Cooking with Less Sugar: Essential Pantry Staples

Fiber-Rich Fruits and Veggies: Natural Sweetness

Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are a great way to add natural sweetness to your recipes without relying on added sugars. Ripe, fresh fruits like bananas, pears, and pineapple, along with vegetables like sweet potatoes, are packed with fiber and natural sweetness. Stock up on frozen pineapple and canned sweet potatoes and pumpkin to make dishes like pineapple teriyaki short ribs and decadent double chocolate brownies.

The Power of Dates

Dates are a game-changer when it comes to low-sugar cooking. These caramel-y fruits are packed with natural sweetness and fiber, making them an ideal substitute for added sugars like brown sugar and honey. With 1.6 grams of fiber per date, they’re a nutritious and delicious addition to recipes like chewy chocolate chip cookies.

Nut and Seed Butters: Creamy Sweetness without Added Sugar

Nut and seed butters provide a rich, creamy sweetness to recipes without relying on added sugars. Look for unsweetened varieties to use in everything from no-bake energy bites to savory sauces.

Whole Milk Greek Yogurt: Moist and Tender Baked Goods

To keep low-sugar baked goods moist and tender without loading up on saturated fats, whole milk Greek yogurt is a must-have ingredient. Recipes like no sugar banana bread rely on the magical combination of Greek yogurt and dates to add moisture and natural sweetness without added sugar.

Dark Chocolate: Rich Flavor with Less Added Sugar

Bittersweet dark chocolate lends a rich, depth of flavor to recipes while containing less added sugar than its semisweet counterpart. Look for dark chocolate with at least 72% cocoa solids for the best results.

Spices: Suggesting Sweetness without Added Sugar

A well-stocked spice drawer can provide the suggestion of sweetness without added sugar in your favorite recipes. Ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract are all essential elements to have on hand.

Nuts and Seeds: Amplifying Flavor without Added Sugar

Toasting nuts is a small step that pays off when you need to amplify flavor without added sugar. Nuts also add texture, which helps round out low-sugar recipes. Look for unsalted and unsweetened varieties to add to your recipes.

By incorporating these pantry staples into your cooking routine, you’ll be able to create delicious, low-sugar dishes that are packed with flavor and nutrition.