How I Found My Favorite Sugar-Free Sweeteners That Don’t Mess With Blood Sugar

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I don’t know about you, but sugar and I have had a complicated relationship. On one hand, I love it—cookies fresh out of the oven, that splash of sweetness in my morning coffee, or the occasional soda on a hot day. But on the other hand, sugar doesn’t always love me back. It makes my energy crash, leaves me hungry again too soon, and well…let’s just say my waistband isn’t a fan either.

That’s when I started exploring artificial and natural sugar alternatives. My goal? Find sweeteners that don’t raise blood sugar levels but still let me enjoy life’s little pleasures. And let me tell you, it’s been a journey of trial, error, and some pleasant surprises. Today, I’ll share what I found—plus actual Amazon products you can pick up right now.

The First Time I Tried Stevia

The first sugar substitute I ever tried was Stevia. I still remember dropping a tiny packet into my iced tea at a diner and thinking, “This can’t possibly be enough.” But wow, was I wrong. It was sweet—like really sweet. Almost too sweet at first.

Over time, though, I got used to it. And here’s what I like: it doesn’t spike blood sugar, it’s plant-based, and a little goes a long way. Now, I keep a box of Stevia in the Raw Packets in my pantry for when friends come over. I joke that one packet could probably sweeten a swimming pool.

If you’re a coffee or tea person, stevia is a great starting point. Just be ready for that unique aftertaste. Some people notice it, others don’t—but it’s worth a try.

Erythritol: The “Almost Sugar” Sweetener

Then I stumbled onto erythritol. Imagine sugar’s identical twin—same look, same crunch, but without the drama. I use it in baking all the time because it measures almost like sugar.

The first time I made chocolate chip cookies with erythritol, I didn’t tell anyone. My family ate them, nodded approvingly, and not a soul asked, “What did you do to these?” That’s a win in my book.

If you like experimenting in the kitchen, grab a bag of NOW Foods Erythritol. It’s a lifesaver when you’re trying to cut sugar but still want to bake brownies on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Monk Fruit: The Crowd-Pleaser

Now let me tell you about monk fruit sweetener. If stevia is the quirky friend you need to get used to, monk fruit is the one everyone instantly loves. It’s sweet, clean, and without that lingering aftertaste.

I once brought a monk fruit–sweetened pumpkin pie to a holiday dinner, and nobody batted an eye. In fact, people went back for seconds. That’s when I knew monk fruit was a keeper.

One of my go-to brands is Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener. It works one-to-one like sugar, which makes swapping recipes a breeze. Plus, it doesn’t raise blood sugar, so it’s a safe choice if you’re watching carbs or glucose levels.

Allulose: The “Secret Weapon”

Here’s one not everyone knows about: allulose. It tastes and bakes like sugar but with almost no calories and no impact on blood sugar. The first time I used it, I thought I’d found a cheat code for dessert.

What blew me away was making caramel sauce with it. Normally, sugar is the star of caramel, but with allulose, you get that same rich, golden syrup without the crash later.

My favorite pick is Wholesome Allulose Sweetener. It melts beautifully, so it’s perfect for sauces, glazes, or even just sprinkling on oatmeal.

Sucralose: The Old Reliable

Of course, there’s sucralose, better known by the brand Splenda. I know, I know—some people have mixed feelings about it. But honestly, it’s one of the easiest swaps if you’re just starting out. It dissolves well, it’s widely available, and it doesn’t raise blood sugar.

I keep a pack of Splenda Packets in my bag when I travel. That way, I don’t get stuck with mystery diner sugar cubes or overly sweetened hotel coffee. It’s my little insurance policy.

Mix and Match: My Everyday Routine

Here’s the fun part—I don’t just stick to one. I mix and match depending on the situation:

Morning coffee? Stevia drops.

Baking muffins? Monk fruit or erythritol.

Homemade caramel latte? Allulose.

On the road? Splenda packets in my purse.

It’s like having a toolbox. Each sweetener has its strengths, and learning how to use them makes life a whole lot tastier without the sugar spike.

Real Talk: Do They Taste Exactly Like Sugar?

Here’s the honest truth: nothing tastes exactly like sugar. But do these come close? Absolutely. And when you start focusing on how good you feel—steady energy, fewer cravings, no mid-afternoon crash—the trade-off feels worth it.

I once thought I’d never enjoy dessert again if I cut out sugar. Now? I still have dessert. I just make it differently. And honestly, sometimes my sugar-eating friends prefer the sugar-free version. That’s when I smile and keep the secret to myself.

A Quick Heads-Up

One little tip: moderation is key. Some sugar alcohols, like erythritol, can cause digestive issues if you go overboard. Let’s just say…don’t eat half a batch of cookies by yourself unless you want to spend quality time with your bathroom. Start small, see how your body reacts, and adjust.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

If you’ve been struggling to cut back on sugar without giving up sweetness, you’ve got options—real, tasty, Amazon-deliverable options. Stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, allulose, sucralose…each has its place.

The best part? You don’t have to give up pancakes, cookies, or your favorite latte ritual. You just have to get a little creative.

Your Turn

Now I want to hear from you: have you tried any of these sweeteners? Do you have a go-to brand or a funny “oops, I used too much stevia” story? Drop your thoughts—I’d love to swap ideas and recipes. After all, finding the sweet spot (pun totally intended) is easier when we share what works.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations.I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.

2 responses to “Sweet Without the Spike”

  1. Man, my mouth is watering right now

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Wow, this is super helpful! I haven’t tried any of these sweeteners yet, but your breakdown makes me curious—especially allulose for desserts. I love the idea of having a “toolbox” and picking the sweetener based on the recipe. Definitely saving these ideas to try next time I shop!

    Liked by 3 people

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