How to Choose the Best Sweetener for Smoothies

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Smoothies are a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables, and they can be customized to include whatever ingredients you like, but you may not like the taste. Today we will help you choose the best sweetener for smoothies that works for you.

One important factor in determining the taste of your smoothie is the sweetener you use. There are many different ways to sweeten a smoothie, so how do you choose the best one for you? In this article, we will look at the different types of sweeteners available and how to choose the best one for your needs.

various forms of natural sweeteners

What Can I Use to Sweeten a Smoothie?

There are many different options available for sweetening a smoothie. What we want to steer clear of is added sugar (not natural sugar) such as processed sugar (white sugar/table sugar), cane sugar, corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup.

A lot of smoothie restaurants have delicious smoothies, like Smoothie King or Tropical Smoothie, but their smoothies are often loaded with sugar.

Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to make a smoothie sweeter:

Fresh or Frozen Fruit

Healthy and useful colorful berry cokctalis, smoothies and milkshakes with yogurt, fresh fruit and berries on gray table

This is my personal favorite because not only are you getting natural sugars, you also are getting a ton of nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Most of my smoothies include a frozen banana because it not only adds natural sweetness but also a creamy texture to the smoothie.

If you are looking to sweeten your smoothie, reach for sweeter fruits such as banana, mango, and pineapple. These also work great in combination with citrus (orange, grapefruit, etc) as well as berries such as strawberries, raspberries or blackberries, which aren’t as sweet but contain lots of nutrients.


Dried Fruit

Organic Healthy Assorted Dried Fruit on a Plate

Dried fruit is a great way to sweeten a smoothie and add some extra fiber. Just remember to watch the sugar content as some brands can add extra sugar during the drying process, such as dried pineapple and mango (these always tend to have sugar on their ingredient lists).

My favorite dried fruits to use in smoothies are dates, figs and raisins. I often will soak them in water for a few minutes to rehydrate them and then add them to the blender with the other smoothie ingredients.


Honey

Fresh honey with honeycomb, lemons, oranges, cinnamon, vanilla, anise star

Honey is a great natural sweetener and has many health benefits. It’s important to use raw honey as it has more nutrients than processed honey. Raw honey is also said to help with allergies, so if you suffer from seasonal allergies, this might be a good option for you.


Maple Syrup

delicious maple syrup made in vermont and canada

Maple syrup is another great natural sweetener with a unique flavor. It’s perfect for fall smoothies or holiday-themed smoothies.

To keep the sugar content down, I like to use pure maple syrup or look for brands that only have one ingredient: 100% pure maple syrup.


Agave Nectar

bottle of pure agave syrup

Agave is a great alternative for those who are looking for a vegan option or have a sensitivity to honey. It’s important to note that even though agave is derived from plants, it does contain fructose so it’s important to use it in moderation.


Fruit Juice

fresh oranges and juice

Fruit juice is often used as a base for smoothies, but it can also be used to sweeten them. Just be sure to check the label as some fruit juices can have added sugar. Some of our favorite options are orange juice, pineapple juice and apple juice.


Monk Fruit

dried monk fruit, luo han guo, and monk fruit sugar crystals

Monk fruit is a new player on the sweetener scene and it’s said to be up to 200 times sweeter than regular sugar. It’s important to note that monk fruit is a sugar substitute that doesn’t have any calories and has a very low glycemic index, so it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

One downside of monk fruit is that it can be hard to find and it can be pricey, but in my opinion it’s worth it as this also works well in baking and a lot of other applications. It’s my favorite natural sweetener (besides fruit and other whole ingredients).

Learn more about monk fruit here


Stevia

Stevia plant with powder on wooden board

Stevia is another calorie-free sweetener that is derived from plants. It’s often used in baking and has a very sweet taste, so a little goes a long way.

I like to use stevia in powder form or liquid drops as this makes it easier to control the sweetness level.


Coconut Sugar

Bowl and spoon of coconut sugar on wooden background

Coconut sugar is derived from the sap of the coconut palm and has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, so it doesn’t cause spikes in blood sugar.

It’s a great alternative to refined sugar and can be used in baking or to sweeten smoothies.


Related: How to Make Vegetable Smoothies Taste Better

Other Ways to Add Flavor to Smoothies Without Sugar

In addition to sweeteners, there are other ways to add flavor to smoothies.

Vanilla

vanilla beans on burlap

Vanilla is a great way to add sweetness without any sugar. It also pairs well with other flavors such as chocolate, strawberry and even coffee.

Vanilla naturally tastes sweet when added to other ingredients, so it could help you reduce the amount of sweetener you put in your smoothies.


Cinnamon

Organic Raw Brown Cinnamon on a Dark Background

Cinnamon is another great way to add flavor and sweetness to a smoothie. It’s perfect for fall and winter smoothies as it has a warm flavor.

Cinnamon is also said to have many health benefits such as helping to regulate blood sugar levels, so it’s a great option for those who are looking to watch their sugar intake.


Protein Powder

scoop of protein powder

Adding protein powder to your smoothie is a great way to add flavor and make it more filling. It’s perfect for post-workout smoothies or breakfast smoothies.

There are many different types of protein powder on the market, so be sure to choose one that fits your dietary needs – and watch out for added sugars and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, which should be avoided.


Nut Butter

Peanut butter on wooden background, close-up.

Nut butter such as almond butter or peanut butter is a great way to add creaminess and flavor to a smoothie. It’s also a good source of healthy fats and protein.

Just be sure to watch out for added sugars and choose a nut butter that only has nuts and salt as the ingredients, although we do use the no-stir natural peanut butters that have a few other ingredients because I hate to stir it.


Ginger

fresh and powdered ginger on wooden table

Ginger is a great way to add flavor and sweetness to a smoothie. It’s perfect for those who are looking for an alternative to cinnamon or other spices.

Ginger is also wonderful for digestion and has many other health benefits, so it’s a great addition to any smoothie.


Mint Leaves

Fresh mint leaves on wooden board, closeup

Mint leaves are a great way to add flavor and sweetness to a smoothie. They’re perfect for those who are looking for an alternative to chocolate or other sweet flavors.

Mint leaves also have many health benefits such as aiding in digestion and helping to relieve stress, so they’re a great addition to any smoothie.


Dark Chocolate

Rustic dark chocolate and cacao beans

Dark chocolate is a great way to add sweetness and flavor to a smoothie. It’s perfect for those who are looking for an alternative to milk chocolate or other sweeteners.

Dark chocolate also has many health benefits such as being rich in antioxidants and helping to lower blood pressure, so it’s a great addition to any smoothie. Look for varieties with at least 60% cocoa, preferably more.


How to Choose the Best Sweetener for Your Needs

Now that you know the different types of sweeteners available, how do you choose the best sweetener for smoothies for your needs?

The best way to choose a sweetener is to consider the following factors:

Your personal preferences: What type of taste are you looking for? Do you want something that is natural or artificial? Sweet or not too sweet?

The type of smoothie you’re making: If you’re making a green smoothie, you might want to go with a less sweet option such as stevia or honey. If you’re making a fruit smoothie, you might want to go with something sweeter like dates or agave.

Your health needs: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you might want to go with a natural sweetener like honey, monk fruit or stevia. If you’re looking for health benefits, you might want to go with a less processed option like dates or figs.

Tips for Using Different Sweeteners in Smoothies

Now that you know the different types of sweeteners available, here are some tips for using them in smoothies:

  • No matter what type of sweetener for smoothies you choose, be sure to add it slowly and taste as you go to avoid making your smoothie too sweet. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there!
  • As you continue drinking smoothies, you’ll usually find that you need less and less sweetener as your taste buds adjust to the taste. Fruit smoothies usually don’t need any additional sweeteners once you get used to them.
  • If you’re using a liquid sweetener like honey or agave, be sure to add it after you’ve blended the other ingredients so it doesn’t get stuck to the bottom of the blender.
  • Dried fruit such as dates, figs, and raisins are a great way to sweeten smoothies naturally. Be sure to soak them in water for a few hours or overnight before adding them to the blender so they’re easy to blend.
  • If you’re using fresh fruit, frozen fruit, or juice to sweeten your smoothie, be sure to add them at the beginning and blend until smooth.

Final Thoughts on How to Choose the Best Sweetener for Smoothies

When it comes to sweetening smoothies, there are many different options available. The best sweetener for smoothies will depend on your personal preference and dietary needs. Be sure to experiment with different sweeteners to find the perfect combination for you.

Happy Blending!
Amanda

Similar Posts