Alternatives to refined white sugar

[green_momma2007]

I'm trying to eat healthier, and because of that I want to cut down on my white sugar comsumption. It's my understanding that there are alternatives to sugar that will not spike your blood sugar level as much and are digested more slowly. That is my main concern. I'm not too worried about other issues such as calories. I've tried stevia powder, but that is highly refined as well and I don't like it's taste. I find it somewhat bitter in my coffee. I need stuff that I can get at my local supermarket, or if everything else fails, maybe Whole Foods. I've seen sucanat, raw sugar, and turbinado sugar at my local Publix. Are these good choices? How are they taste wise? Anyother ideas?
Thanks!

[Doodlebugsmom]

If you want to ease into it, you could start with turbinado sugar and eventually move to sucanat. I have used both for all types of baking and cooking. Agave nectar would be another. It is more highly processed, though. A reputable brand of raw agave would be best. I like it to use in liquids like: coffee, dressings and sauces, and the occasional cocktail.

Of course, you could also try pure maple syrup!

[ursusarctos]

I try not to have white sugar in the house. We use honey, pure maple syrup, unrefined cane sugar and molasses. Honey is good in sauces and soups that call for a bit of sugar, as well as flavoring tea, yogurt, hot cereal, etc. Maple syrup we use in small amounts mostly in yogurt and cereal as it is so expensive. Unrefined cane sugar I use in baking in the place of regular sugar and in tea and wherever I would need sugar. Molasses I use only rarely and mostly for baked beans as it's really expensive here. All of these sweeteners are natural and contain good stuff in addition to the sugar.

[babygrant]

I use liquid stevia and don't find it has a taste.