When 'sugar' is referred to in the media it is typically referring to the highly processed white sugar found in many processed foods and usually in shockingly high amounts. Even foods presumed to be healthy such as low fat yoghurt and breakfast cereals all contain excessive amounts of added sugar.
So what’s the big deal you may ask?
There are numerous health implications of consuming too much sugar ranging from unsteady energy levels and increased dental cavities through to metabolic syndrome, diabetes and even heart disease. But even the most health conscious individual may not be aware of the amount of sugar hiding in their everyday foods especially if they come in a packet. The best way to avoid consuming these hidden sugars is to consume a diet rich in natural, whole and unprocessed foods. Making your own meals and snacks allows you to take control of your sugar consumption and will without a doubt help improve your overall health and general wellbeing.
Here at Matakana SuperFoods we want to help you live your life to the fullest which is why we have such an extensive range of natural sugar alternatives. Our range includes Pure Coconut Sugar and Nectar, Stevia, Lucuma, Monk Fruit and Yacon Root Powder.
As all of our natural sugar alternatives have different benefits and tastes we have developed the table below for a quick comparison. So whether you’re looking for a product that has no impact on blood glucose levels or the perfect sweet substitute when baking healthy treats we have the product for you!
| Description | Effect on blood glucose levels | Taste and Uses | |
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Pure Coconut Sugar
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Coconut sugar is a natural sugar derived from the flower stem of the coconut tree (cocos nucifera). It is not highly processed as no additives, bleaching agents, or any chemicals are needed to make it. It is sustainably harvested. It is not the same as ‘Palm sugar’*. |
Pure coconut sugar has a LOW GI rating of around 35 |
Easy 1:1 ratio when replacing regular sugar.
Has a delicious caramel taste similar to that of brown sugar.
Perfect substitute for wherever regular sugar is used such as in baking or in tea and coffee. |
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Coconut Sugar Sachets
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Same as above but in convenient 4 gram sachets. Easy to carry around with you and help with portion control. |
Same as above. |
Ideal for active people who require a quick energy hit as it contains electrolytes Perfect to take to work or cafes and enjoy with your regular hot beverages. |
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Coconut Nectar
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Coconut Nectar is the concentrated sweet sap of the coconut flower stem. | LOW GI rating of around 35-40. |
Has a delecious sweet caramel taste. Perfect to use in place of maple syrup, honey and sugar. |
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Stevia
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Stevia is a sugar free, natural plant sweetener made from the stevia leaf and is 200 - 300 times sweeter than refined sugar. Zero calories Used for centuries in Asia as a sugar substitute. |
Stevia gets its unique sweetness from its naturally occurring steviosides. These compounds have no effect on blood glucose as they are not absorbed into the blood stream. |
Only a very small amount of Stevia powder is required to reach desired sweetness. 1 teaspoon of pure stevia is equal to 1 cup of regular sugar. Ideal for people wanting to reduce their sugar intake such as diabetics or low carb dieters. Pleasant sweetness but with a distinct bitter aftertaste. |
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Lucuma
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Lucuma Powder is made from whole Peruvian lucuma fruit that has been dried at low temperatures and milled into a fine powder. Traditionaly known as "Gold of the Incas", as it is an excellent source healthy carbohydrates. It contains beta-carotene, vitamin B3, zinc, fibre, iron, calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals. |
LOW GI with only 2 grams of natural fruit sugar for every 11 grams of carbohydrate. |
Good alternative to regular sugar for the health conscious individual including diabetics. Taste is delicious but quite unique, with some people comparing it to maple syrup or apricot. Perfect addition to smoothies and baking. |
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Monk Fruit |
Monk Fruit Powder is a sugar-free sugar substitute which is considered to be 200 times sweeter than sugar. Traditionally grown in China and Southeast Asia. Has been used in herbal medicine since the 13th century. |
Monk fruit does not get its sweetness from sugar, therefore does not lift blood sugar levels. The sweetness comes from its unique chemical called mogroside. |
Only a very small amount of Monk fruit powder is required to reach desired sweetness Ideal for people wanting to reduce their sugar intake such as diabetics or low carb dieters. Pleasant sweetness with no bitter aftertaste. |
Yacon Root |
Is a tasty root vegetable originating in Peru. It is rich in fructooligosaccharides (FOS) which act as a prebiotic. It is low calorie. |
Yacon Root is naturally LOW GI. Its FOS sugars are not absorbed through to the blood stream. They instead provide important nutrients to beneficial microflora of the colon, supporting healthy bowel function, calcium absorption and healthy cholesterol levels. |
Yacon Root Powder is suitable for the whole family and especially for those requiring less sugar in their diet. Can be added to smoothies, baking, and desserts. A perfect substitute for icing sugar. Ideal prebiotic for people wanting to improve their gut health. Has a subtle crisp, sweet taste. |
* Matakana SuperFoods Pure Coconut sugar only comes from the coconut palm tree whereas ‘palm sugar’ contains sugar from a range of different palm trees and therefore does not contain the same health benefits that pure coconut sugar does.