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When baking, you probably use a lot of ingredients. And while they may taste great, that’s where the yummy comes to an end. All that sugar makes your whole house smell like a bakery in the middle of summer. Unless you use non-sweet ingredients, of course. Things like unrefined granulated sugar, brown sugar or even white granulated sugar offer the same sweet taste as refined sugar but don’t have any of its downsides. However, not everyone has access to these alternatives or can afford them often. That’s why this article is for you! We’re going to cover everything you need to know about choosing the best sweeteners for baking your favorite treats and desserts, from how much sweetener to use and what types of sweeteners are available on the market today.
What is a sweetener?
Sweeteners are substances that contain a small amount of calories from sugar molecules. Although sweeteners don’t contain any sugar molecules, they still impart sweetness to baked goods and beverages. There are two main types of sweeteners: sugar alcohols and sugar polyols. Sugar alcohols include sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol. These sweeteners are low in calories and very soluble in water, making them good options for beverages like syrups, smoothies and ice cream. Polyols include erythritol and maltitol. Like sugar alcohols, polyols are low in calories, but they are not as soluble in water and are therefore less likely to cause cavities in the mouth.
Types of Sweeteners for Baking
- Natural sweeteners: Natural sweeteners like honey and blackstrap molasses are actually what give your baked goods that signature sweet flavor. These are great sweeteners to use in place of regular sugar, but also make for great ingredients for healthier recipes.
- Artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like Splenda and Equal are made from chemicals and are therefore not associated with the same amount of natural sweet flavor that natural sweeteners impart. However, some studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can have negative effects on our bodies, so it’s important to use these ingredients wisely.
How Much Sweetener for Baking?
There’s no exact science to baking. In fact, there is a lot of trial and error when it comes to baking. One of the most important things you can do is to get your ingredients and tools just right. This will ensure you get the best results from your ingredients and tools. However, there is one thing you can do to help you get an idea of how much sweetener to use, and that’s to measure the amount of sugar in your ingredients. Look at the ingredient list and measure out how much sugar is in the ingredient. If the ingredient is something like sugar, honey or brown sugar, you can use those as an estimate for how much sweetener to use for baking. If the ingredient has a specific amount of sugar or sugar units listed, you can use that instead.
Choosing The Best Natural Sweetener
Natural sweeteners are pretty much the best sweeteners you can use in place of sugar. They’re low in calories and don’t contribute to tooth decay, unlike white refined sugar. However, when it comes to natural sweeteners for baking, there are two main categories to choose from: – Stevia: Native to South America, stevia is a natural herb-based sweetener that has been used for centuries to sweeten foods, beverages and as an herbal medicine. – Honey: Like stevia, honey is a natural, low-calorie sweetener that has been around for thousands of years and has been shown to have no negative side effects when consumed in moderation. Both of these natural sweeteners are great options to use in place of sugar in baked goods. If you’re allergic to tree nuts, you can also use honey instead of artificial sweeteners.
Blackstrap Molasses: A Great Option For Bakers Who Are Gluten Free
Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of the blackstrap sugar refining process and is rich in minerals, vitamins and minerals. While it’s known to add a distinct, deep-brown color to baked goods and drinks, it’s also a great option for gluten-free bakers. Blackstrap molasses has a mild caramel-like flavor and adds a rich, dark color to baked goods. It’s low in sugar and calories, making it a great choice for those on a gluten-free diet. If you’re gluten-free and are looking for a sweetener that doesn’t contribute to tooth decay, blackstrap molasses is a great option.
Brown Rice Syrup: A Good Alternative For Light Tastes
Brown rice syrup is a popular option for those looking for a natural sweetener with a mild taste. It’s made from white rice and has a similar consistency to honey, although it doesn’t have the same brownish color as blackstrap molasses. Brown rice syrup has a light, sweet flavor that’s great for light-tasting desserts and baked goods. It’s safe for diabetics because it’s not made from refined white rice, so it won’t contribute to tooth decay. Brown rice syrup is also gluten-free, making it a great option for bakers with dietary restrictions. This sweetener is sold in most grocery stores and is readily available online.
Honey: An Easy To Find, But Often Overlooked Ingredient
Honey is a natural sweetener that’s been used since ancient times. While it’s often overlooked as an ingredient, it has a rich, dark flavor that makes it great for baking. Honey has a mild, sweet flavor that’s great for light-tasting baked goods and doesn’t contribute to tooth decay, making it a great option for those on a gluten-free diet or who are allergic to tree nuts. Honey is sold in most grocery stores, but you can also find it in many health food stores. You can also order it online.
Where to Buy Your Ingredients?
If you’re looking to buy your ingredients, be sure to visit a local grocery store, farmers’ market or online retailer. This way, you can see the ingredients and get a firsthand look at exactly what’s in the product. This will give you the best chance of finding a sweetener that’s right for you and your family. If you’re looking to buy ingredients online, be sure to look for a company that sells natural sweeteners. This way, you can be sure you’re getting a product that’s free of artificial additives. There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing the best sweetener for baking, but the most important thing to remember is that you and your family are the ones who will be eating the results.
