Not all natural sweet syrups are created equal. If you or someone you love has diabetes, it can be hard to know what ingredients to get to support them. No one wants to give up their sweet midnight snacks or mid-afternoon pick-me-up treat–so, how can you manage your blood glucose levels while still indulging?

Most all-natural sweeteners are safe for diabetics to consume, as long as they are sugar-free. Agave is one example of a natural sugar alternative that has a low glycemic index, but it has higher calories than granulated sugar, not to mention its higher fructose content. Diabetics need to be cautious of fructose and know the difference between natural sugar and high-fructose corn syrup because fructose can cause the body to produce less insulin; this can put a strain on the liver as it breaks down the sugars in the agave/sweeteners containing fructose.

So what are the best natural sweeteners, and do you have to just sprinkle them into your favorite meals to enjoy that sugary flavor you love? Luckily, Skinny Mixes has created some of the best naturally sweetened syrups that are sweetened exclusively with sweeteners that are safe for diabetics.

Syrups Sweetened with Monk Fruit

Monk fruit extract comes from a fruit in Southern China known as Luo Han Guo. It naturally contains mogrosides, a type of antioxidant that gives it its sweet flavor. Unlike sugar-free sweeteners, monk fruit has no known side effects–that’s right, no bloating or allergic reactions! A 2011 study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry also supports monk fruit having anti-inflammatory properties; monk fruit does not affect sugar levels or contain calories, making it the perfect natural sweetener for those with diabetes. 

Syrups Sweetened with Stevia

Stevia is a sugar-free sweetener derived from the leaves of a plant called ‘Stevia rebaudiana.’ This plant is found in South America and parts of Eastern Asia and is extremely low in calories and commonly found in packets on restaurant tables everywhere. In addition to being delicious, it has many health benefits, just like monk fruit. Some benefits of stevia-based sweeteners include reduced calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, and lower risk of cavities.

Syrups Sweetened with Erythritol

While the name makes it sound like it could not possibly be natural, don’t judge a book by its cover. Erythritol has been around as long as some of our favorite fruits, such as watermelons and peaches. This sugar substitute is a carbohydrate type called a ‘sugar alcohol.’ It has zero calories because of its composition; it is processed by the small intestine quickly, meaning it does not go through the process of metabolizing. It is delicious and a perfect sweetener for those with diabetes and has no calories, no sugar, and no effect on glucose levels.

Where to Find the Best Syrups

While you can purchase these sweeteners alone, it is far more convenient to get them in syrup or mix. However, most popular syrups and mixes contain sugar or agave, making them unsafe for consumption if you are diabetic. Luckily, Skinny Mixes offers a wide variety of sugar- and agave-free syrups–even natural chocolate syrup! With so many flavors, uses, and recipe ideas, you won’t feel like you are sacrificing sugar.

We all love a dash of flavor in our morning coffee–whether a rich, dark mocha or a sweet and salty caramel macchiato–and Skinny Mixes has the bundle perfect for the barista in your heart. The Naturally Sweet Coffee Bar Bundle contains four popular syrup flavors: Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon Dolce, Chocolate Mocha, and Salted Caramel. The days of black coffee with a packet of raw stevia mixed in are long behind you! 

The best part is, all of these flavors are sweetened with those mentioned above natural, sugar-free sweeteners. Cutting out sugar does not mean you need to cut out happiness!