Refined stevia preparations (Pure Via, Truvia, others) are considered nonnutritive sweeteners — they have virtually no calories — and so may appeal to people trying to lose weight. If you eat too many sugar-free foods, you can still gain weight if these foods have other ingredients that contain calories.

48.00 tsp

In summary, honey and maple syrup are healthier options as sweeteners instead of refined sugars. Honey contains more carbohydrates, protein and calories, while maple syrup contains more fats. Honey has higher levels of iron, copper and phosphorus, but maple syrup contains more calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc.

Acesulfame-K

Truvia is often confused with stevia, a natural sweetener made from the stevia leaf. While Truvia is advertised as a stevia-based sweetener and has a name that sounds similar, Truvia and stevia are not the same thing. Truvia is the second-most-popular sugar substitute in the US.

Newer sweeteners, such as stevia (Truvia, Pure Via) have been approved as “generally recognized as safe” in the isolated chemical form. The FDA has not approved stevia leaves or “crude stevia extracts” for use as food additives.

Natural honey is often considered a better option than processed stevia. Not only is honey good for blood-sugar levels, it has many other potential benefits. These benefits include soothing coughs, and it could even reduce the effects of seasonal allergies, although these claims require more research.

Stevia is a natural sweetener linked to numerous benefits, including lower blood sugar levels. While refined extracts are considered safe, research on whole-leaf and raw products is lacking. When used in moderation, stevia is associated with few side effects and can be a great substitute for refined sugar.