Want to ditch sugar?  Switch to these 9 healthy substitutes

Raw honey is the best natural sweetener.

Maple syrup gives a unique and rich flavour.

Made from the sap of coconut palm trees, coconut sugar is unrefined and has a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar.

Dates can be mashed to make a natural date paste or chopped and added to various recipes for natural sweetness.

Use small quantities of Stevia to replace sugar. This is an intense sweet zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant.

Sugar alcohols provide sweetness without the calories and does not affect blood sugar levels.

Monk fruit extract is another natural, zero-calorie sweetener.

Choose unsulphured molasses for a healthier option. It is a byproduct of the sugar refining process and contains vital minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Ripe fruit purees such as bananas, apples, and pears can give natural sweetness and moisture to baked dishes.