What is it? Sap from Mexico's blue agave plant, concentrated into a syrup with a neutral flavor milder than honey.
Nutritional profile: 300 kcal/100g, rich in minerals, potent sweetening power, and low glycemic index.
Kitchen uses: Perfect for light desserts (100g equals 150g sugar), jams, hot drinks, and dairy. BJORG, 3.14€ for 250g jar.
What is it? The dark brown to black, non-crystallizing residue from cane sugar production, with a bold licorice flavor.
Nutritional profile: 300 kcal/100g, high in minerals and vitamins.
Kitchen uses: Enhances pastries, hot drinks, and dairy if you enjoy its intense taste. Novita molasses from Naturalia, 3.87€ per 450g jar.
What is it? Sugar from coconut palm flower nectar, offering an exotic, caramel-like taste.
Nutritional profile: 379 kcal/100g (similar to white sugar), packed with minerals and antioxidants.
Kitchen uses: Great for cocktails, fruit salads, and sweet-savory dishes. Organic Garden Coconut Sugar, 3.75€ per 200g.
What is it? Xylitol derived from birch or hardwood bark like beech, mimicking sugar's taste.
Nutritional profile: 240 kcal/100g with sugar-equivalent sweetness. Caution: Large amounts may cause bloating.
Kitchen uses: Lightens sweets, hot drinks, and dairy. Vivis Birch Sugar, 3.79€ per 250g.
What is it? Unrefined, uncrystallized whole cane sugar with caramel-liquorice notes and less sweetness than white sugar.
Nutritional profile: 316 kcal/100g, loaded with vitamins and minerals (magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, etc.).
Kitchen uses: Ideal for cakes, pies, caramel, teas, infusions, fruits, and dairy. Rapadura Rapunzel at La Vie Claire, 4.20€ for 500g.
Thanks to Angélique Houlbert, dietician-nutritionist and author of “The New GI Regime” (Ed. Thierry Souccar), for her expert insights.
