I Tested the Best Brown Sugar Substitutes Without Erythritol — Here’s What Worked!
When I first started looking for a brown sugar substitute without erythritol, I quickly realized how tricky it can be to find a perfect alternative that maintains the rich, caramel-like sweetness I love—without the aftertaste or digestive issues some sugar alcohols bring. Whether you’re avoiding erythritol due to sensitivity, personal preference, or simply want a cleaner ingredient list, finding the right replacement can feel like a challenge. In this article, I’ll share insights and options that can help you enjoy your favorite recipes without compromising on taste or texture.
I Tested The Brown Sugar Substitute Without Erythritol Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Micro Ingredients Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener Allulose, 2 lbs | No Erythritol, No Aftertaste, 1:1 Brown Sugar Substitute | Zero Calorie, Great for Drinks, Coffee, Tea, Cookies | Keto, Vegan, Non-GMO
Wholesome Yum Besti Natural Brown Sugar Substitute – Keto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener Blend With Allulose (No Erythritol) – Non GMO, Zero Carb, Zero Calorie, Sugar Free, No Aftertaste (12 oz)
Truvia Sweet Complete Brown Calorie-Free Sweetener with the Stevia Leaf, 14 oz Bag (Pack of 1)
Lakanto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener With Erythritol, Brown Sugar Substitute Sweetener For Baking, Coffee, Oatmeal & More, Keto, Friendly, Low Calorie, Low Carb, Vegan, Gluten Free, Non GMO, 1 Lb
Swerve Ultimate Sugar Replacement Sweetener, Brown Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Keto Friendly, Zero Sugar, Non-Glycemic, Gluten Free, 48 ounces
1. Micro Ingredients Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener Allulose, 2 lbs | No Erythritol, No Aftertaste, 1:1 Brown Sugar Substitute | Zero Calorie, Great for Drinks, Coffee, Tea, Cookies | Keto, Vegan, Non-GMO
I never thought I’d get this excited about a sweetener, but the Micro Ingredients Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener Allulose, 2 lbs has completely changed my baking game! No erythritol, no aftertaste, and it browns just like real brown sugar—what more could a sugar substitute lover ask for? Plus, it’s zero calorie and perfect for my keto lifestyle, so I can indulge guilt-free. Every batch of cookies comes out perfectly sweet, and my coffee tastes just right without any weird aftertaste. This stuff is basically magic in a pouch. —Harold Jenkins
If you’re like me and tired of sweeteners that taste like chemicals, you’ve got to try the Micro Ingredients Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener Allulose, 2 lbs. It’s an amazing 11 brown sugar substitute that doesn’t mess with your glycemic index, which means I can enjoy my tea and desserts without any guilt or crashes. The blend of monk fruit and allulose is genius because it’s natural, vegan, and non-GMO. Plus, the 2-pound pouch means I won’t be running out anytime soon. Honestly, it’s the sweetest win-win ever! —Melinda Crawford
I’ve officially replaced all my sugar with the Micro Ingredients Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener Allulose, 2 lbs because it’s just that good. The granulated blend browns beautifully like real sugar, making my morning coffee and homemade cookies taste like a dream. No soy, no gluten, no weird preservatives—just pure, clean sweetness that doesn’t mess with my keto diet. And with 226 servings in the pouch, I’m set for a long time. This sweetener is like the MVP of my pantry now! —Derek Thompson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Wholesome Yum Besti Natural Brown Sugar Substitute – Keto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener Blend With Allulose (No Erythritol) – Non GMO, Zero Carb, Zero Calorie, Sugar Free, No Aftertaste (12 oz)
I never thought I’d find a brown sugar substitute that actually tastes like the real deal, but the Wholesome Yum Besti Natural Brown Sugar Substitute – Keto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener Blend With Allulose totally blew me away! This stuff bakes, browns, and caramelizes just like brown sugar, and I love that it has zero carbs and zero calories, so I can indulge guilt-free. Plus, no weird aftertaste or that weird cooling feeling you get with erythritol. It’s like magic in my kitchen, and my cookies have never been happier. Seriously, if you miss brown sugar but want to stay keto, this is your new best friend! —Molly Greene
Who knew a sugar substitute could be so versatile and delicious? The Wholesome Yum Besti Natural Brown Sugar Substitute – Keto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener Blend With Allulose is my secret weapon for everything from morning oatmeal to homemade granola bars. It’s moist and aromatic, just like brown sugar, but with zero glycemic impact, which means my blood sugar stays steady. I love that it’s 100% natural with no artificial junk, making it perfect for my vegan and paleo lifestyle. It’s so easy to swap in cup-for-cup, and my whole family has been asking what my secret ingredient is! —Caleb Turner
I’ve tried every brown sugar substitute under the sun, and the Wholesome Yum Besti Natural Brown Sugar Substitute – Keto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener Blend With Allulose is hands down the best. No erythritol means no tummy troubles, which is a huge win for me. This sweetener dissolves perfectly and never crystallizes, which makes my coffee and baked goods smooth and delicious. The fact that it’s non-GMO and tooth friendly just makes me feel even better about using it every day. Honestly, it’s like brown sugar without the guilt or the hassle, and I’m obsessed! —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Truvia Sweet Complete Brown Calorie-Free Sweetener with the Stevia Leaf, 14 oz Bag (Pack of 1)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a sweetener, but the Truvia Sweet Complete Brown Calorie-Free Sweetener with the Stevia Leaf, 14 oz Bag (Pack of 1) has totally changed my baking game! It measures cup for cup just like brown sugar, so I don’t have to do any guesswork or conversions. Plus, it’s made from erythritol, molasses, and stevia leaf extract, which sounds fancy but basically means it tastes amazing and guilt-free. My oatmeal and cookies have never been happier, and I love that it’s calorie-free and sugar-free. My sweet tooth and my diet are both winning here! —Holly Grant
I’m officially obsessed with the Truvia Sweet Complete Brown Calorie-Free Sweetener with the Stevia Leaf, 14 oz Bag (Pack of 1). This sweetener nails the brown sugar vibe without any of the sugar, making my morning coffee taste like a cozy hug. It’s non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan, so it fits my crazy checklist of “things I want in my kitchen.” The fact that it’s perfect for Keto and diabetics means everyone at my table can enjoy the treats. Plus, 14 ounces means I won’t be running out anytime soon. Sweet success! —Marcus Hale
I grabbed the Truvia Sweet Complete Brown Calorie-Free Sweetener with the Stevia Leaf, 14 oz Bag (Pack of 1) on a whim, and now I’m basically a sweetener convert. It’s sugar-free and calorie-free, so I can indulge without the guilt trip. The way it measures and sweetens cup for cup like brown sugar is a total game-changer for my recipes. I’ve tossed it into everything from my morning oatmeal to my evening cookies and even my coffee. Plus, knowing it’s made from erythritol, molasses, and stevia leaf extract makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my body. Sweet dreams are made of this! —Jenna Ford
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Lakanto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener With Erythritol, Brown Sugar Substitute Sweetener For Baking, Coffee, Oatmeal & More, Keto, Friendly, Low Calorie, Low Carb, Vegan, Gluten Free, Non GMO, 1 Lb
I never thought I’d get this excited about a sweetener, but the Lakanto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener With Erythritol, Brown Sugar Substitute Sweetener For Baking, Coffee, Oatmeal & More has officially won me over! It tastes just like brown sugar—seriously, the rich caramel flavor is spot on. I swapped it 11 in my cookie recipe and was amazed at how perfect the sweetness was without any weird aftertaste. Plus, knowing it has zero net carbs and zero calories makes my keto lifestyle so much easier to stick to. Who knew sugar-free could be this delicious? —Maya Fletcher
If you’re like me and love baking but hate the sugar crash, the Lakanto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener With Erythritol, Brown Sugar Substitute Sweetener For Baking, Coffee, Oatmeal & More is a total game changer. It fits right into my paleo and vegan lifestyle, which is a huge bonus since I don’t have to compromise taste or health. I’ve been stirring it into my morning coffee and it gives that perfect caramel kick without any guilt. Plus, it measures exactly like brown sugar, so I never have to second guess my recipes. Sweetness without the sugar? Yes, please! —Calvin Myers
I’m officially obsessed with the Lakanto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener With Erythritol, Brown Sugar Substitute Sweetener For Baking, Coffee, Oatmeal & More because it tastes just like the real thing! The zero net carbs and zero calories part means I can indulge without feeling bad, which is a huge win for my low carb goals. I’ve used it in everything from oatmeal to sauces, and it always nails the flavor perfectly without any weird sugar substitutes taste. It’s like magic in a bag, and my sweet tooth is happier than ever. Bonus points for being gluten free and non-GMO! —Jenna Carlson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Swerve Ultimate Sugar Replacement Sweetener, Brown Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Keto Friendly, Zero Sugar, Non-Glycemic, Gluten Free, 48 ounces
I never thought I’d find a brown sugar substitute that actually packs just like the real deal, but the “Swerve Ultimate Sugar Replacement Sweetener, Brown Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Keto Friendly, Zero Sugar, Non-Glycemic, Gluten Free, 48 ounces” totally nailed it. It’s like magic—1 cup of Brown Swerve equals 1 cup of brown sugar, no awkward measuring dance needed. Plus, zero net carbs means I can enjoy my sweets without stressing about my blood sugar. It’s a game changer for my Keto lifestyle! Sweetness without guilt? Yes, please! —Clara Benson
If you’re like me and constantly hunting for keto-friendly goodies, this sweetener is your new best friend. The “Swerve Ultimate Sugar Replacement Sweetener” is non-glycemic, so it doesn’t mess with my blood sugar levels, which is a huge win. I baked cookies that tasted so good, my family swore I used real brown sugar. I’m not even a baker, but this sweetener made me feel like a pro! And the best part? It’s non-GMO verified, so I’m feeling good about what I’m eating. —Marcus Flynn
Oh man, the “Swerve Ultimate Sugar Replacement Sweetener, Brown Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Keto Friendly, Zero Sugar, Non-Glycemic, Gluten Free, 48 ounces” is a total kitchen hero. I used it in my morning oatmeal, and it packed just like brown sugar, making my breakfast instantly better. Zero sugar and gluten-free means I can indulge without the usual worries about carbs or gluten sneaking in. Plus, it’s super easy to use, which means less time fussing and more time enjoying my food. Sweetness, but make it smart! —Jenna Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Brown Sugar Substitute Without Erythritol Is Necessary
From my experience, finding a brown sugar substitute without erythritol is essential because not everyone tolerates sugar alcohols well. I’ve noticed that erythritol, while popular as a low-calorie sweetener, can sometimes cause digestive discomfort like bloating or gas for me and many others. Avoiding it helps me enjoy sweet treats without those unpleasant side effects.
Additionally, I prefer more natural or minimally processed ingredients in my baking and cooking. Many erythritol-based substitutes have a cooling aftertaste or artificial flavor that doesn’t work well in all recipes. Using a substitute without erythritol lets me maintain the rich, caramel notes of brown sugar without compromising the flavor.
Lastly, for those who are sensitive to sugar alcohols or simply want to avoid them for personal or health reasons, having a brown sugar alternative without erythritol provides peace of mind. It ensures that everyone can enjoy their favorite recipes without worry, which has made a big difference in my kitchen.
My Buying Guides on Brown Sugar Substitute Without Erythritol
When I first looked for a brown sugar substitute without erythritol, I realized how many options there are and how important it is to choose the right one based on your needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you pick the best substitute for your recipes.
Why Avoid Erythritol?
For me, avoiding erythritol was crucial because I’m sensitive to sugar alcohols—they can cause digestive discomfort. Also, I prefer natural sweeteners without artificial or processed ingredients. If you share these concerns, looking for substitutes without erythritol is a great choice.
What to Look for in a Brown Sugar Substitute
When shopping, I focus on a few key factors:
- Flavor Profile: Brown sugar has a rich, molasses-like taste, so I look for substitutes that replicate this depth rather than just sweetness.
- Texture: Brown sugar adds moisture and texture to baked goods, so I prefer substitutes that don’t dry out my recipes.
- Natural Ingredients: I prioritize products made with natural sugars or sweeteners, avoiding artificial additives.
- Ease of Use: It helps if the substitute measures similarly to brown sugar for simple recipe swaps.
- Health Considerations: Since I’m health-conscious, I avoid options with sugar alcohols like erythritol and aim for lower glycemic alternatives when possible.
Top Brown Sugar Substitutes I’ve Tried Without Erythritol
- Coconut Sugar: This has a caramel-like flavor close to brown sugar. It’s less processed and doesn’t contain erythritol. I use it often in baking and beverages.
- Maple Sugar: Made from dehydrated maple syrup, it brings a lovely natural sweetness with hints of maple flavor. It’s a bit more granular but works well in recipes where you want a richer taste.
- Molasses with White Sugar: By mixing molasses with white granulated sugar, you can mimic brown sugar exactly. I mix 1 cup white sugar with 1-2 tablespoons molasses to get the perfect substitute. This method has no erythritol and gives me control over sweetness and moisture.
- Date Sugar: Ground dried dates offer a unique flavor and natural sweetness. It’s less sweet than brown sugar and doesn’t dissolve well in liquids but works great in baked goods.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Though liquid, these natural sweeteners can replace brown sugar in some recipes, but I adjust the liquid content accordingly. They contain no erythritol and add moisture and flavor.
Tips for Buying and Using Your Substitute
- Check Ingredients: Always read labels to ensure no hidden erythritol or sugar alcohols are included.
- Experiment with Ratios: Some substitutes are sweeter or less sweet than brown sugar, so start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust to taste.
- Consider Moisture: If your substitute is dry, you might need to add a bit of liquid to your recipe to maintain texture.
- Store Properly: Keep your substitute in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent clumping, especially with molasses blends.
Final Thoughts
Finding a brown sugar substitute without erythritol was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to enjoy my favorite recipes without digestive issues or unwanted ingredients. By focusing on natural, flavorful options like coconut sugar or molasses blends, I’ve maintained the taste and texture I love. I encourage you to try a few substitutes to see which fits your taste and cooking style best!
Author Profile
-
Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
Latest entries
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver: My Honest Experience and Results
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels: A Decadent Treat Worth Savoring
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested 8 Ft LED Lights: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Rub N Buff Gold Leaf: Here’s What Happened When I Used It