Coffee is one of the world's most popular drinks and is enjoyed by millions of people every day. Whether sipping a hot cup of coffee in the morning, enjoying an iced coffee on a hot summer day, or curling up with a latte on a cold night, coffee has become a popular fixture in many people's lives. .
What is even more fascinating: coffee is more than just a delicious drink! It has a wide range ofpossible health benefitsAlso. For example, it has been linked to increased mental alertness and better physical performance, which could reduce the risk of certain diseases.
While coffee is a popular beverage that brings warmth and comfort to many, but for those withDiabetes, Added sugars can pose a health problem. If you're a diabetic and you're simply missing out on this amazing drink because of the sugar, don't worry. We have the solution!
you will be happy to knowThere are many ways to sweeten coffee without sugar., making it a safe and delicious option for anyone who needs to control their blood sugar levels. Whether you're a diabetic looking for a sugar-free coffee or just trying to cut back on sugar, this article covers some easy and delicious ways to sweeten your coffee without relying on candy.
Grab a cup of coffee now and let's explore some healthy and delicious alternatives to sugar! But first, let's understand why it is important to replace sugar in coffee.
Why is coffee with sugar bad for diabetics?
Andsomeone with diabetes consumes sugar, your body works hard to properly regulate your blood sugar levels. This is because people with diabetes cannot make insulin (type 1 diabetes) or their body cannot properly use insulin (type 2 diabetes), which is needed to regulate blood sugar levels.
When sugar is added to coffee, it increases the total carbohydrate content and therefore the glycemic index of the drink. This means that consuming coffee with added sugar can cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes.
High blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia, can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, blurred vision, and increased thirst. Over time, it can also lead to more serious complications, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart disease.
For these reasons, it is important that people with diabetes carefully monitor their sugar intake and find alternative ways to sweeten their coffee, such as:natural sweeteners like stevia or adding spices like cinnamon. These small but important changes allow people with diabetes to continue enjoying their daily cup of coffee without putting their health at risk.
10 ways to sweeten coffee without sugar
There are many natural, low-calorie sweeteners that can be used to sweeten coffee without sugar.
Here are some popular options;
#1 Stevia
Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. It's up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, so a small amount goes a long way. Stevia is available in liquid or powdered form and can be added to coffee to sweeten it to your desired taste.
Stevia does not affect blood sugar levels, making it an excellent option for people with diabetes. Some people find stevia to have a slightly bitter or licorice-like taste, so it may not be the best choice for everyone.
#2 Monk Fruit Extract
monk fruit extractIt is a natural sweetener derived from monk fruit. It is up to 200 times sweeter than sugar andhas no effect on blood sugar levels, making it an excellent option for people with diabetes.
Monk fruit extract is low in calories and can be used in small amounts to sweeten coffee. It has a slightly fruity flavor and is available in liquid or powder form.
#3 cinnamon
cinnamonIt is an aromatic spice that can add a natural sweetness to coffee. It has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the flavor of coffee. demonstrated cinnamonhelp regulate blood sugar levels, making it an excellent option for people with diabetes. Cinnamon can be sprinkled over coffee or mixed in for a delicious and healthy taste.
#4 Vanilla extract
Vanilla extractIt is a natural flavor that can add a touch of sweetness to coffee. It is low in calories and has no effect on blood sugar levels. Just a few drops of vanilla extract can be added to coffee for a delicious and aromatic taste. Vanilla extract is available in most supermarkets and is a great way to add a little sweetness to your coffee without using sugar.
#5 Unsweetened almond milk
unsweetened almond milkis a low-calorie milk alternative that can be used to make coffee creamier and sweeter. It is a good option for people with diabetes since it is low in carbohydrates and sugar.
Unsweetened almond milk has a slightly sweet taste that can complement the flavor of coffee. It is available in most supermarkets and can be used in place of cream or milk to add a bit of sweetness to your coffee.
#6 nutmeg
nutmegIt is a spice derived from the nutmeg tree that can be used to add a natural sweetness to coffee. It has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the flavor of coffee.
Nutmeg can be grated or ground, then sprinkled or mixed into coffee to add a delicious and healthy flavor. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and ease digestion. Additionally, it contains essential oils that can help improve brain function and improve memory.
As such, nutmeg is a great option for those looking to add natural sweetness to their coffee without using sugar.
#7 cardamom
cardamomIt is a spice that comes from the seeds of a plant that belongs to the ginger family and can add a sweet and sour flavor to coffee. It has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the flavor of coffee.
Cardamom can be added to ground coffee before brewing or sprinkled over coffee after brewing to add a delicious and healthy flavor.
It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve digestion and reduce nausea. It also contains essential oils that can help improve oral health and freshen your breath.
#8 Coconut Milk
coconut milkIt is a creamy alternative to milk that can be used to add sweetness and creaminess to coffee. It has a slightly sweet taste that can complement the taste of coffee.
Coconut milk is low in calories and sugar, making it a good option for people with diabetes.It's also a great source of healthy fats and can help improve heart health and boost metabolism.
Best of all, coconut milk can be found in most supermarkets and can easily be used as a substitute for cream or milk in coffee to add a delicious and healthy flavor.
#9 Unsweetened cocoa powder
cocoa powderIt is a powder made from roasted and ground cocoa beans and can be used to give coffee a rich chocolate flavor. That's alllow caloriesand can be used to add sweetness and flavor without the use of sugar.
Cocoa powder is also a great source of antioxidants and can help improve heart health and reduce inflammation. It can be added to ground coffee before brewing or mixed into coffee after brewing for a delicious and healthy taste.
#10 apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegarIt is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice and can be used to add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to coffee. It has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for people with diabetes.
Apple cider vinegar can be added to coffee in small amounts to add a bit of sweetness and flavor without using sugar. It's also a great source of acetic acid, which can help improve digestion and promote weight loss.
You can easily find it in most supermarkets and you can use it to give your coffee a unique and healthy touch.
final verdict
If you have diabetes and can't drink your favorite coffee because of its sugar content, it's time to start looking for the right service alternatives. By using these low calorie natural sweeteners, coffee can be enjoyed without the added health risks associated with sugar. We have listed the best ones for you, try different sweeteners to find your favorite flavor and enjoy a healthier and tastier coffee!
This post was last updated on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 3:53 p.m.
FAQs
What can diabetics use to sweeten their coffee? ›
- Saccharin (Sweet'N Low)
- Aspartame (NutraSweet)
- Acesulfame potassium (Sunett)
- Neotame (Newtame)
- Advantame.
- Sucralose (Splenda)
- Stevia (Pure Via, Truvia)
In general, there is no reason not to choose one of the natural sweeteners that don't affect blood sugar – Stevia, monk fruit, or allulose. They are all great for people with diabetes and you can choose whichever one you think tastes the best.
What is the healthiest sweetener for diabetics? ›- Stevia.
- Tagatose.
- Sucralose.
- Aspartame.
- Acesulfame potassium.
- Saccharin.
- Neotame.
- Monk fruit.
The science suggests that neither stevia nor sucralose disrupt blood-glucose levels in the same way that sugar does. As such, both are relatively safe options for individuals who have or are at risk for developing diabetes.
What coffee creamer can diabetics use? ›- Silk Extra Creamy Almond Milk, Unsweetened.
- Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almond Milk.
- Silk Unsweetened Creamy Cashew Milk.
- Ripple Original Plant Based Half & Half.
- Califia Farms Almond Milk Creamer Unsweetened or Flavored.
- Califia Farms Unsweetened Better Half.
It is crucial to note that coffee with sugar or creamer can raise blood sugar levels. For a person with diabetes, the most healthful way to drink coffee is black or with a natural alternative sweetener.
Is Splenda OK for diabetics? ›Sucralose, stevia, monk fruit, allulose, and erythritol. None raise blood sugar levels. All are diabetes-friendly. And all are healthy sugar substitutes for folks with or without diabetes.
Is maple syrup OK for diabetics? ›Maple syrup can be used to replace other sugars that a person with diabetes adds to food, while respecting their meal plan. Numerous studies have touted the potential benefits of maple syrup or its components.
Which sweetener does not spike insulin? ›Aspartame: The oldest and most studied sweetener, aspartame has zero grams of sugar and won't spike insulin levels after it's consumed.
Is Coke Zero OK for diabetics? ›No, zero sugar soda uses artificial sweeteners, which increases people's weight. Increased weight, in turn, is linked to the worsening of diabetes. Hence, zero soda is not suitable for diabetes.
What are the worst sweeteners for diabetics? ›
The worst sweeteners include artificial sweeteners like sucralose, saccharin, and aspartame, high fructose corn syrup, agave, and brown rice syrup. It's best to avoid these sweeteners, if possible.
Can you have Coke Zero with diabetes? ›Can diabetics drink Coke Zero? Yes, diabetics can drink Coke Zero. Coke Zero is a sugar-free, low-calorie carbonated beverage that does not contain any sugar or carbohydrates. This makes it a suitable option for people with diabetes who need to carefully manage their intake of sugar and carbohydrates.
Should diabetics avoid stevia? ›Therefore, intake of stevia sweetener does not affect the blood glucose level. Unlike the low-calorie synthetic sweeteners, stevia is quite safe, non-toxic and non-mutagenic; also, it is 200-times sweeter than the regular sugar (sucrose) and calorie-free.
What sweetener tastes most like sugar? ›Erythritol Taste
Most people find that erythritol has a very similar taste to sugar and find the two indistinguishable. It even caramelizes like sugar.
Neither will affect your blood sugar levels. Nutritionally speaking, there is not much difference in these two products, so I can't say which is better. If you prefer something more natural, then you should choose Truvia.
Is Coffee Mate Zero sugar OK for diabetics? ›Coffee with sugar-free creamers can still potentially raise your glucose levels. Often, they contain chemicals from artificial sweeteners, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. It's best to consult with your dietitian and medical care provider before deciding what's safe to include in her nutrition plan.
Can diabetics drink coffee with half and half? ›What many people with diabetes add to their coffee may be the real issue. “Sugar, sweetened creamers, and high-fat milk and half-and-half can raise your blood sugar and your weight,” Brown-Riggs says.
Is Almond Milk good for a diabetic? ›Almonds and almond milk are good options for people with diabetes. Whole almond nuts, in particular, appear to provide several benefits, including superior blood sugar control, better weight management, and improved heart health. They are also a great source of magnesium.
Can people with type 2 diabetes drink coffee? ›People who have type 2 diabetes can drink coffee in moderation, although some people are more sensitive than others. Adding milk, sugar, or other sweeteners to coffee can worsen its effect on glucose.
How can I lower my A1C overnight? ›While you may want to lower your A1C levels overnight, that can't happen. It took months for your A1C to get where it is. It will take months to lower. Instead of looking for a quick fix, eat healthily and exercise regularly.
How often should a diabetic drink coffee? ›
Some people can consume 400 mg of caffeine daily without any problems. But for others, particularly those already diagnosed with diabetes, half of that may cause glucose levels to rise or fall. The general consensus is that no one should ingest more than 400 mg of caffeine per day.
Does Splenda raise a1c? ›In the short-term, artificial sweeteners won't raise your blood sugar levels, unlike high intakes of sugar. They are considered safe for diabetics ( 15 , 19 , 20 , 21 ).
Is honey good for diabetes? ›Generally, there's no advantage to substituting honey for sugar in a diabetes eating plan. Both honey and sugar will affect your blood sugar level. Honey is sweeter than granulated sugar, so you might use a smaller amount of honey for sugar in some recipes.
Is Crystal Light good for diabetics? ›Although diet soda has no calories, sugar, or fat, it has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease in several studies. Research has found that just one serving of an artificially sweetened drink per day is associated with an 8–13% higher risk of type 2 diabetes ( 22 , 23 ).
Which is better for diabetics honey or maple syrup? ›Maple syrup is a better choice than honey for people who have diabetes or blood sugar problems, for example. This happens because maple syrup has a lower glycemic index than honey. If you have certain diseases like inflammatory bowel, maple syrup can be helpful.
Is peanut butter good for diabetics? ›Peanut butter can definitely be part of a healthy diabetes diet plan. Always look for peanut butter that contains only peanuts and maybe some salt. Avoid peanut butter that includes added sugars and hydrogenated oils.
Are skinny syrups good for diabetics? ›Diabetic and Keto: All Skinny Syrups are Diabetic and Keto Friendly.
What is the only sugar that won't raise your blood sugar? ›Stevia sweeteners don't have calories and are a good choice for people trying to lose weight. They generally don't raise blood sugar levels, so they're a good sugar alternative for people with diabetes. They're available in liquid, granule, and powder forms.
How much sugar should a Type 2 diabetic have a day? ›Limit their intake of free sugarsa to less than 10% of total daily calorie (energy) intake. This is approximately 50 grams (12 teaspoons) of free sugars consumption per day based on a 2000-calorie diet. Limit intake of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) and drink water in their place.
Does maple syrup spike blood sugar? ›And while maple syrup may have a lower glycemic index than table sugar, it still raises your blood sugar — albeit more slowly.
What drinks are good for diabetics besides water? ›
- Chocolate Milk. This treat may remind you of the school lunchroom, but it's a good calcium-rich choice for grown-ups as well. ...
- Sweet Tea. ...
- Orange Juice. ...
- Chai Latte. ...
- Lemonade. ...
- Hot Chocolate. ...
- Apple Cider. ...
- Energy Drinks.
For most people living with diabetes, sugar-free sodas are safe in moderation. Resist the urge to pair something sweet or high in calories with that no-calorie beverage.
Can you eat ice cream if you are diabetic? ›In case you didn't get the memo: Yes, those of us with diabetes CAN eat ice cream. Even though some outside the diabetes community don't think so, and they try to convince us we can't or shouldn't, the fact remains that an ice cream sundae or vanilla waffle cone every once in a while isn't going to kill us.
Are sugar-free sweets OK for diabetics? ›Sugar free sweets are available and are an option for people with diabetes. It's worth checking which sweetener is used within the sweets as sugar alcohols (such as sorbitol, maltitol, erythritol and xylitol) can have laxative effects if taken in too high quantities.
What is the safest sweetener instead of sugar? ›- Acesulfame potassium (Sweet One, Sunett).
- Advantame.
- Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal).
- Neotame (Newtame).
- Saccharin (Sweet'N Low).
- Sucralose (Splenda).
- Luo han guo (Monk Fruit in the Raw).
- Purified stevia leaf extracts (Truvia, PureVia, others).
Less blood sugar impact: If you have diabetes, sugar-free candies are a better choice for keeping blood sugar stable. But don't assume they're carb-free, especially if they contain sugar alcohols. Better for your teeth: Sugar-free candies and gums pose less of a risk to your teeth than their sugary counterparts.
Is Cranberry Juice good for diabetes? ›Yes! It is a superfood for a diabetic diet. Cranberry is a low GI food with polyphenol plant micronutrient that improves insulin sensitivity therefore it is a good choice for people with diabetes. It does not spike blood sugar levels.
Can diabetics eat watermelon? ›Watermelon is safe for people with diabetes to eat in moderation. However, it is best to consume watermelon and other high GI fruits alongside foods that contain plenty of nutritious fats, fiber, and protein.
How much water should a diabetic drink daily? ›Drinking water not only fights dehydration, it can also help your body get rid of excess glucose. If you're living with diabetes, you should drink plenty of fluids — about 1.6 liters (L) or 6.5 cups per day for women; and 2 L or 8.5 glasses per day for men.
Which is healthier stevia or Truvia? ›Both come from the stevia plant, but Truvia is a bit more processed and has additional ingredients including erythritol and natural sweeteners. Otherwise, there are minimal differences; both products are calorie-free and do not cause tooth decay seen with other sweeteners.
How much stevia can a diabetic have a day? ›
How Much and How Frequently To Be Consumed? Stevia can be consumed at any time during the day. It is the best alternative to table sugar. 1 tablespoon (4.2 grams) of stevia is recommended for a diabetic everyday.
Is monk fruit better than stevia? ›Stevia may have antioxidant properties, but research shows that the mogrosides in monk fruit extract have much more powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What tastes like sugar but is not sugar? ›Xylitol looks like sugar, tastes like sugar, and responds like sugar in baking. Among the sugar substitutes, xylitol is my favorite. Though it was not as sweet as the cake sweetened with sugar, the xylitol cake's texture was tender and cake-like and the flavor was pure.
What taste like sugar but isn't sugar? ›Erythritol is another low calorie sweetener. It's a sugar alcohol found naturally in certain fruits. However, powdered erythritol available for purchase is most likely made via an industrial process. Erythritol tastes very much like sugar, although it can have a mild aftertaste.
What tastes like sugar but is healthy? ›You can use dates, fruit purées, yacon syrup, honey, and maple syrup as alternatives to sugar. Although these sweeteners may offer limited health benefits compared with refined sweeteners, any sweetener should be used sparingly.
What is the best coffee sweetener for diabetics? ›Stevia. Stevia is one of the healthiest coffee sweeteners out there. It has zero calories like most artificial sweeteners, but is still considered a natural sugar substitute. It's a good choice then for diabetics watching their blood sugar levels or those watching their weight.
What kind of honey is best for diabetics? ›If your diabetes is well managed and you want to add honey to your diet, consider choosing pure, organic, or raw natural honey if you are not pregnant or immunocompromised. These types may be safer for people with diabetes because all-natural honey does not have any added sugar.
Does Truvia spike your blood sugar? ›Truvia is almost calorie-free. The erythritol it supplies is not metabolized by your body and has no effect on blood sugar or other health markers.
Can diabetics drink coffee with stevia? ›The researchers concluded that stevia is safe for people with diabetes to use as a substitute for sugar and other sweeteners. A 2013 study in rats reported that using whole stevia leaf powder as a dietary supplement led to lower blood sugar levels.
Can diabetics use honey in coffee? ›Generally, there's no advantage to substituting honey for sugar in a diabetes eating plan. Both honey and sugar will affect your blood sugar level.
Can diabetics drink coffee with Splenda? ›
Beneficial for diabetic people
Clinical studies have shown that Spenda does not affect blood glucose levels or insulin This combined with its low-calorie and carbohydrate properties makes Splenda an ideal sugar substitute for people with diabetes.
Stevia contains high quantities of diterpene glycosides, which cannot be broken down or absorbed by the digestive tract. Therefore, intake of stevia sweetener does not affect the blood glucose level.
Which is better for diabetics sugar or Splenda? ›This sweetener is excellent for people with type 2 diabetes. That's because Splenda is 600 times sweeter than sugar, yet those little yellow packets have no effect on blood sugar, says Keri Glassman, RD, CDN, of Nutritious Life, a nutrition practice based in New York City.
What sugar substitute tastes most like sugar? ›Erythritol Taste
Most people find that erythritol has a very similar taste to sugar and find the two indistinguishable. It even caramelizes like sugar.