Need ideas for sweeteners

[sparklett]

I'm looking for some ideas for sweeteners. I don't use Splendia and other artificials, etc. I also am trying to stay away from white sugar, raw sugar, and agave nectar.

Is evaporated cane syrup a good alternative?

I also read about using dates- how does that work?

Any other ideas? I mostly use sweeteners for baking and would like some creative alternatives.

[Ruthla]

Why did you lump stevia in with splenda? Splenda is a highly refined, chemical concoction, while stevia is an herb (pure forms are available, although not all formulations are free of processed junk.)

Evaporated cane juice/syrup is very similar nutritionally to white sugar and raw sugar.

What are your reasons for avoiding agave? Are you comfortable using honey? I'm trying to figure out your reasons for avoiding certain sweeteners so I can make suggestions that will work for you.

If you're trying to avoid refined sweeteners, and only sweeten with whole foods that contain trace nutrients, then date sugar (ground up dates, sold in powder form) might be a good choice. I've cooked with fruit juices, both concentrated (undiluted) and full strength. I've also used raisins (soak in hot water, then puree in blender and use in place of some of the sugar in the recipe.)

Bear in mind that any sweetener (except stevia) is high in natural sugars, and honey and those made from concentrated juices are very high in fructose. They still need to be used in moderation.

[JoyMC]

i use a fair amount of rapadura/sucanat in baking. it may be what you mean by "raw sugar" - i'm not sure; it does originate from the sugar cane but is totally unrefined. it is very rich in mineral content.

i have also been getting into palm/coconut sugar lately, which you can read about here: http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/...nut-sugar.html

otherwise, i use raw honey and maple syrup.

[mamadelbosque]

I use evap cane juice in place of 'white' sugar, and sucanat in place of brown sugar (mostly cause' I can get them organic and most importantly to me, FAIR TRADE!!). I also use a bit of honey & a good bit of maple syrup - both of which I buy locally. I mostly avoid agave as I'm not 100% sold on its "healthfulness" and genearlly prefer honey anyow.

[Robert75]

Yes, I also think that you should not avoid stevia because it is a herb and contains lot of vitamin supplements. I also prefer honey or date sugar sometimes

[faeriecurls]

I use a lot of raw honey and maple syrup.

[Mere]

I am a big stevia fan. In the right applications, it can deliver a wallop of sweetness but yet give you a sugar-free product! It's really amazing. Right now, I am mainly using it in smoothies, granola, and oatmeal. You have to be really careful though, because that stuff is powerfully sweet; it doesn't take much.