• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Parenting
  • Natural Living
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Book
    • Anti-Inflammatory Drinks for Health
    • I Love My Instant Pot Anti-Inflammatory Recipes
  • Resource Library
    • Get a Password

Happy Healthy Mama

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Home » Recipes » Beverages » How to Sweeten Coffee without Sugar

Last updated on January 14, 2016. Originally posted on January 14, 2016 By Maryea / 53 Comments

How to Sweeten Coffee without Sugar

2335 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

how-to-sweeten-your-coffee-without-sugarThe year was 2006 and I’d just read multiple books and articles about the detrimental effects sugar has on our body.  I decided I was cutting it out of my diet, cold turkey.  My biggest fear was the coffee. At that time I drank my coffee with copious amounts of CoffeeMate French Vanilla creamer (I was still another year away from really learning about nutrition, thus didn’t know how terrible that stuff is for me even beyond the sugar) and drinking coffee without it sounded awful.

I was a determined gal, though, and once I decide I’m going to do something, I usually do it. So one day, I threw out the creamer and didn’t look back.  Tim and I both switched to black coffee, cold turkey, and now I can’t even imagine drinking such a sweet drink first thing in the morning. Black coffee tastes delicious to me now.  It’s one of my favorite flavors in the world.

But.  I know that many of you want and need ways to sweeten your coffee without sugar.  I’ve talked to a few friends who are doing the Cut the Sugar Challenge for January and they say this is their biggest struggle. They want to enjoy their sweetened cup of coffee in the morning! So even though I personally prefer black coffee, I went to work experimenting with how to sweeten coffee without sugar.

I’m going to be straight with you.  None of these ideas will replicate your favorite cup of sweetened coffee.   If you are committed to cutting sugar from your life, though, these are some great ways to sweeten your coffee without sugar.

How to Sweeten Coffee without SugarLearn how to sweeten your coffee without sugar. Great ideas for healthy, natural coffee! No sugar in your coffee can help you lose weight and have more energy!

1.  Add cinnamon to your coffee grounds.  

Before you brew your coffee, add 1 teaspoon cinnamon for every 4 tablespoons of coffee grounds.  This is essentially going to give you unsweetened flavored coffee, but it tastes incredible and may be just the touch you need to ditch the sugar.

2.  Use stevia.

Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from the stevia plant. It is 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar, so you only need a small amount to sweeten a cup of coffee.  You just need to be careful what kind of stevia you are buying.  Some stevia products are highly processed.  Look for a kind that is made with 100% pure stevia extract and nothing else.  I recommend this kind.  The great thing about stevia is that it has 0 calories and a low glycemic index.  A con is that it can have a bitter taste.  I can handle it in small amounts, though, and sometimes use it to sweeten my green tea.

3.  Use xylitol.  

I love Xylitol.  It’s a natural sweetener that is derived from either birch trees or corn stalks, depending which brand you buy.  It’s got 1/3 the calories of sugar and has a low glycemic index.  You can use it 1-for-1 in substitution for regular sugar.  This is the kind of Xylitol I use and it’s made from non-GMO corn stalks. The downside is that it’s more expensive than sugar and not as easy to find.  This is why I don’t publish too many recipes with it.  I used it recently to sweeten a cup of hot cocoa for Meghan and she loved it. If you are hooked on a very sweet cup of coffee, this might be your best bet. Please know that xylitol is toxic for dogs and use caution if you use this and have a furry friend at your house.

4.  Add coconut cream.  

When I was experimenting with ideas for this post, I added some coconut cream to my cinnamon spiked coffee and it was heavenly.  No other sweetener was needed for my taste buds.  The coconut cream (from a can of full-fat coconut milk) added a touch of sweetness, coupled with the cinnamon flavor made a fantastic drink.  Add a touch of stevia or xylitol to this combination if you want more sweetness.

5. Use dates.  

Dates are one of my favorite natural sweeteners.  I use them to make this Vegan Hot Fudge and it rivals any sugar-sweetened fudge sauce. You can use date paste to sweeten your coffee, too! To make a date paste, cover about 2 cups of pitted dates with water.  Allow them to soak for an hour, then drain the dates and reserve the soaking liquid.  Blend the dates and add in some soaking liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you have a smooth paste.  You can stir this into your coffee for a sweet cup that also has extra fiber, iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B-6!

I know that coffee can be a major roadblock for many people who would otherwise be able to go sugar-free.  I hope if that’s you, these ideas will help you cut the sugar and still enjoy your morning cup of jo!

How do you sweeten your coffee? If you have more ideas or something that’s worked great for you, please share them in the comments!  

 

2335 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Beverages

Previous Post: « Toxin Free Cleaning Made Easy
Next Post: Cut the Sugar Challenge Update: Week 2 »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pam says

    July 26, 2022 at 9:07 am

    I have always drank my coffee black and love it but sometimes I do like a little nutty or spicy flavor. I keep cinnamon sticks in my tea/coffee area and put one in my cup for a little flavor. Also, honey is great in coffee.

    Reply
  2. Russell Volz says

    June 1, 2020 at 6:12 pm

    Maryea, I’m 100% with out about cutting sugar from our diet. Let me suggest a different alternative to your suggestions above. This is it. Ready? You don’t need or will you want sugar in your coffee if you’re drinking smooth coffee that’s already naturally sweet.

    “WHAT? Naturally sweet coffee? Can that be?” Look here’s the thing, coffee was never meant to be bitter and burnt. People put sugar and I might add cream, chocolate, caramel, or whatever into their coffee, for the single reason that they’re drinking really really bad coffee, i.e. industrial coffee like Charbucks, Yuban, Hills Brothers, etc., etc., etc.

    What you want is the smoothest coffee that you can find. By smooth, I mean, no bitter and no burnt. You do that, and you won’t want to put sugar in your coffee. It’ll already taste wonderful. Just search the internet for “Smooth Coffee”, “Smoothest Coffee”, or “Smooth Coffee Beans” and you’ll find several good choices.

    Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    June 12, 2018 at 10:21 am

    I like 1 tsp coconut oil, 1 TB butter, and 1 tsp agave syrup. blend together.

    Reply
  4. Antonia says

    April 25, 2018 at 2:44 pm

    Love this post! Thank you for the awesome tips!

    Reply
  5. Thea says

    April 12, 2018 at 4:16 pm

    Options for things to try adding to grounds as well include ginger, turmeric, orange peel, shaved coconut, slivered almonds, nutmeg and cloves

    Not all at once and no like the cinnamon they won’t sweeten it per se but they are lovely options for variations on flavorings even if you still want the sweet I’d suggest trying these first you may find with this as well you can reduce the amount of sweetener added to your coffee.

    Reply
  6. DH says

    March 18, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    What much coconut cream do you recommend per cup?

    Reply
  7. Angela says

    February 14, 2018 at 6:24 pm

    I tried to use xylitol in my coffee (I don’t mind chewing xylitol gum, so I bought crystallised xylitol from the health food store) and it literally made me want to throw up. I’m jealous that you can use it without getting nauseous because it does have a nice flavour. I might try your suggestion to use coconut cream.

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      February 15, 2018 at 11:53 am

      Oh no! 🙁 I’m sorry you had that reaction.

      Reply
  8. Timothy says

    February 8, 2018 at 8:19 am

    Can I just put raw dates in my coffee?

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      February 8, 2018 at 11:28 am

      Yes, if you blend them and make them into a paste you could stir them in.

      Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

What are you looking for?

Welcome! I'm Maryea, author of Happy Healthy Mama. I am on a mission to create the healthiest life possible for my family and inspire you to do the same! Read More…

By Category

Easy + Healthy Dinners

shaking a jar with healthy stir fry sauce

Healthy Stir Fry Sauce

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Archives

Gluten-Free

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

More Posts from this Category

Dairy-Free

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

More Posts from this Category

Vegetarian

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

an overhead shot of a bowl of overnight oats topped with blueberries

High Protein Overnight Oats

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

See More →

Vegan

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

See More →

Anti-Inflammatory

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

More Posts from this Category

Kid-Friendly

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

More Posts from this Category

Smoothies

green smoothie in a glass
Pineapple Smoothie recipe with banana and ginger
Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass
A hand grabbing a green straw that is in a tall glass with a chocolate colored smoothie
Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with a red and and white striped straw and a strawberry garnish
Cranberry Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with two straws and fresh cranberries on the table and a blue and white napkin
2 mango smoothies with turquoise paper straws
blueberry chocolate smoothie in a tall glass with chocolate and blueberries on top

More Posts from this Category

Breakfast

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

an overhead shot of a bowl of overnight oats topped with blueberries

High Protein Overnight Oats

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up view of buckwheat pancakes with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas and syrup dripping down the stack

Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

a bowl of oatmeal with a cup of coffee and a bowl of fresh apples in the background

Best Ever Apple Pie Overnight Oats

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

baked oatmeal in a dish with a spoon scooping out a serving

Peach Baked Oatmeal (Easy + Healthy!)

vegan zucchini muffins on a board

Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins

See More →

Lunch

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

Cold Busting Soup Recipe

Cold Busting Soup

overhead shot of Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

Spicy Turkey Meal Prep Bowls

Salmon Salad in a bowl with a fork

Salmon Salad Recipe

a spoonful of Greek Lemon Chicken soup coming out of bowl

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo

See More →

Dinner

shaking a jar with healthy stir fry sauce

Healthy Stir Fry Sauce

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

See More →

Desserts

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

a stack of gluten free peanut butter blossoms

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms

close up photo of a stack of cookies on a green plate

Brown Butter Snickerdoodles (Must try!)

Healthy Peanut Butter Cups (4 ingredients)

close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

serving up Simple Baked Apples Recipe whole apples and baked dish

Simple Baked Apples Recipe

Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with a bite out of one

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

how to make Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe in a red bowl

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Ganache

See More →

Snacks

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

apple cucumber salad in a white bowl with a napkin next to the bowl and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

Quick & Easy Apple Cucumber Salad

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

vegan zucchini muffins on a board

Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

Perfect Guacamole for football game entertaining

The Best Guacamole Recipe-Ever!

See More →

Salads

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

apple cucumber salad in a white bowl with a napkin next to the bowl and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

Quick & Easy Apple Cucumber Salad

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

overhead shot of Thai Salad in a white bowl with a serving spoon and a green and white napkin

Vibrant Thai Salad

Beet Salad with goat cheese recipe on a fork

Delicious Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

See More →

Soups

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

close up photo of Chickpea Soup recipe

Chickpea Soup (Easy and healthy!)

overhead shot of Red Cabbage Soup recipe in a white bowl with a navy napkin and spoon in the background

Red Cabbage Soup (Incredible!)

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

See More →

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

close up photo of honey roasted carrots and parsnips recipe

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips (Easiest ever!)

overhead shot of pear compote in a jar

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe

overhead shot of Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Quick & Easy!)

See More →

Appetizers

Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers healthy football food

Healthy Super Bowl Recipes

stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe overhead shot

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

buffalo chicken dip on a celery stick

Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip (4 ingredients!)

This Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect appetizer for your Super Bowl Party recipe line-up! No one will notice the missing calories or fat.

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Lighten up your game day and party appetizers with this SKINNY Spinach Artichoke Dip. Tastes AMAZING but with less calorie! #recipe #partyfood

Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip

More Posts from this Category

Beverages

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea in a clear mug with a lemon wheel on the rim

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

Crock Pot Hot chocolate with marshmallows

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

cranberry margarita with a sugar rim, lime wheel, and fresh cranberries

Cranberry Margarita – The Perfect Holiday Cocktail Recipe

Patritotic Sangria recipe close up in a glass with fruit

Patriotic Sangria Recipe

Simply the best margarita in the world

Simply the Best Margarita Recipe

Anti-inflammatory turmeric smoothie recipe

Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie

healthy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe in a mug

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe (Dairy Free and Sugar Free!)

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe close up of glass with lemon garnish

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

See More →

Footer

Privacy

Copyright © 2023 · Cookd Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in