Its time for the festivities to set in as they already have in all parts of the country – and as we all know, this is truly the best time of the year. Having worked in healthy baking for several years now, I am absolutely certain that while refined white sugar forms an integral part of so many sweets, it has almost zero nutrition value.

We think it adds to the flavour, but experimenting with many natural and healthy sweeteners now, has taught me that most of them have amazing flavours as well and far more nutritious.

So I thought of compiling a small table and some reading material that will give you some basic information on natural sweeteners that are being explored in baking. So be brave and experimental ! Open your minds and widen your taste palate to accept the range of delicious recipes that can be made with these natural and healthy sweeteners.

This is an indicative list, not an exhaustive one. All images have been sourced from free-images on Google.

 

Relevant links that will help you get a better idea –

http://www.lundberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Syrup-Substition-Chart.pdf

How to Bake With Brown Rice Syrup

Brown rice syrup is a liquid sweetener made from boiled, fermented brown rice. You can bake with it just as you would other liquid sweeteners, but it isn’t necessarily a one-to-one substitution. The dish’s taste and texture will be affected; the final product will have a crisper texture and possibly taste a little different if you are…
http://www.livestrong.com

 

Baking With Fruit Instead of Sugar

Reduce the amount of processed sugar in your diet without having to give up sweetness or go without your favorite baked goods. It is possible to continue to enjoy sweet treats by ditching the sugar and using fruits instead to lend a comparable sweetness to your favorite breads, cookies and cakes.
http://www.livestrong.com

 

6 healthy substitutes for white sugar

Renowned nutritionist Naini Setalvad suggests various healthy substitutes you can use instead of consuming white sugar.
http://www.thehealthsite.com

 

Alternative Sweetener: Monk Fruit — Ingredient Spotlight

Monk fruit is the latest darling of the alternative sweetener world, but what is this exotic fruit, and how does it compare to sugar and other substitutes?
http://www.thekitchn.com

 

Baking and Cooking With Sugar Substitutes – Diabetes Self-Management

You might be wondering about using sugar substitutes when you cook or bake. Can you use them, and, if so, what works best? Find out here!
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com