Sugar remains the world’s go-to sweetener, yet many are opting for healthier alternatives such as stevia that has zero calories and has a very low glycemic load glycemic index score (GII) score – however there are also lots of other sweeteners you could try such as maple syrup, agave nectar or cocoa powder that could work for your coffee needs! Here is everything you need to know when selecting your coffee sweeteners.

Stevia differs from sugar in that it comes from plants rather than cane plants; this makes stevia an ideal option for those trying to reduce caloric intake or manage blood sugar levels, with two teaspoons of stevia containing only about one gram of carbohydrates while two teaspoons of sugar contains 32.

Stevia is a natural sweetener made from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant and extracted by drying and grounding into powder form for use in products that range from those without added sweeteners or colors to ones containing added sweeteners or colours. When buying any stevia product, be sure to select one without additional sweeteners or colours that might compromise its purity.

Agave nectar is another natural sweetener made from sap harvested from an agave plant, boasting antioxidant-rich properties and having a low glycemic index – meaning it won’t spike blood sugar levels – plus being far less processed than regular sugar! When shopping for agave nectar, look for organic varieties as well as 100% agave varieties if possible.

Maple syrup makes an excellent sweetener choice for coffee as its delicious flavor pairs perfectly with its abundance of minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants. Furthermore, its low glycemic index score and source of protein make it unique among non-sucrose sweeteners. Furthermore, maple syrup dissolves easily in both hot and cold beverages alike making it the ideal solution for both iced coffee and latte recipes alike.

Coconut sugar makes an excellent addition to any coffee drinker’s arsenal, boasting an irresistibly caramel flavor while being lower on the glycemic index than conventional white sugar and made from mature coconut flesh. Foods containing healthy fats and fibre, plus B3, C, E and K vitamins can provide healthful nutrients as sweeteners. Raw, unrefined cane sugar may be the cheapest and most versatile sweetener out there as it’s completely natural with plenty of essential vitamins and minerals. Rather, opt for low glycemic options like stevia, agave syrup and honey that won’t cause your blood sugar levels to spike as dramatically. Just remember to avoid high-glycemic alternatives like fructose corn syrup and aspartame which may contain artificial sweeteners that are harmful.