How To Sweeten Coffee Without Sugar

Author: Melissa Collins

Updated: October 19, 2022

There is a tried-and-true way to enjoy coffee that many people around the world have adopted: adding sugar and creamer. This makes the bold taste of coffee a little more creamy and balances out the bitterness.

However, it is beneficial to cut down on sugar intake for several different reasons. Whether you are trying to lose weight, have to watch your blood sugar, or simply want to explore other methods to flavor your coffee, there are ways you can sweeten your coffee without sugar and still enjoy it.

What Can I Use Instead Of Sugar In Coffee?

Luckily, there are many different kinds of sweeteners and substitutes that you can use instead of sugar in your coffee. These options are both artificial and natural and offer potential benefits. They can help with diabetes management, weight control, and tooth decay.

There are four main kinds of sugar alternatives:

Artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda. These don’t have calories and are reviewed by the FDA. These tend to be intense, so you need just a little bit to sweeten your coffee.
Natural sweeteners such as honey. While these are natural, they still contain a high amount of calories and can be heavily processed or refined. It’s important to moderate your consumption of natural sweeteners.
Novel sweeteners, which are from natural sources that are very highly refined. A good example is Stevia.
Sugar alcohols such as xylitol. The body doesn’t absorb sugar alcohols, which is why they are an especially good option for managing diabetes or weight.

Is Honey Better Than Sugar?

For people who are looking to lower their intake of table sugar, honey can be a convenient and natural alternative. It doesn’t raise blood sugar levels like sugar, given its lower GI value. It also tastes sweeter since it has a high level of fructose.

Suppose that you are diabetic or trying to manage your blood sugar. In this case, there are not very many benefits to swapping to honey. Honey also offers very little nutritional benefit. If you do want to try honey or discover that you actually prefer it in your coffee, try to find a raw brand. Raw honey provides more antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins than regular table sugar.

How to Sweeten Your Coffee Without Sugar

More good news: There are plenty of things you likely already have in your pantry or fridge that will make great sugar substitutes. The following are excellent sugar alternatives that will not only sweeten your coffee but can also create a unique, wonderful flavor:

Brown sugar
Cocoa powder
Honey
Maple syrup
Molasses
Cinnamon
Half and half
Sweetened condensed milk
Vanilla ice cream
Stevia
Monk fruit

Unsweetened or Sweet Coffee: Which One Is Better?

Coffee additives often depend on personal preference. However, it is widely agreed that when it comes to health, unsweetened coffee is better. Even just a little bit of sugar can make an impact on your health and your waistline. Coffee is also well known for its health benefits, such as providing energy and helping to burn fat, but these benefits are offset with the addition of sugar.

If you’re trying to get a boost of energy or want to drink coffee to support your heart health, choose black coffee or go with sugar alternatives. The coffee will still taste great and will provide the benefits you need.

How to Drink and Enjoy Coffee Without Any Sweetener

If you leave out the sweetener, there are several different ways you can still enjoy your coffee:

Change the roast. A dark roast tends to have a more bold and bitter taste. To enjoy your coffee without the sweetener, get lighter roasts that have a more light and citrusy flavor.
Try cold brew. Cold drinks are a little bit more palatable. Many people find that they can drink cold brew coffee or iced coffee completely black with no problem–yet hot coffee is more difficult to drink black. Try out a couple different kinds of coffee to see which type you enjoy without sugar.
Add a dash of cinnamon. Cinnamon and other spices such as nutmeg and cocoa powder are an easy way to add some sweetness to your coffee without increasing the sugar or calories.

Summary

There are a variety of health benefits to cutting back on sugar. Luckily, there are several ways you can use sugar substitutes or make other choices to ensure your cup of coffee is sweetened and enjoyable. Remember to experiment with different types of roasts or types of coffee drinks. You’ll also have a variety of sugar alternatives to choose from, such as cinnamon, honey, Stevia, natural sugar, and more. There are plenty of ways to sweeten your coffee without needing to reach for the white table sugar in your cupboard.

Sweet Coffee Without Sugar

Sweetened coffee tastes amazing. After all, most people need something in their coffee to balance the bitterness. However, if you are watching your sugar intake or pursuing other health improvements, even just a teaspoon of sugar in your morning coffee can add up. Try out all of the other alternatives presented in this article to get that sweet taste without the negative impact!