Low-Carb Sweeteners Guide
27 items classified under standard Low-Carb guidelines.
How do sweeteners fare on the Low-Carb diet? The answer depends on carbohydrate content. This guide breaks down all 27 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Net carbs (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Sweeteners | Limited | 77.4g |
| Aspartame | Limited | 89.1g |
| Dark Chocolate | Limited | 52.8g |
| Erythritol | Limited | 100g |
| Monk Fruit Sweetener | Limited | 18.6g |
| Stevia | Limited | 100g |
| Sucralose | Limited | 12.1g |
| Xylitol | Limited | 100g |
| Agave Nectar | Not Allowed | 9.6g |
| Allulose | Not Allowed | 100g |
| Brown Sugar | Not Allowed | 72.6g |
| Cane Sugar | Not Allowed | 73.1g |
| Coconut Nectar | Not Allowed | 15.2g |
| Coconut Sugar | Not Allowed | 0.8g |
| Corn Syrup | Not Allowed | 76.8g |
| Date Syrup | Not Allowed | 67g |
| Fruit Snacks | Not Allowed | 88g |
| Gummy Candy | Not Allowed | 98.8g |
| High Fructose Corn Syrup | Not Allowed | 15g |
| Honey | Not Allowed | 82.2g |
| Maple Sugar | Not Allowed | 90.9g |
| Maple Syrup | Not Allowed | 67.4g |
| Milk Chocolate | Not Allowed | 18.8g |
| Molasses | Not Allowed | 74.7g |
| Powdered Sugar | Not Allowed | 49.5g |
| Raw Honey | Not Allowed | 12.3g |
| Sugar | Not Allowed | 99.8g |
Classification Breakdown
8 Limited — These items have a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. 19 Not Allowed — These are high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans.
Low-carb spans from about 150g/day down to 20g/day, so the same food can be in or out depending on which end of the spectrum.
Limited Sweeteners (8)
Artificial Sweeteners
LimitedWith 77.4g net carbs per 100g, Artificial Sweeteners earns a Limited classification on Low-Carb. It is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Beyond the primary classification, artificial sweeteners also provides 8.7g fat and 760mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Corn Syrup and Honey for net carbs, ranking 17 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
Aspartame
LimitedWith 89.1g net carbs per 100g, Aspartame earns a Limited classification on Low-Carb. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Within this category, it falls between Fruit Snacks and Maple Sugar for net carbs, ranking 20 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
Dark Chocolate
LimitedWith 52.8g net carbs per 100g, Dark Chocolate earns a Limited classification on Low-Carb. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. It also contains 5.1g protein and 32.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Powdered Sugar and Date Syrup for net carbs, 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70-85% Cacao | 598kcal | 7.8g | 42.6g | 45.9g | 10.9g | 35g |
| 60-69% Cacao | 579kcal | 6.1g | 38.3g | 52.4g | 8g | 44.4g |
| 45-59% Cacao | 546kcal | 4.9g | 31.3g | 61.2g | 7g | 54.2g |
Erythritol
LimitedWith 100g net carbs per 100g, Erythritol earns a Limited classification on Low-Carb. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Sugar at 99.8g. 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
Monk Fruit Sweetener
LimitedMonk Fruit Sweetener is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 18.6g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Within this category, it falls between Coconut Nectar and Milk Chocolate for net carbs, ranking 7 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
Stevia
LimitedWith 100g net carbs per 100g, Stevia earns a Limited classification on Low-Carb. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Erythritol at 100g. 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
Sucralose
LimitedWith 12.1g net carbs per 100g, Sucralose earns a Limited classification on Low-Carb. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Among the 27 items in this category, sucralose sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Raw Honey at 12.3g. 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
Xylitol
LimitedAt 100g net carbs per 100g, Xylitol falls into the Limited category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Stevia at 100g. 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
Not Allowed Sweeteners (19)
Agave Nectar
Not AllowedAgave Nectar is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 9.6g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 6.6g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 27 items in this category, agave nectar sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Sucralose at 12.1g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Allulose
Not AllowedAllulose is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 100g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Xylitol at 100g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Brown Sugar
Not AllowedAt 72.6g net carbs per 100g, Brown Sugar falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Nutritionally, it also delivers 9.2g protein and 6.3g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Maple Syrup and Cane Sugar for net carbs, ranking 13 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cane Sugar
Not AllowedWith 73.1g net carbs per 100g, Cane Sugar earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Within this category, it falls between Brown Sugar and Molasses for net carbs, ranking 14 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Coconut Nectar
Not AllowedCoconut Nectar is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 15.2g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Among the 27 items in this category, coconut nectar sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Monk Fruit Sweetener at 18.6g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Coconut Sugar
Not AllowedWith 0.8g net carbs per 100g, Coconut Sugar earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 99.1g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 27 items in this category, coconut sugar sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Agave Nectar at 9.6g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Corn Syrup
Not AllowedWith 76.8g net carbs per 100g, Corn Syrup earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Within this category, it falls between Molasses and Artificial Sweeteners for net carbs, ranking 16 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Date Syrup
Not AllowedAt 67g net carbs per 100g, Date Syrup falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Dark Chocolate and Maple Syrup for net carbs, ranking 11 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Fruit Snacks
Not AllowedAt 88g net carbs per 100g, Fruit Snacks falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Within this category, it falls between Honey and Aspartame for net carbs, ranking 19 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Gummy Candy
Not AllowedAt 98.8g net carbs per 100g, Gummy Candy falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Maple Sugar at 90.9g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Not AllowedAt 15g net carbs per 100g, High Fructose Corn Syrup falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Among the 27 items in this category, high fructose corn syrup sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Coconut Nectar at 15.2g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Honey
Not AllowedAt 82.2g net carbs per 100g, Honey falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Within this category, it falls between Artificial Sweeteners and Fruit Snacks for net carbs, ranking 18 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Maple Sugar
Not AllowedAt 90.9g net carbs per 100g, Maple Sugar falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Aspartame at 89.1g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Maple Syrup
Not AllowedAt 67.4g net carbs per 100g, Maple Syrup falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Within this category, it falls between Date Syrup and Brown Sugar for net carbs, ranking 12 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Milk Chocolate
Not AllowedAt 18.8g net carbs per 100g, Milk Chocolate falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, milk chocolate also provides 6.7g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Monk Fruit Sweetener and Powdered Sugar for net carbs, ranking 8 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Molasses
Not AllowedAt 74.7g net carbs per 100g, Molasses falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Within this category, it falls between Cane Sugar and Corn Syrup for net carbs, ranking 15 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Powdered Sugar
Not AllowedPowdered Sugar is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 49.5g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 23g fat and 440mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate for net carbs, ranking 9 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Raw Honey
Not AllowedWith 12.3g net carbs per 100g, Raw Honey earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Carb. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, raw honey also provides 5.3g fiber per 100g. Among the 27 items in this category, raw honey sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is High Fructose Corn Syrup at 15g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sugar
Not AllowedSugar is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 99.8g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Gummy Candy at 98.8g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central