Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Thankfully, desserts and baked goods can absolutely be part of a healthy, balanced diet. This is exactly why to be sweet to yourself is in our Food Philosophy — we only sweeten our food and beverages with natural, minimally-processed sweeteners—like coconut sugar, maple syrup and honey.
If you’re curious to learn more about natural sweeteners, then read on!
It’s important to understand that all sugar—whether it’s refined sugar or a natural sweetener—is going to elevate blood sugar, and should therefore be eaten in moderation. However, natural sugars may offer unique benefits in that they tend to be higher in minerals, higher in antioxidants, and tend to rank lower on the glycemic index. There are also sugar alternatives, like monk fruit and stevia, that don’t contain sugar or calories, so they provide sweetness without negatively impacting blood sugar.
Another consideration is that a lot of baked goods and treats that use natural sweeteners also tend to use less sweeteners in general, and use other whole foods to help regulate the impact on blood sugar. For example, Impact’s Almond Protein Brownie contains both protein and healthy fats to help slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
Not only does maple syrup have a delicious and distinguishable flavour, it also happens to be higher in antioxidants—especially the darker the maple syrup. Maple syrup also contains several minerals like zinc and manganese.
Try it at Impact: Banana Bread
Research on honey demonstrates that it may be better for blood sugar levels than refined sugar. Honey is also rich in antioxidants, like flavonoids, and it also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Try it at Impact: Honey + Almond Butter Toast
It’s important to understand that all sugar—whether it’s refined sugar or a natural sweetener—is going to elevate blood sugar, and should therefore be eaten in moderation. However, natural sugars may offer unique benefits in that they tend to be higher in minerals, higher in antioxidants, and tend to rank lower on the glycemic index. There are also sugar alternatives, like monk fruit and stevia, that don’t contain sugar or calories, so they provide sweetness without negatively impacting blood sugar.
Another consideration is that a lot of baked goods and treats that use natural sweeteners also tend to use less sweeteners in general, and use other whole foods to help regulate the impact on blood sugar. For example, Impact’s Almond Protein Brownie contains both protein and healthy fats to help slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
Not only does maple syrup have a delicious and distinguishable flavour, it also happens to be higher in antioxidants—especially the darker the maple syrup. Maple syrup also contains several minerals like zinc and manganese.
Try it at Impact: Banana Bread
Research on honey demonstrates that it may be better for blood sugar levels than refined sugar. Honey is also rich in antioxidants, like flavonoids, and it also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Try it at Impact: Honey + Almond Butter Toast
A natural sugar made from the sap of coconut palm, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than white sugar. It also contains additional minerals like iron, calcium, zinc and potassium.
Try it at Impact: Chocolate Sea Salt Cookie
Typically bought dried, dates are a fruit from the date palm tree, and provide a sweet, chewy texture to baked goods. Dates are very high in fibre, and also contain minerals including potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese and iron.
Try it at Impact: Lift Smoothie
Made from the extract of monk fruit, monk fruit sweetener is 100-250 times sweeter than white sugar, but with zero calories it won’t spike your blood sugar, making it an effective and healthy sugar alternative.
Try it at Impact: Impact Everyday Protein Powder
If you’re looking for some healthy sweet treats, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of Impact’s other most popular treats:
Chia Pudding
MCT Bar
Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie
Protein Cookie
Impact Bar
Grainless Granola
What is your favourite thing to reach for when you’ve got a craving for something sweet?
