© Shutterstock

Stevia -

Stevia quickly became a favorite as a sugar alternative. The sweetener is extracted from a plant called Stevia rebaudiana.

© Getty Images

Stevia -

But most products on the market are not actually made from stevia leaves. Instead, they are made of a refined stevia leaf extract called rebaudioside A (Reb-A).

© Shutterstock

Stevia -

Stevia has virtually no calories and also no nutrients. It has a particular aftertaste that some people don't like, but it's generally safe to use.

© Getty Images

Aspartame -

Aspartame is a very popular artificial sweetener, and has been for many years. Aspartame is essentially made of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine.

© Shutterstock

Aspartame -

Aspartame is the industry standard when it comes to diet sodas, as well as other sugar-free drinks and foods.

© Shutterstock

Aspartame -

Many people also use it as a tabletop sweetener. Although its use has been associated with increased cancer risk, studies show no evidence that this is indeed the case.

© Shutterstock

Agave syrup -

This sweet nectar is extracted from various species of agave plants, including the agave tequilana (aka blue agave), which is used to make tequila!

© Shutterstock

Agave syrup -

Contrary to popular belief, this is quite a heavily-processed type of sugar, as the nectar extracted from the plant needs to be filtered to obtain the syrup.

© Shutterstock

Agave syrup -

Agave syrup is exceptionally high in fructose, which is not great news for your body. High fructose consumption has been linked to a number of conditions, ranging from insulin resistance, to heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

© Shutterstock

Honey -

Humans have been using honey for millennia. It's a natural product, but can sometimes be processed, depending on the type of honey you consume.

© Shutterstock

Honey -

It's traditionally used to substitute table sugar in beverages, to cook, and it's added to a number of foods, such as pancakes.

© Shutterstock

Honey -

Honey is high in calories, with one tablespoon containing around 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. Though it is also very rich in antioxidants, as well as containing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

© Shutterstock

Sucralose -

You might recognize sucralose by its most famous brand name, Splenda.

© Shutterstock

Sucralose -

About 600 times sweeter than sugar, it became a popular sugar substitute.

© Shutterstock

Sucralose -

While commonly used in baking, more recent studies suggest that, when subject to high temperatures, sucralose might not be as safe as previously thought, as it starts to break down and may produce harmful compounds.

© Shutterstock

Coconut sugar -

Coconut sugar is commonly used for baking. Unlike other refined sugars, it actually contains some minerals, such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.

© Shutterstock

Coconut sugar -

It's also a source of inulin, which is a fiber that slows digestion and blood sugar and also makes you feel fuller.

© Shutterstock

Coconut sugar -

Although it has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, it has quite a high percentage of fructose, which, as explained previously, is not ideal.

© Shutterstock

Xylitol -

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, which means that it's not digested by the body and doesn't raise blood sugar levels, so any calories you ingest from it don't really count.

© Shutterstock

Xylitol -

Xylitol can, however, cause digestive distress, gas, and bloating. Xylitol is commonly used in chewing gums, for both its sweetness and because it's actually good for your teeth.

© Shutterstock

Xylitol -

Xylitol helps prevent tooth decay and reduce plaque buildup. It does so by essentially starving the harmful bacteria in your mouth.

© Shutterstock

Erythritol -

Erythritol is also a sugar alcohol. It contains even less calories than xylitol, making it virtually calorie free.

© Shutterstock

Erythritol -

One of the positives of erythritol is that it tastes very similar to regular table sugar.

© Shutterstock

Erythritol -

Unlike other sugar alcohols, the majority of erythritol never reaches the colon. It simply is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted in urine.

© Shutterstock

Monk fruit sweetener -

Unlike other types of natural sweeteners, what's extracted from this Asian fruit does not contain glucose or fructose.

© Shutterstock

Monk fruit sweetener -

Instead, monk fruit sweetener gets its sweetness from antioxidants called mogrosides.

© Shutterstock

Monk fruit sweetener -

No sugar means that it has zero calories. And although more research is needed, a 2013 study suggests that mogrosides may help reduce oxidative stress.

© Shutterstock

Maple syrup -

Maple syrup is a sweetener extracted from the sap of maple trees. You probably know it better as a topping for pancakes and other foods.

© Shutterstock

Maple syrup -

It can be processed to different degrees, with darker grades usually being less processed. Maple syrup is actually quite high in sugar.

© Shutterstock

Maple syrup -

In its pure form (some syrups on the market have added sugars), it contains some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

© Shutterstock

Bottom line -

Whatever your choice, moderation is key. Though it should be noted that a calorie is a calorie. Consuming the same amount of calories from table sugar or an exotic alternative will have the exact same effect in terms of caloric consumption.

Sources: (Women's Health) (Healthline)

See also: How to actually cut sugar out of your diet

© Shutterstock