The holiday season is a time for laughter and fun. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without indulging in delicious treats. However, while feasting during the festive season is the norm, it is just as important to prioritise healthy baking and cooking. But how do you go about doing just that while efficiently navigating the full stream of sugar-laden recipes?
The Hidden Perils of White Sugar
Before going through the details of healthy baking, there are a few reasons why you might want to consider avoiding using white sugar in your next holiday cooking adventures.
For one, according to a study published in PLoS One, it is estimated that about 13.7% of the adult population in Singapore may suffer from diabetes. While genetics and lifestyle do play important roles in a person’s risk for diabetes, overall diet can also be a critical factor. In fact, several studies have also found that sugar intake can indirectly cause diabetes because of how it affects fructose levels in the liver.
Unfortunately, during the holidays, popular drinks like hot chocolate, flavoured coffee and cocktails can be sneaky sources of added sugar. Of course, desserts like cakes, cookies and fudgy brownies are also high in sugar. This is why it’s important to look for a healthy sugar substitute for holiday baking and cooking — an aspect you have full control over.
Discovering the Healthy and Sweet Alternative: Coconut Sugar
Fortunately, there is a healthy sugar substitute for baking—organic coconut sugar.
A natural sweetener, it’s rich in nutrients. Harvested from the nectar of coconut palm blossoms, coconut sugar effectively retains essential vitamins and minerals. From extraction to your kitchen, it's a journey of goodness. This means that it can also be a natural nutrient source for your plant-based diet.
Besides, organic coconut sugar can have a glycaemic index (GI) as low as 35, making it a healthier alternative to regular table sugar, which has an average GI of 58. So, if you’re following a low GI diet, why not switch to coconut sugar, which has the potential to reduce the likelihood of post-meal blood sugar spikes?
Tips and Ideas for Using Organic Coconut Sugar in Your Recipes
Because coconut sugar is reminiscent of spice and molasses, it can bring holiday warmth while being a healthy sugar substitute for baking and cooking. While this natural sweetener is more on the drier side, it retains moisture well. So, it’s ideal for chewy cookies and moist batters.
Here are some ways to incorporate coconut sugar into your holiday recipes.
1. In Beverages
Make your festive drinks extra cosy by adding the best organic coconut sugar you can find. Just a spoonful in your tea or coffee gives it a sweet, caramel twist – ideal for those snuggly moments when you need a warm, tasty drink.
2. In Cooking
Switch regular sugar with coconut sugar to amp up the flavour in your savoury dishes. How about trying it in a homemade Teriyaki sauce? The slight caramel flavour makes it extra delicious and healthier, too.
3. In Baking
Give your holiday bakes a healthy upgrade by using coconut sugar instead of the usual sugar. Whether it's chocolate chip cookies or banana bread, this simple swap adds a subtle taste of organic molasses. So, your desserts will still have that holiday warmth without sacrificing health.
Get creative and try coconut sugar in your favourite holiday recipes – you might just discover a new tasty twist.
A Healthier Holiday Season with Coconut Sugar
As you get into the festive spirit, opt for organic coconut sugar to add a healthy twist to your baking and cooking. Take into consideration our organic coconut sugar - one of the best natural sweeteners due to the low glycaemic Index and highly nutritious content of vitamins and minerals.
However, remember to choose products made with premium quality ingredients. This way, you can rest easy knowing that your holiday baking is not just delightful but also healthier.
Moreover, look for other natural and nutrient-rich products to add to your kitchen pantry. For instance, you can buy manuka honey online or organic coconut oil to complete your holiday baking recipes.
