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10 Best Sugar Alternatives & Substitutes (2026 Guide)

Sugar: table sugar (sucrose), about 16 calories per teaspoon. Here are 10 alternatives. Every option links to its own alternatives, so you can keep exploring.

Last reviewed October 19, 2026 · 10 alternatives

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#10

Aspartame

Low-calorie artificial sweetener; IARC called it "possibly carcinogenic" in 2023 while WHO's JECFA kept its daily intake limit unchanged; unsafe for people with PKU
+ Artificial+ Zero calorie

Keep exploring

Alternatives to the alternatives — each link opens its own list.

Sugar alternatives: FAQs

What is Sugar?

Table sugar (sucrose), about 16 calories per teaspoon. It is listed in our Sugar Substitutes category.

What are the best alternatives to Sugar?

The top options in our list are Stevia, Monk fruit, Allulose, Erythritol and Xylitol. The right choice depends on which features, platforms and price matter most to you.

Which alternative should I look at first?

Start with Stevia, the first option on our list (plant-derived, zero-calorie sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar).

Which Sugar alternatives are zero-calorie?

Stevia, Monk fruit, Erythritol, Sucralose and Aspartame.

Which Sugar alternatives are low in calories?

Allulose and Xylitol.

Which Sugar alternatives are plant-based?

Stevia, Monk fruit, Maple syrup and Coconut sugar.

Which Sugar alternatives are natural sweeteners?

Honey, Maple syrup and Coconut sugar.

Which Sugar alternatives are sugar alcohols?

Erythritol and Xylitol.

Which Sugar alternatives are artificial sweeteners?

Sucralose and Aspartame.

What other Sugar alternatives are worth a look?

Beyond the top five, consider Sucralose, Honey, Maple syrup, Coconut sugar and Aspartame.

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