Here are four natural (i.e. derived from plant sources rather than chemicals) sugar subtitutes:
- Agave Nectar
- Erythritol
- Stevia
- Xylitol
I know we're conditioned to think of names that end in "-ol" as sugar alchohols, but these two are NOT. I found a great article in my Ideal Bite (a daily newsletter with tips on tiny ways to help the environment) that described these natural sweeteners. Check it out!
Personally, I still haven't tried Stevia. I'm not sure why I'm nervous about it. But I've used all of the others. I found Erythritol and Xylitol in granulated forms in the health food section of my grocery store and also online at www.netrition.com. I also found a powdered version of Erythritol at that site, which was very exciting! I haven't used the powdered version yet but am hopeful that it'll make some kinds of baking more possible!
What are your experiences with these natural sweeteners?