Sugars & Sweeteners in Baking Ingredients

What is monk fruit sweetener?

Monk fruit is a sweetener made from a fruit of the same name that is native to China. It's up to 250 times sweeter than sugar, but it has no calories. Monk fruit is safe to use in food and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Can you use stevia in place of sugar?

Stevia is a plant-based alternative sweetener that you can use in place of sugar in practically any recipe. However, it's up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, so the amounts are not interchangeable. And the brand of stevia you use will also impact how much you use, as will the form, either powder or liquid. For this reason, it's important to read the package before using it as a sugar substitute. Also, keep in mind that stevia may change the taste and texture of a recipe, particularly baked goods.

Can I use brown sugar and white sugar interchangeably?

Brown sugar is simply white sugar that has molasses in it that was either retained during processing or added back after processing. While you can use the two interchangeably while cooking and baking, switching them will change the flavor and texture of what you cook. Brown sugar tends to add more moisture to food than white sugar.