DASH Sweeteners Guide

27 items classified under standard DASH guidelines.

This guide covers all 27 sweeteners classified under DASH guidelines. DASH evaluates foods primarily by sodium content and DASH serving targets, which determines how each item in this category is classified.

Quick Reference

Food Status Sodium (per 100g)
Agave Nectar Limited 14mg
Brown Sugar Limited 477mg
Cane Sugar Limited 58mg
Coconut Nectar Limited 4mg
Coconut Sugar Limited 0mg
Dark Chocolate Limited 23mg
Date Syrup Limited 2mg
Erythritol Limited 0mg
Honey Limited 4mg
Maple Sugar Limited 11mg
Maple Syrup Limited 9mg
Monk Fruit Sweetener Limited 58mg
Raw Honey Limited 20mg
Stevia Limited 0mg
Sugar Limited 3mg
Xylitol Limited 0mg
Allulose Not Allowed 0mg
Artificial Sweeteners Not Allowed 760mg
Aspartame Not Allowed 0mg
Corn Syrup Not Allowed 62mg
Fruit Snacks Not Allowed 23mg
Gummy Candy Not Allowed 44mg
High Fructose Corn Syrup Not Allowed 48mg
Milk Chocolate Not Allowed 80mg
Molasses Not Allowed 37mg
Powdered Sugar Not Allowed 440mg
Sucralose Not Allowed 6mg

Classification Breakdown

16 Limited — These items have allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. 11 Not Allowed — These are high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes.

DASH works through lower sodium and higher potassium, magnesium, and calcium from produce, dairy, and legumes.

Limited Sweeteners (16)

Agave Nectar

Limited

Agave Nectar is classified as Limited on DASH, with 14mg sodium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 6.6g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Maple Sugar and Raw Honey for sodium, ranking 14 of 27. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

68kcalCalories
0.5gProtein
0.2gFat
16.2gCarbs
14mgSodium

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Brown Sugar

Limited

Brown Sugar is classified as Limited on DASH, with 477mg sodium per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. It also contains 9.2g protein and 6.3g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Powdered Sugar at 440mg. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

373kcalCalories
9.2gProtein
4.1gFat
78.9gCarbs
477mgSodium

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Cane Sugar

Limited

At 58mg sodium per 100g, Cane Sugar falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is High Fructose Corn Syrup at 48mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

269kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
73.1gCarbs
58mgSodium

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Coconut Nectar

Limited

Coconut Nectar is classified as Limited on DASH, with 4mg sodium per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Within this category, it falls between Sugar and Honey for sodium, ranking 9 of 27. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

60kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0gFat
15.8gCarbs
4mgSodium

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Coconut Sugar

Limited

With 0mg sodium per 100g, Coconut Sugar earns a Limited classification on DASH. It is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Beyond the primary classification, coconut sugar also provides 99.1g fat per 100g. Among the 27 items in this category, coconut sugar sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is Erythritol at 0mg. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

895kcalCalories
0gProtein
99.1gFat
0.8gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Dark Chocolate

Limited

Dark Chocolate is classified as Limited on DASH, with 23mg sodium per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. It also contains 5.1g protein and 32.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Raw Honey and Fruit Snacks for sodium, ranking 16 of 27. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodium
70-85% Cacao598kcal7.8g42.6g45.9g20mg
60-69% Cacao579kcal6.1g38.3g52.4g10mg
45-59% Cacao546kcal4.9g31.3g61.2g24mg

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Date Syrup

Limited

At 2mg sodium per 100g, Date Syrup falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Aspartame and Sugar for sodium, ranking 7 of 27. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

282kcalCalories
2.5gProtein
0.4gFat
75gCarbs
2mgSodium

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Erythritol

Limited

Erythritol is classified as Limited on DASH, with 0mg sodium per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Among the 27 items in this category, erythritol sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is Stevia at 0mg. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

0kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
100gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Honey

Limited

With 4mg sodium per 100g, Honey earns a Limited classification on DASH. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Within this category, it falls between Coconut Nectar and Sucralose for sodium, ranking 10 of 27. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

304kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
0gFat
82.4gCarbs
4mgSodium

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Maple Sugar

Limited

With 11mg sodium per 100g, Maple Sugar earns a Limited classification on DASH. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Within this category, it falls between Maple Syrup and Agave Nectar for sodium, ranking 13 of 27. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

354kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0.2gFat
90.9gCarbs
11mgSodium

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Maple Syrup

Limited

With 9mg sodium per 100g, Maple Syrup earns a Limited classification on DASH. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Within this category, it falls between Sucralose and Maple Sugar for sodium, ranking 12 of 27. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

270kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
67.4gCarbs
9mgSodium

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Monk Fruit Sweetener

Limited

Monk Fruit Sweetener is classified as Limited on DASH, with 58mg sodium per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Cane Sugar at 58mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

105kcalCalories
4.9gProtein
1.4gFat
18.6gCarbs
58mgSodium

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Raw Honey

Limited

With 20mg sodium per 100g, Raw Honey earns a Limited classification on DASH. It is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Beyond the primary classification, raw honey also provides 5.3g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Agave Nectar and Dark Chocolate for sodium, ranking 15 of 27. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

69kcalCalories
1.5gProtein
0.1gFat
17.6gCarbs
20mgSodium

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Stevia

Limited

Stevia is classified as Limited on DASH, with 0mg sodium per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Among the 27 items in this category, stevia sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is Xylitol at 0mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

0kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
100gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Sugar

Limited

Sugar is classified as Limited on DASH, with 3mg sodium per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Within this category, it falls between Date Syrup and Coconut Nectar for sodium, ranking 8 of 27. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

399kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
99.8gCarbs
3mgSodium

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Xylitol

Limited

With 0mg sodium per 100g, Xylitol earns a Limited classification on DASH. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Among the 27 items in this category, xylitol sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is Allulose at 0mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

240kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
100gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Not Allowed Sweeteners (11)

Allulose

Not Allowed

With 0mg sodium per 100g, Allulose earns a Not Allowed classification on DASH. This means it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Among the 27 items in this category, allulose sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is Aspartame at 0mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

20kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
100gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Artificial Sweeteners

Not Allowed

With 760mg sodium per 100g, Artificial Sweeteners earns a Not Allowed classification on DASH. It is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Beyond the primary classification, artificial sweeteners also provides 8.7g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Brown Sugar at 477mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

407kcalCalories
4.7gProtein
8.7gFat
77.4gCarbs
760mgSodium

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Aspartame

Not Allowed

At 0mg sodium per 100g, Aspartame falls into the Not Allowed category under DASH guidelines. This means it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Among the 27 items in this category, aspartame sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is Date Syrup at 2mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

365kcalCalories
2.2gProtein
0gFat
89.1gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Corn Syrup

Not Allowed

Corn Syrup is classified as Not Allowed on DASH, with 62mg sodium per 100g. This means it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Monk Fruit Sweetener at 58mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

283kcalCalories
0gProtein
0.2gFat
76.8gCarbs
62mgSodium

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Fruit Snacks

Not Allowed

At 23mg sodium per 100g, Fruit Snacks falls into the Not Allowed category under DASH guidelines. This means it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Within this category, it falls between Dark Chocolate and Molasses for sodium, ranking 17 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

352kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0gFat
88gCarbs
23mgSodium

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Gummy Candy

Not Allowed

Gummy Candy is classified as Not Allowed on DASH, with 44mg sodium per 100g. This means it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Within this category, it falls between Molasses and High Fructose Corn Syrup for sodium, ranking 19 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

396kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
98.9gCarbs
44mgSodium

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High Fructose Corn Syrup

Not Allowed

At 48mg sodium per 100g, High Fructose Corn Syrup falls into the Not Allowed category under DASH guidelines. This means it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Within this category, it falls between Gummy Candy and Cane Sugar for sodium, ranking 20 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

62kcalCalories
0.4gProtein
0gFat
15gCarbs
48mgSodium

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Milk Chocolate

Not Allowed

At 80mg sodium per 100g, Milk Chocolate falls into the Not Allowed category under DASH guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 6.7g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Corn Syrup at 62mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

150kcalCalories
3.7gProtein
6.7gFat
20.4gCarbs
80mgSodium

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Molasses

Not Allowed

At 37mg sodium per 100g, Molasses falls into the Not Allowed category under DASH guidelines. This means it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Within this category, it falls between Fruit Snacks and Gummy Candy for sodium, ranking 18 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

290kcalCalories
0gProtein
0.1gFat
74.7gCarbs
37mgSodium

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Powdered Sugar

Not Allowed

At 440mg sodium per 100g, Powdered Sugar falls into the Not Allowed category under DASH guidelines. It is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Beyond the primary classification, powdered sugar also provides 23g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Milk Chocolate at 80mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

431kcalCalories
4.9gProtein
23gFat
51.1gCarbs
440mgSodium

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Sucralose

Not Allowed

At 6mg sodium per 100g, Sucralose falls into the Not Allowed category under DASH guidelines. This means it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Within this category, it falls between Honey and Maple Syrup for sodium, ranking 11 of 27.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

48kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
0.1gFat
13.3gCarbs
6mgSodium

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