If you suffer from candida overgrowth, the last thing you want to do is consume high amounts sugar.  Sugar is the main fuel source of candida and is what allows it to thrive and multiply in the body.  Luckily, there are several natural sweeteners that can be incorporated into the diet that won’t feed this pathogenic fungus.

In fact, many of the sweeteners that we have included on the list below actually have anti-candida properties!  As a result, consuming these sweeteners can help to eliminate and stop the growth of candida in the body.

It should be mentioned that many of these natural sweeteners have been used by traditional cultures for centuries in order to improve the health of the gut.  They’re also well known for both their anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.

The Top 5 Natural Sweeteners for Candida Overgrowth

1. Stevia

By far the best natural sweetener on the list, stevia naturally contains zero sugar.  Yet, one ounce of stevia has been shown to be 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar!  Best of all, stevia contains zero calories and can be great for those looking to lose weight.

Stevia is native to the Amazon Rainforest and has been used for centuries by South American Indian tribes.  However, these tribes often utilized stevia for its medicinal value and not as a sweetener.

Research has shown that stevia leaf contains powerful anti-microbial properties and can be great for protecting the teeth from pathogenic bacteria that may cause dental carries (1).

Interestingly,  stevia has also been shown to have anti-microbial activity against several different strains of candida (2).

Those looking dealing with candida overgrowth may find relief by incorporating a stevia leaf extract into their diet daily.  Not only can stevia help inhibit the growth of candida, it’s also much sweeter than table sugar and can help curb your sweet tooth without the guilt!

2. Raw Honey

Who hasn’t heard about the health benefits of raw honey!  However, for those dealing with a candida overgrowth, raw honey is often a questionable food item.  Many claim that the sugar in raw honey will feed candida in the body and make an overgrowth much worse. 

Luckily, we’ve disproved this claim numerous times before and full details can be found on our candida and raw honey post.

For those unaware, raw honey is full of powerful anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties which can help inhibit the growth of several different candida species in the body (3).

Furthermore, unlike white sugar, raw honey is full of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can help boost overall health in the body.  In particular, raw honey is an excellent source of mood boosting B-vitamins which can help dramatically improve an individual’s overall mood (4).

That being said, if you’re going to use honey as a sweetener, always make sure that it’s raw.  Heated, or pasteurized honey, has had all of its heat sensitive nutrients destroyed by excessive amount of heat making it essentially useless.  In fact, Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system, warns about the dangers of consuming heated honey and that long term use can lead to serious health problems.

As a result, always choose a raw honey.  Also, we highly recommend you use a Manuka honey that comes from New Zealand.  Manuka honey is one of the strongest honey’s in the world and is renowned for its anti-microbial properties.

3. Maple Syrup

Many often forget that pure maple syrup is one of the best natural sweeteners available.  Now, to be clear, maple syrup should contain only one ingredient; maple syrup.

If your maple syrup has a long list of ingredients, it’s best throw it in the trash.  Such products will only lead to health problems when used long term.

However, pure maple syrup is worth its weight in gold.  In fact, it’s well known that various Native American tribes that had access to maple trees frequently consumed maple syrup.  Many of these Natives consumed large amounts of maple syrup throughout the year and used it to flavor their pemmican.

Interestingly, research has shown that pure maple syrup has strong anti-microbial properties due to its high polyphenol content and help inhibit the formation of biofilms used by pathogenic bacteria (5). 

As a result, maple syrup can be a great option for those dealing with candida overgrowth and looking to improve the overall health of the gut microbiome.  Also, always make sure that you purchase maple syrup that comes in a glass container so that you can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful toxins that may leech from the plastic.

4. Black Strap Molasses

Black Strap Molasses is often not well known among candida sufferers looking for natural sweeteners.  However, this black gooey substance can be great for those looking for a good alternative to sugar.

For those unaware, black strap molasses is the end product of  turning sugar cane into white sugar.  Ironically, black strap molasses is the most nutritious part of the sugar making process, yet, it’s often discarded.

Unlike white sugar, black strap molasses is a powerhouse of minerals that have been obtained from the sugar cane plant.  Many health conscious individuals will use black strap molasses specifically to help boost mineral content in the body.  It’s full of highly bio-available zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and iron.

Those with low iron who are prone to conditions such as anemia have reported great results by using black strap molasses daily.  It’s well known among the natural health community that black strap molasses can help boost iron content in the body which can be great for some women.

It should be mentioned that black strap molasses does in fact contain small amounts of sugar.  However, the health benefits that can come from taking this amazing substance are too good for it to be left off this list. 

As a result, take it slow with black strap molasses so that you can see how your body responds.  You may find that black strap molasses work extremely well for you and that it causes no candida symptoms.  That being said, be sure to start off with only tiny amounts and slowly increase to amounts that are well tolerated.

5. Monk Fruit Extract

You’ve probably never heard of this natural sweetener before but it can be very beneficial for those dealing with a candida overgrowth.  This small vine fruit is native to both southern China and northern Thailand.  It has been utilized for centuries by ancient Asian cultures as both food and medicine.

Like stevia, monk fruit extract is completely free of sugar.  Yet, it’s very sweet and is estimated to be around 150 to 200 times sweeter than sugar.  As an added bonus, monk fruit extract is completely calorie free.  As a result, it can be a great option for those wanting to lose weight or stay in shape.

Amazingly, research has discovered that monk fruit extract contains powerful medicinal properties which can help inhibit the growth of several different pathogenic species and has shown an inhibitory effect against candida (6).

As a result, monk fruit extract can make an excellent addition to an anti-candida diet and can help satisfy any sweet tooth.  Simply add it to all your recipes that call for sugar in order to create a guilt free recipe that can help inhibit the growth of candida!

Many find that adding lemon, monk fruit extract, and a pinch of sea salt to their water makes for an extremely hydrating and refreshing drink.

Start Eating a Candida Friendly Diet

Although these natural sweeteners are great, it’s important that you begin to follow a proper gut healing and candida friendly diet.  Luckily, we have a free candida eating plan that can be accessed on our Diet Protocol Page.  Here you will find all the information you need in regards to the best diet to consume if you suffer from candida overgrowth.

Also, for those interested, our Crush Candida Cookbook can be a great option for incorporating mouthwatering meals into your anti-candida diet.  It’s highly recommended for those looking for delicious recipe ideas that are all candida friendly!