Due to low cane production and a slump in imports, Kenya is grappling with unprecedented acute sugar shortage.
Additionally, the available sugar has skyrocketed in price with a 2-kilogram packet retailing at Ksh490 in mid-May 2023 having increased by Ksh180 in a span of two weeks.
What options do Kenyans have? Are there sugar substitutes in the market? Kenyans.co.ke compiled a list of locally available 5 sugar alternatives and their prices.
Honey
Raw honey is one of the most preferred natural sweeteners and can be used as a sugar substitute in tea.
Additionally, honey contains more nutrients than table sugar, including antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
In retail stores, honey can be bought for between Ksh700 and Ksh1000 per kilogram.
Coconut Sugar
It is easy to get cheap coconut sugar in areas where coconuts are readily available.
Coconut sugar is gaining popularity as a natural sweetener because of its low glycemic load and rich mineral content.
Coconut sugar can be made locally by extracting sap from the blooms of the coconut and then heated. The sap is then heated to get coconut sugar through evaporation.
Date Paste
The rising sugar prices have greatly affected the baking industry since it is a major ingredient.
Date paste can be made at home using a blender. Use 3/4 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and about 1 cup of warm, pitted dates.
250 grams of dates at Kenyan supermarkets are sold at an average of Ksh300.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is one of the most preferred sugar substitutes because it is rich in antioxidants and helps neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.
Maple Syrup can be used to sweeten coffee and tea as well as be used in baking.
It should be noted that maple syrup is high in calories and should be consumed in moderation.
A 700ml of the syrup can be found in supermarkets for Ksh1900.
Banana Puree
Bananas are used due to their natural sweetness and subtle flavour making them a common table sugar alternative.
The puree can be made by blending bananas. Add water to attain your preferred thickness.
Over-ripe bananas are the best to use when seeking to replace refined sugar as they are sweeter and puree well.
