevia | Granules | |
3 | Equal Gold Zero Calorie Sweetener 50 Sticks | | Zero Guilt Enjoyment for Balanced Living | Non-Nutritive | Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium | Granules | |
4 | Naturals Monk Fruit Brown Sugar Zero Calorie Sweetener 150 g | | Rich, Familiar Taste Without the Usual Sugar | Non-Nutritive | Monk Fruit | Granules | |
5 | Sweet Via Inulin and Stevia | | Gentle Flavor With Added Fiber Support | Non-Nutritive | Stevia, Inulin | Powder | |
6 | Easy Brand Sweetener (Sugar Free) 2 L | | Easy Liquid Blend, Ready for Big Batches | Non-Nutritive | Sucralose | Drops/Liquid | |
7 | Equal Classic Zero Calorie Sweetener 100 Sticks | | Simple Sugar Swap, Easy for Daily Cups | Non-Nutritive | Aspartame | Granules | |
8 | Pure Isomalt Powdered Sugar Alternative | | Everyday Sugar Substitute, Gentle on Your Routine | Non-Nutritive | Isomalt | Powder | |
9 | Coco Natura Organic Coco Sugar 1 kg | | Golden Crystals With Gentle Caramel Taste | Nutritive | Coconut Sugar | Granules | |
10 | Sweet Best Allulose Blend 250 g | | Versatile Baking Blend, Browns Evenly | Non-Nutritive | Allulose Blended With Erythritol and Stevia Extract | Granules | |
Smooth Everyday Taste for Your Favorite Drinks
- Delivers natural stevia extracts with erythritol, providing sugar-like sweetness without calories or carbs for guilt-free indulgence
- Comes in convenient single-serve sticks, simplifying portion control and making it easy to mix into hot or cold drinks
- Supports keto and low-carb diets as a non-GMO, vegan-friendly option, enabling versatile use in baking or cooking
- Promotes dental health by being tooth-friendly, offering a safe sweetening choice for everyday meals
Reviews mention:
Buyers on Lazada rave about its clean taste in coffee without the bitter aftertaste common in other sweeteners, making mornings enjoyable. A few Shopee users note that it dissolves more slowly in cold water compared with sugar, recommending stirring well for best results. Overall, many appreciate the B1G1 promo value, restocking frequently for family use.
| Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Non-Nutritive |
|---|---|
| Type | Stevia |
| Form | Granules |
Light Flavor in Every Simple Sip
- Combines stevia glycosides and erythritol for intense zero-calorie sweetness
- Packs into single-serve sticks for mess-free mixing in drinks
- Fits keto and vegan diets as a non-GMO, tooth-friendly choice
- Provides a clean flavor ideal for recipes and beverages
Shoppers love how it sweetens drinks perfectly without any aftertaste, making breakfasts healthier effortlessly. It blends best when pre-stirred in a bit of warm water for cold shakes, avoiding graininess. Families often grab extras during sales, calling it their go-to for kid-friendly treats.
| Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Non-Nutritive |
|---|---|
| Type | Stevia |
| Form | Granules |
Zero Guilt Enjoyment for Balanced Living
- Blends aspartame and acesulfame potassium for sugar-equivalent sweetness with no calories or carbs
- Offers portable single sticks for quick addition to coffee, tea, or meals without measuring
- Supports blood sugar control as a diabetic-friendly option, fitting low-carb and keto lifestyles seamlessly
- Ensures heat stability for cooking and baking, maintaining sweetness under high temperatures
Reviews mention:
Users find that it dissolves instantly in hot drinks, keeping coffee tasting like sugared versions without causing blood sugar spikes. Some note a slight cooling sensation in iced beverages that fades quickly with stirring. Bulk buyers stock up for daily use, praising its reliability for weight management goals.
| Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Non-Nutritive |
|---|---|
| Type | Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium |
| Form | Granules |
Naturals Monk Fruit Brown Sugar Zero Calorie Sweetener 150 g
Rich, Familiar Taste Without the Usual Sugar
- Extracts mogrosides from monk fruit for a sweetness 300 times that of sugar with no calories
- Mimics brown sugar texture and flavor, ideal for baking cookies or sauces
- Supports keto diets as a non-GMO, zero-carb option without raising blood sugar
- Blends easily in recipes, providing caramel notes for desserts and drinks
Reviews mention:
Bakers rave about its rich, molasses-like depth in oatmeal cookies that rivals real brown sugar. Some find it slightly less clumpy than traditional versions, recommending a quick mix for even distribution. Daily users stock up for tea infusions, appreciating the natural fruit undertones.
| Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Non-Nutritive |
|---|---|
| Type | Monk Fruit |
| Form | Granules |
Gentle Flavor With Added Fiber Support
- Merges inulin fiber with stevia for prebiotic support and zero-calorie sweetness
- Improves texture in baking as a natural bulking agent, mimicking sugar
- Aids digestion while fitting low-carb diets, promoting steady blood sugar
- Delivers a clean taste in packets for easy, portioned use in drinks or recipes
Reviews mention:
Home bakers report fluffier low-sugar cakes thanks to its bulking power, rivaling full-sugar results without crashes. Keto followers praise steady energy from the prebiotic fiber, noting smoother digestion compared with plain stevia. Daily coffee drinkers call it a game-changer for no aftertaste and better gut health after weeks of use.
| Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Non-Nutritive |
|---|---|
| Type | Stevia, Inulin |
| Form | Powder |
Easy Liquid Blend, Ready for Big Batches
- Delivers sucralose-based low/zero‑calorie, sugar‑free sweetness, replacing sugar drop-for-drop in drinks
- Provides a 2 L bulk bottle with pour spout, minimizing mess for home or commercial preparation
- Maintains heat stability for cooking and baking, preserving taste in hot applications
- Supports diabetic and low-sugar diets without affecting blood glucose levels
Reviews mention:
Home cooks praise its seamless mixing into homemade iced tea pitchers, yielding perfect sweetness that lasts days in the fridge without separating. Diabetics report stable blood sugar readings after using it in desserts, appreciating the precise dropper control for portioning. Coffee enthusiasts prefer its neutral profile, which enhances espresso shots perfectly every time with no bitter aftertaste.
| Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Non-Nutritive |
|---|---|
| Type | Sucralose |
| Form | Drops/Liquid |
Simple Sugar Swap, Easy for Daily Cups
- Delivers aspartame for a sugar-like taste, equaling 2 teaspoons per stick with zero calories
- Enables portable individual sticks for mess-free sweetening of hot or cold drinks
- Maintains blood sugar stability as a diabetic-friendly option for health-focused routines
- Dissolves quickly in beverages for consistent flavor in coffee or tea daily
Reviews mention:
People appreciate how these sticks provide exact sugar-equivalent sweetness, with one stick matching two teaspoons perfectly while maintaining stable blood sugar for diabetics throughout the day. Many value the residue-free dissolution in hot coffee or cold tumblers, eliminating aftertaste and mess for seamless daily use. The product is frequently selected by busy professionals and families for on-the-go portability, with bulk boxes lasting weeks in yogurt parfaits or office mugs.
| Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Non-Nutritive |
|---|---|
| Type | Aspartame |
| Form | Granules |
Everyday Sugar Substitute, Gentle on Your Routine
- Delivers isomalt for half the calories of sugar with minimal blood sugar impact, ideal for diabetics and keto diets
- Offers a fine powder texture that mimics sugar in baking, maintaining structure without excess moisture
- Supports tooth health as a non-cariogenic option while enabling crunchy, long-shelf-life treats
- Blends 1:1 in recipes for natural sweetness and low glycemic response in everyday cooking
Reviews mention:
Loved by many, this powdered sweetener offers reliable sugar-like bulk with half the calories and minimal blood sugar rise. The fine texture makes 1:1 recipe swaps effortless for crisp keto cookies and bars. Reviewers often praise its humidity resistance, which keeps treats fresh longer than sugar-based versions. Some users also note that it performs well in hard candies, providing excellent heat stability for glossy finishes without digestive issues when used in moderation.
| Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Non-Nutritive |
|---|---|
| Type | Isomalt |
| Form | Powder |
Golden Crystals With Gentle Caramel Taste
- Supplies low-GI sweetness from coconut sap with trace minerals like potassium, iron, and zinc for better nutrition than refined sugar
- Imparts rich caramel flavor ideal for baking, coffee, or sauces while supporting steady blood sugar
- Serves as a versatile 1:1 sugar replacement in recipes, vegan and gluten-free for everyday use
- Promotes sustainable farming through organic certification, enhancing taste without chemical processing
Reviews mention:
Sweet yet balanced, this organic sugar delivers deep caramel notes from coconut sap with gentle mineral richness. It's enjoyable in coffee or baking, even for those transitioning from refined white sugar. Many home cooks appreciate using it in desserts where authentic tropical depth enhances flavors without dominating. Some users also note that it pairs wonderfully with tea or smoothies for a naturally nourishing treat.
| Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Nutritive |
|---|---|
| Type | Coconut Sugar |
| Form | Granules |
Versatile Baking Blend, Browns Evenly
- Delivers authentic taste and texture at 0.4 calories per gram with no blood sugar rise
- Enables browning and caramelizing like real sugar in cookies, sauces, or baked goods
- Fits keto diets perfectly as it doesn't count toward net carbs for everyday recipes
- Dissolves smoothly in drinks without cooling aftertaste or gritty residue
Reviews mention:
This blend is appreciated by keto bakers for flawless caramelization on cheesecakes and cookies that rival sugar versions. It mixes smoothly into batters and drinks with no crystallization or cooling effect. Many praise it as a go-to for low-carb sauces, yielding authentic thickness and flavor without affecting net carbs. Some users also dust it on fruits for glossy caramelized finishes that elevate simple desserts.
| Nutritive/Non-Nutritive | Non-Nutritive |
|---|---|
| Type | Allulose Blended With Erythritol and Stevia Extract |
| Form | Granules |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Jo Sebastian
Switching to sugar alternatives can be difficult, especially for people with a sweet tooth. Jo Sebastian answers the most frequently asked questions from people who want to go for healthier dietary changes.
Can You Use Sugar Alternatives When Baking?
Yes, you can use sugar alternatives for baking! However, the texture and baking time may vary even if it says that the amount to use is directly proportional. It’s important to be aware of this and do some trials when using it.
What Is the Best Sugar Alternative for Diabetics?
It definitely varies from case to case! An important thing to remember is everything in moderation. While some diabetics may feel satisfied with sugar alternatives like stevia and sugar alcohols, the body often does not recognize this as a source of energy, and it could lead to snacking later on.
As long as the sugar is timed and portioned properly with medications and exercise and paired with something high in protein, fat, or fiber, it could still be consumed by diabetics.
Are Sugar Alternatives Safe to Consume Everyday?
Yes, they are safe to consume daily as long as they are consumed in the right amounts. Each sugar alternative usually has a recommended intake per day deemed safe.
More Tips From Jo Sebastian
More Products to Keep Your Body Healthy
It's true what they say - health is wealth. No amount of money can make up for poor health. It is essential that we make the right food and fitness choices to ensure we enjoy a long and productive life. Here are some articles that you might find useful as you start to be more mindful of your health.
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Sugar Alternatives
No. 1: Naturals ｜Stevia Zero Calorie Sweetener 100 Sticks
No. 2: Pure Via ｜Stevia Zero Calorie Sweetener 100 Sticks
No. 3: Equal｜Gold Zero Calorie Sweetener 50 Sticks
No. 4: Naturals ｜Monk Fruit Brown Sugar Zero Calorie Sweetener 150 g
No. 5: Sweet Via ｜Inulin and Stevia
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.