Want a sweet treat during your Super Bowl party? Try one of these sugar substitutes instead of the processed stuff.
You'll probably want a sweet treat (or two) during your upcoming Super Bowl 2025 festivities -- especially if you're hosting a Taylor Swift-themed party. If you're worried about consuming sugar but still want to treat yourself, it can help to focus on the type and amount of sugar you're eating. There's no need to eliminate sugar completely from your life -- after all, our bodies use sugar to make energy, which you'll need to make it to the halftime show. For women and kids, the recommended amount is six teaspoons of sugar daily. For men, it's nine teaspoons. As for the type of sugar you should consume, try out some new Super Bowl recipes that feature natural sugar substitutes that are lightly processed or unrefined. We outlined popular natural sugar alternatives below to help you figure out which one you or your guests would like best. What are sugar substitutes or alternatives? Before we get into sugar substitutes, it's important to clarify that sugar isn't inherently bad for you. It's vital for your health. Your body turns carbohydrates into glucose, a form of sugar, which is a primary energy source to keep your body moving and your brain functioning. Despite what some popular diet fads advocate, without carbs and sugars you may experience health problems and symptoms such as low energy, sleep problems and brain fog. The goal shouldn't be to avoid sugar but to consume the right kinds of sugar. Much of today's American diet consists of added sugars, which are processed and refined to add intense sweetness without much substance. Ultrarefined white sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are common ingredients in sodas, pastries, bread and condiments. These get delivered quickly to your bloodstream without adding other nutritional value. Excessive consumption of these sugars can lead to serious health complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver disease. You can find the amount of added sugars on the nutrition facts label and ingredients…