Substitute for Artificial Sweetener: 1 Smart Options
The best substitute for artificial sweetener is Sugar at a Use 50% ratio. There are 2 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Sugar
Use 50%
You can use Sugar in place of artificial sweetener when needed. Use 50% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. It is especially useful in baking and sauces. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
What are the other substitutes for artificial sweetener?
Stevia
Follow package directions (varies by brand)
Plant-derived, zero-calorie sweetener. Available in liquid, powder, and baking blends. More natural than synthetic sweeteners.
Flavor/texture:Clean sweetness with possible herbal aftertaste. Different from sugar but no chemical taste.
Avoid when:Some people detect a bitter or licorice aftertaste. Sweetness intensity varies by brand. Not all forms work for baking.
Monk Fruit Sweetener
Follow package directions (blends are typically 1:1 with sugar)
Natural, zero-calorie sweetener from monk fruit. Blends with erythritol measure like sugar. No bitter aftertaste.
Flavor/texture:Clean, sugar-like sweetness. Generally considered better-tasting than artificial sweeteners.
Avoid when:Pure extract is 150-250x sweeter than sugar. Use blends for easy measuring. More expensive than artificial sweeteners.
What should you know before substituting artificial sweetener?
Sugar is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to artificial sweetener in everyday cooking. Use 50% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Choose the substitute that gets you closest in flavor, texture, and ease of use.
How do you substitute artificial sweetener in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for artificial sweetener and you need an alternative, there are 3 tested substitutes available. Sugar is the best overall replacement, used at a Use 50% ratio. The right substitute depends on the role artificial sweetener plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for artificial sweetener depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Sugar (Use 50%), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Stevia (Follow package directions (varies by brand)) is another reliable choice. Plant-derived, zero-calorie sweetener. Available in liquid, powder, and baking blends. More natural than synthetic sweeteners.
When substituting artificial sweetener, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for Artificial Sweetener?
Sugar is the best place to start for artificial sweetener. Use 50% of the original amount and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Artificial Sweetener?
This page lists 1 substitute for artificial sweetener. The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.
What is a equal artificial sweetener?
A reliable starting point is Sugar. Use 50% of the original amount, then adjust the recipe once you see how the substitute behaves in the pan, bowl, or oven.