Syrups can be a great replacement for sugar in different beverages.
Sugar is often put in smoothies, and while syrups are not always a healthy option, they can be a healthier way to sweeten your smoothies.
But, do smoothies need syrups? And, which are the best ones?
Do Smoothies Need Syrups?
Smoothies do not necessarily need any syrups, the only times you need to put syrups in smoothies is when you cannot sweeten the smoothie enough naturally.
Small quantities of added sugar can be okay, but frequent smoothie indulgers should avoid putting syrups in every smoothie.
If you can use fruits such as bananas in the place of syrups this is even better.
However, this does not always work and when fruit is not sweetening your smoothie, or suitable, syrup is a great replacement.
7 Best Syrups For Smoothies
There are seven great options to choose from if you want a delicious syrup to add to your smoothie. You can choose flavored options, but there are seven main types of syrups that you have to choose from.
These are the 7 best options you have:
#1. Honey
Honey is very nutritionally rich. It has antioxidant properties and antibacterial properties. Including honey in your diet can help play a role in diabetes management and works well as a part of a balanced diet.
Honey contains many nutrients, with 20 grams containing 1% of the daily values of copper and riboflavin.
Although honey is sweet and is considered a syrup, it is significantly better for your blood sugar levels than normal sugar.
#2. Agave
Agave is becoming more and more popular with smoothie fans. It contains much less glucose than table sugar, meaning it has a lower glycemic index.
This makes it absorb into the bloodstream at a much slower rate, and therefore the body does not receive a spike of insulin.
That being said, agave does contain more fructose than table sugar. Fructose is the type of sugar found in fruit.
#3. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup contains many different antioxidants and helps to fight inflammatory diseases. It is also believed to have properties that help in protecting skin health.
Maple syrup can work well as an alternative to sugar for improved digestion. It is a healthy alternative to artificial sweeteners and can even protect against types of cancers.
A single tablespoon of maple syrup is also said to contain 1/3rd of your daily value for manganese.
#4. Torani Syrup
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Torani syrup is free of sugars, however, it does contain types of artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame potassium and sucralose.
One of the primary benefits you can get from this syrup is that it can help those who are trying to control their blood sugar levels.
It is also very low in calories in comparison to many alternative sugar syrups, with nearly no calories.
This is a great choice for those who want to maintain a healthy weight.
#5. Keto Syrups
A popular keto syrup is made with MCT oil and it is a game-changer for people on the keto diet. It adds flavor and nutrition with no added sugars or carbohydrates.
Benefits of this syrup include increased energy, reductions in cravings, weight loss support, and more.
It is free of carbs and tastes great.
#6. Grenadine
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Grenadine may not be the go-to syrup you would think of, but grenadine is a great syrup for citrusy and refreshing smoothies.
It is made with pomegranate and red berries as well as real fruit juice.
It is unique and tangy, and while it does add some sweetness it also brings a fresh flavor to fresh-tasting smoothies.
#7. Monin Syrups
Whenever you pop down to your local coffee house, they will offer a range of syrups. These are usually Monin brands.
Monin sells syrups in a range of flavors, from vanilla to hazelnut, and even pumpkin spice.
These syrups are far from healthy, but with such a range of flavors, you will have a syrup for every type of smoothie.
You can have pumpkin spice in your veggie smoothie to get you in the mood for Halloween, or vanilla to add a dash of sweetness to a smoothie that needs an extra dose of taste.
How To Use Syrups In Smoothies
How to use syrups in smoothies depends on the smoothie and its ingredients, as well as the syrup.
In some cases, you could make a smoothie that is syrup and fruit, a smoothie that is meant to have a high syrup content would have up to 3 tablespoons.
1 tablespoon is usually enough for a smoothie.
This depends on what you are making and how sweet you want it to be.
When you make your smoothie, add in the syrup. Start with a little and taste to your liking, add more if needed.
How Much Syrup Should I Put In Smoothies?
How much syrup you put in a smoothie depends on the smoothie you are making.
For example, I recently made this Whey Protein smoothie and for that recipe I used a bit of honey.
In this smoothie, I only used a single teaspoon of honey, and that was plenty!
However, if you were to make this smoothie and wanted it sweeter you could add more.
That being said, be aware that while syrups are healthier than sugar, they are still not considered to be super healthy. It is best not to overindulge in syrups in your smoothies.
Many syrups do contain sugar of some type or artificial sweeteners, so always be aware of adding too much syrup into your smoothies.
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