It’s hard to eat less sugar because it’s in most items these days. It sneaks up in our breakfasts and beverages mostly; with the average cup of coffee containing over 14g of sugar.
Of course, sugar shows up in our snacks as well. Granola, yogurt, and even some chocolate has a high amount of sugar.
To reap the benefits of being sugar free, choose healthier options and give yourself time to adapt. The best part of being a human being is that you get to change your tastes/preferences over time.
Let’s get started with some tips on how to stock a sugar free pantry.
The different categories that you want to focus on are:
- sweeteners
- snacks
- butters and spreads
- beverages
- pasta & grains (because these contain a lot of carbs too)
Here’s a list of the best low sugar fruits and vegetables.
Sweeteners
You don’t need to purchase a whole list of alternative sweeteners items for a sugar-free pantry. You just need some pantry basics to replace the gap that sugar filled in your diet. Feel free to explore agave, date sugar, honey, or other sugar alternatives for your diet.
- Agave
- Coconut sugar
- Dates
- Frozen/fresh bananas (add to smoothies)
Snacks
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the popular choices that are available when we crave sweets. It’s delicious, velvety, and of course it has a ton of flavor that makes us feel satisfied. However, it also has a lot of sugar which isn’t good for us.
No worries though, if you’re trying to stop or control your sugar cravings, you can make a quick switch from milk chocolate to dark chocolate without sacrificing your chocolate addiction.
If you’re not a big fan of dark chocolate, may I suggest trying these dark chocolate KIND bars? The same chocolate bars that made me realize that dark chocolate is quite rich and delicious.
Not a fan of energy bars? Dark chocolate also pairs quite well with bananas, almonds and other nuts, nut butters, and cheese.
Tip: Try this sugar free chocolate and hazelnut smoothie for a breakfast treat.
If you like to make hot chocolate as well, consider getting an unsweetened version to avoid any sugar that may be sneaking into your diet.
Best Dark Chocolate Brands on Amazon
- ChocZero 70% Dark Chocolate
- Sugar Free Chocolate with almonds and sea salt
- Organic Sugar Free Cocoa Powder
Plain Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is a rich and creamy alternative to ice cream, which contains multiple types of sugars that we should avoid. I found out very recently that regular ice cream also contains corn syrup- which is quite frustrating. Can’t anything remain pure? *sighs*
If you have reached the same level of ‘done’ with the excess sugar and unhealthy brands, some plain Greek yogurt might be your best bet.
You can use unsweetened Greek yogurt for:
- smoothies
- pair with cobblers and fruity desserts
- chili topping
- dessert or breakfast bowl
- add to sauces
- base for salads and dips
NB- While Greek yogurt can be frozen to make it last longer, it will not turn into ice cream.
Popcorn
Popcorn a healthy dieter’s best friend. Not the packaged ones either. I’m talk the bulk yellow kernels in all their glory. Not only is this the cheaper option if you are trying to eat healthy on a budget, but also has less salt and additives, including sugar.
If you love to snack and you don’t mind pulling out a pot (no fancy equipment needed), you can pop as much as you need to satisfy your snack craving.
Raisins, Dried Cranberries, and Dates
These pantry staples are rich in nutrients and are very versatile. For a sugar free snack to give you some energy, try making energy balls with peanut butter, oatmeal, and toasted coconut, and chopped dates or dried cranberries.
Coconut Products
You can benefit a lot from having coconut in your pantry. This jewel of a plant is not only high in fiber and healthy fat but it’s also filled with other nutrients that you can get at any time during the day.
Start off the day with a coconut and berry oatmeal topped with bananas, have a coconut-flavored energy ball for a snack, and use a can of coconut milk in your next curry. You won’t regret it.
Some great coconut products are:
- Unsweetened flaked coconuts– use for toppings, snacks, cookies, energy balls, smoothies
- Coconut milk– curries, smoothies, soups
- Toasted coconut snacks– snacking, topping for oatmeal and smoothie bowls
- Coconut flour– thickens smoothies wonderfully without impacting flavor. Gluten free flour substitute.
Natural Nut Butters
You can pair peanut butter with oatmeal, toast, and fruits as a delicious sugar free breakfast or snack. If you have ever found yourself eating jam from the jar, I would not encourage you to pair peanut butter with jam, or have any types of jams or jellies in your pantry.
While nut butters can become creamy and will spread easily because of their own fat content, jams and jellies require a high amount of sugar to be made, in addition to the sugar that is already found in the fruit that is used to make it.
If you want more options for sugar free spreads, you can try:
You can start your sugar free diet by reducing the amount of processed foods and added sugar in your meals. Sugar will sneak up in coffee, tea, beverages, and cereal. Replacing these with healthier alternatives is very effective.