Top 4 natural sweeteners

4. Molasses
What is it?
A by-product of turning sugar cane into sugar, it contains all the good stuff stripped out of white sugar. It’s not a weight-loss choice as it is only slightly lower in calories than sugar, but it packs a nutritional punch. One 25g serving contains 10% of your RDA of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc.
How do I use it?
Has quite a strong flavour so perhaps not in tea or coffee, but use like a syrup on porridge or yoghurt. You can also bake with it.

And a few more…

Maple syrup – not great for slimming, but contains calcium, manganese and iron.

Date sugar – high in calories, but also higher in fibre and vitamins/minerals than normal sugar.

Brown rice syrup – a syrup that’s not low in calories, but only contains 3-4% fructose, compared to the 90% fructose agave syrup contains, plus it’s low GI.

Honey – high in calories (330 p/100g) but contains vitamins/minerals and is anti-bacterial.

For recipes using natural sugar alternatives, try my Blackberry Yoghurt Lollies and Apricot and Oat Cookies

If you have a question for Lowri, please email lowri@lowriturner.com

Lowri Turner is a nutritionist and clinical hypnotherapist. She sees clients in North London. To make an appointment, please email lowri@lowriturner.com or go to www.lowriturner.com