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Using Sweeteners on the Ketogenic Diet
Refined sugars are not routinely included as part of a ketogenic diet. Some sweeteners can be used as alternatives to sugar, as they generally have less impact on blood glucose or ketone levels – please see the ‘traffic light’ guide below.
We encourage limiting sweet foods and drinks in line with national guidance, and recommend monitoring ketones when first introducing any products containing sweeteners. Try to avoid overuse of any sweeteners, as they may cause stomach upset and encourage a preference for sweet tastes. Begin with no more than 1 teaspoon (5g) a day.
A Note of Caution: Some studies have shown potential negative effects of certain sweeteners in animals. For example, aspartame and erythritol have been linked to impact cardiovascular effects when used in large doses. These results are not necessarily applicable to humans, and current evidence does not suggest these sweeteners need to be avoided. Further research is ongoing.
These sweeteners do not tend to affect ketone levels
Discuss with your dietitian whether these sweeteners are suitable for you or your child
These sweeteners are best avoided as part of a ketogenic diet as they can impact ketones
* Individuals may wish to exercise caution with intake due to recent animal studies
** Lactose is the natural carbohydrate in dairy products. It may be included when advised by your dietitian and accounted for within your diet plan. Very small amounts in tablet medications are acceptable, but other sources are best avoided.
If unsure, speak to your ketogenic dietitian before introducing new sweeteners or products.
The following products are examples of those that may be suitable on a ketogenic diet. Always check labels, as ingredients may change. This is not an exhaustive list and you may find others online or in-store.
Remember! ‘Sugar-free’ does not necessarily mean ‘carbohydrate-free’. Product ingredients may also change over time. Always read the label carefully or check with your dietitian!
Caution! Other products from these brands may contain sugar or maltodextrin and would not be suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Powders, Crystal and Tablet Sweeteners
| Product name and ingredients | Product picture |
|---|---|
| Truvia Pouch and Truvia Spoonable Contains: stevia glycosides, erythritol and natural flavourings |
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| Hermesetas Liquid Contains: demineralised water, sodium cyclamate, sodium saccharin and sorbic acid Hermesetas Mini Sweeteners Contains: sodium saccharin, sucralose and L-Leucine |
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| Sweetex tablets Contains: sodium saccharin |
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| PureVia 100% Erythritol Contains: erythritol PureVia Stevia Leaf Contains: erythritol, steviol glycosides, natural flavourings |
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| Splenda Stevia Crystal Contains: erythritol, steviol glycosides. Canderel Sugarly Sweetener Contains: erythritol, sucralose Natvia granulated sweetener Contains: erythritol and steviol glycosides |
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Sweetener Syrups and Drops
| Product name and ingredients | Product picture |
|---|---|
| Skinny Syrups Chocolate syrup contains: Water, Thickeners (Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, Xanthan gum), Flavouring, Cocoa Powder, Colour (Caramel E150d), Salt, Acid (Lactic Acid), Sweetener (Sucralose), Preservatives (Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate) |
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| DaVinci Sugar Free Syrups Caramel and vanilla flavour syrups contain; water, natural and artificial flavour, cellulose gum, sucralose, sodium benzoate, citric acid, caramel colour |
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| Walden Farms Near Zero Syrups Chocolate flavour syrup contains; NATURAL COCOA POWDER†, ERYTHRITOL, CELLULOSE GUM, CARAMEL COLOR, LACTIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, NATURAL FLAVORS, MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE, SALT, SODIUM CITRATE, STEVIOL GLYCOSIDES. |
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| The Protein Works Zero Syrups Choc Fudge flavour syrup contains: Water, Flavourings, Modified Starch, Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder 1.5%, Colour (ammonia caramel), Thickener (Xanthan Gum), Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate), Acidity Regulators (Lactic acid, d-glucuronalactone), Sweetener (Sucralose), Salt. |
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| Modern Nature Liquid Stevia drops Contains: water, steviol glycosides, natural flavour, potassium sorbate, citric acid |
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| Applied Nutrition Flavo Drops Banana flavour contains: Natural Flavouring, Deionised Water, Sweetener (Sucralose), Natural Colouring (Curcumin Extract E100) |
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| My Protein Flavdrops Toffee contains: Water, Sweetener (Sucralose) Natural Flavouring. |
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DISCLAIMER: This resource / website was created by the Ketogenic Dietitians Research Network (KDRN) and is intended for information only. It is not a substitute for dietary advice given by a HCPC-registered dietitian specialising in ketogenic diets. Ketogenic diet therapy must ONLY be undertaken under the advice and supervision of a ketogenic dietitian in partnership with a neurologist. Every effort has been made to ensure the information was correct at the time of publishing. KDRN assume no responsibility and herein
disclaim any liability to any party for any cause.
Thank you to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and Derek Clarke from Nutricia Limited for their contribution to this resource, in collaboration with the Resource Group of the Ketogenic Dietitians Research Network
Version 3.0 May 2025 Review date May 2028