Turbinado Sugar Substitutes: Equally Empty Calories

Searching for turbinado sugar substitutes that won't derail your healthy eating goals? You might be surprised to learn that many of the alternatives pack just as many empty calories, without any added nutritional benefits.

What is Turbinado Sugar?

Turbinado sugar, also known as raw sugar, is a partially refined sugar that retains some of the molasses from the sugarcane. This gives it a golden-brown color and a subtle caramel flavor.While turbinado sugar is often marketed as a healthier alternative to white sugar, the truth is that it's not much different nutritionally. Both turbinado and white sugar contain about 16 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates per teaspoon, with no significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Common Turbinado Sugar Substitutes and Their Drawbacks

So, what can you use in place of turbinado sugar? Here are some popular options and why they might not be any better for your health:
  • Brown Sugar: Made by adding molasses to refined white sugar, brown sugar has a similar calorie and carbohydrate content to turbinado sugar. It also lacks any significant nutritional value.
  • Coconut Sugar: While it does contain small amounts of nutrients like iron, zinc, and antioxidants, coconut sugar is still mostly empty calories. It also has a high glycemic index, meaning it can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.
  • Honey: Although more natural than refined sugars, honey is still high in calories and sugar. One tablespoon contains about 64 calories and 17 grams of carbohydrates, with minimal amounts of vitamins and minerals.
  • Maple Syrup: Like honey, maple syrup is a natural sweetener that's high in sugar and calories. One tablespoon contains about 52 calories and 12 grams of carbohydrates, with no significant nutritional benefits.
While these turbinado sugar substitutes may work well in recipes, they won't do your waistline or your overall health any favors.

The Problem with Added Sugars

The real issue with turbinado sugar and its substitutes isn't just the empty calories – it's the fact that they're all added sugars. Added sugars are those that are added to foods during processing or preparation, as opposed to the naturally occurring sugars found in fruits and vegetables.Consuming too many added sugars has been linked to a host of health problems, including:
  • Obesity and weight gain
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Tooth decay
  • Inflammation and oxidative stress
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men. To put that in perspective, a single 12-ounce can of soda contains about 10 teaspoons (40 grams) of added sugar.

A Smarter Sweetener Solution

If you're looking to cut back on added sugars without sacrificing sweetness, consider Sweetein. This natural, plant-based sweetener is:
  • 5000x sweeter than sugar
  • Zero calorie, zero carb, and zero glycemic
  • Made from 100% sweet vegetable protein
  • Free from artificial ingredients and fillers
Unlike turbinado sugar and its substitutes, Sweetein won't contribute to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, or other health issues associated with added sugars. It's a smarter choice for anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake without compromising on taste.

Tips for Reducing Added Sugars

In addition to using Sweetein in place of turbinado sugar and other sweeteners, there are plenty of other ways to cut back on added sugars:
  • Read food labels carefully and choose products with little or no added sugars
  • Swap sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice for water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water with a splash of fruit
  • Snack on whole fruits instead of candy, cookies, or other sugary treats
  • Use spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to add flavor to foods without added sugars
  • Cook more meals at home using whole, unprocessed ingredients
By making small changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can dramatically reduce your intake of added sugars and improve your overall health.

The Bottom Line on Turbinado Sugar Substitutes

While turbinado sugar may seem like a healthier choice than white sugar, the reality is that it's not much different nutritionally. And many of the common substitutes, like brown sugar, coconut sugar, honey, and maple syrup, are just as high in empty calories and added sugars.To truly improve your health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases, it's important to limit your intake of all added sugars, regardless of the source. Opting for a natural, zero-calorie sweetener like Sweetein can help you satisfy your sweet tooth without the negative health consequences.So, the next time you're tempted to reach for turbinado sugar or one of its substitutes, remember: your body deserves better. Choose Sweetein and enjoy the sweet life without the empty calories and added sugars.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.