Out of Simple syrup, one case
Healthy simple syrup substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Stevia
¼ tsp for every 1 tbsp simple syrup
The best healthy substitutes for simple syrup are stevia, monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, and natural options like agave nectar and honey. Use smaller amounts as they're much sweeter than sugar.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- low-calorie cocktails
One casethe full simple syrup card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tbsp simple syrup | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stevialow-calorie cocktails | ¼ tspYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Monk fruit sweetenerlow-calorie cocktails | ½ tspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Erythritollow-calorie cocktails | Same amountDissolved in waterWorks | Works |
| 4 | Agave nectarnatural sweetener | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Honeynatural sweetener | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Stevia
different taste and texture
Natural, zero-calorie sweetener extracted from the stevia plant. Much sweeter than sugar, so use very small amounts.
- Best for
- low-calorie cocktails, diabetic-friendly drinks, weight loss, sugar-free beverages
Stevia is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, so use very small amounts. It has a slight aftertaste that some people don't like. Start with ¼ tsp and adjust to taste.
Monk fruit sweetener
similar taste, different texture
Natural, zero-calorie sweetener extracted from monk fruit. Has a clean, sweet taste without the aftertaste of stevia.
- Best for
- low-calorie cocktails, diabetic-friendly drinks, keto-friendly beverages, clean eating
Monk fruit sweetener is 150-200 times sweeter than sugar, so use small amounts. It has a clean taste without the aftertaste of stevia. Start with ½ tsp and adjust to taste.
Erythritol
similar taste and texture
Natural sugar alcohol with zero calories and no impact on blood sugar. Has a clean, sweet taste similar to sugar.
- Best for
- low-calorie cocktails, diabetic-friendly drinks, keto-friendly beverages, when you want sugar-like taste
Erythritol has a clean taste similar to sugar and no aftertaste. It's about 70% as sweet as sugar, so you might need slightly more. It dissolves easily in water.
Agave nectar
similar taste and texture
Natural sweetener with lower glycemic index than sugar. Contains some nutrients and has a neutral flavor.
- Best for
- natural sweetener, lower glycemic index, neutral flavor, cocktails and beverages
Agave nectar has a lower glycemic index than sugar and contains some nutrients. It's slightly sweeter than simple syrup, so you might use 10-15% less. It has a neutral flavor.
Honey
different taste, similar texture
Natural sweetener with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Contains some vitamins and minerals.
- Best for
- natural sweetener, antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, floral flavor
Honey contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. It's slightly sweeter than simple syrup and has a floral flavor. It also contains some vitamins and minerals.
How it behaves in this recipe
When looking for healthy substitutes for simple syrup, the key considerations are calorie content, glycemic index, and nutritional benefits. Zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol are the healthiest options as they have no impact on blood sugar or calories. Natural options like agave nectar and honey are also healthier than refined sugar, containing some nutrients and having lower glycemic indexes.
Tips for substituting simple syrup
9 tips- For zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, start with very small amounts and adjust to taste
- Natural sweeteners like agave and honey are still high in calories, so use them in moderation
- When using stevia or monk fruit, you might need to add a little water to achieve the right consistency
- Erythritol can be used 1:1 with sugar, but it's only 70% as sweet, so you might need slightly more
- For diabetic-friendly options, stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol have no impact on blood sugar
- Agave nectar has a lower glycemic index than sugar, making it a better choice for blood sugar control
- Honey contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties, making it a healthier choice than refined sugar
- Store natural sweeteners in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality
- For keto-friendly options, stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol are all keto-approved
Notes on simple syrup
- Use stevia or monk fruit for zero-calorie, zero-impact options
- Try erythritol for sugar-like taste without calories
- Use agave nectar for lower glycemic index
- Try honey for natural sweetness with antioxidants
- Consider xylitol for dental health benefits
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the healthiest substitute for simple syrup?
The healthiest substitutes for simple syrup are stevia, monk fruit sweetener, and erythritol, as they have zero calories and no impact on blood sugar. Natural options like agave nectar and honey are also healthier than refined sugar.
Can you substitute stevia for simple syrup?
Yes, stevia can substitute for simple syrup, but use very small amounts as it's 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. Start with ¼ tsp per 1 tbsp of simple syrup and adjust to taste.
What's a low-calorie substitute for simple syrup?
For low-calorie options, use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol. These have zero calories and no impact on blood sugar. Natural options like agave nectar and honey are also lower in calories than refined sugar.
Can you substitute monk fruit for simple syrup?
Yes, monk fruit sweetener can substitute for simple syrup. It's 150-200 times sweeter than sugar, so use small amounts. Start with ½ tsp per 1 tbsp of simple syrup and adjust to taste.
What's a diabetic-friendly substitute for simple syrup?
For diabetic-friendly options, use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol, as they have no impact on blood sugar. Agave nectar also has a lower glycemic index than sugar.
Can you substitute erythritol for simple syrup?
Yes, erythritol can substitute for simple syrup. It's about 70% as sweet as sugar, so you might need slightly more. It has a clean taste similar to sugar and no aftertaste.