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

Limited

With 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

407kcalCalories
4.7gProtein
8.7gFat
77.4gCarbs
Fiber
77.4gNet Carbs

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Aspartame

Limited

With 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

365kcalCalories
2.2gProtein
0gFat
89.1gCarbs
0gFiber
89.1gNet Carbs

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Dark Chocolate

Limited

With 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
70-85% Cacao598kcal7.8g42.6g45.9g10.9g35g
60-69% Cacao579kcal6.1g38.3g52.4g8g44.4g
45-59% Cacao546kcal4.9g31.3g61.2g7g54.2g

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Erythritol

Limited

With 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

0kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
100gCarbs
0gFiber
100gNet Carbs

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Monk Fruit Sweetener

Limited

Monk 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

105kcalCalories
4.9gProtein
1.4gFat
18.6gCarbs
0gFiber
18.6gNet Carbs

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Stevia

Limited

With 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

0kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
100gCarbs
0gFiber
100gNet Carbs

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Sucralose

Limited

With 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

48kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
0.1gFat
13.3gCarbs
1.2gFiber
12.1gNet Carbs

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Xylitol

Limited

At 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

240kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
100gCarbs
0gFiber
100gNet Carbs

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Not Allowed Sweeteners (19)

Agave Nectar

Not Allowed

Agave 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

68kcalCalories
0.5gProtein
0.2gFat
16.2gCarbs
6.6gFiber
9.6gNet Carbs

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Allulose

Not Allowed

Allulose 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

20kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
100gCarbs
0gFiber
100gNet Carbs

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Brown Sugar

Not Allowed

At 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

373kcalCalories
9.2gProtein
4.1gFat
78.9gCarbs
6.3gFiber
72.6gNet Carbs

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Cane Sugar

Not Allowed

With 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

269kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
73.1gCarbs
0gFiber
73.1gNet Carbs

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Coconut Nectar

Not Allowed

Coconut 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

60kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0gFat
15.8gCarbs
0.6gFiber
15.2gNet Carbs

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Coconut Sugar

Not Allowed

With 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

895kcalCalories
0gProtein
99.1gFat
0.8gCarbs
0gFiber
0.8gNet Carbs

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Corn Syrup

Not Allowed

With 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

283kcalCalories
0gProtein
0.2gFat
76.8gCarbs
0gFiber
76.8gNet Carbs

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Date Syrup

Not Allowed

At 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

282kcalCalories
2.5gProtein
0.4gFat
75gCarbs
8gFiber
67gNet Carbs

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Fruit Snacks

Not Allowed

At 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

352kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0gFat
88gCarbs
0gFiber
88gNet Carbs

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Gummy Candy

Not Allowed

At 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

396kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
98.9gCarbs
0.1gFiber
98.8gNet Carbs

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High Fructose Corn Syrup

Not Allowed

At 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

62kcalCalories
0.4gProtein
0gFat
15gCarbs
0gFiber
15gNet Carbs

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Honey

Not Allowed

At 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

304kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
0gFat
82.4gCarbs
0.2gFiber
82.2gNet Carbs

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Maple Sugar

Not Allowed

At 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

354kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0.2gFat
90.9gCarbs
0gFiber
90.9gNet Carbs

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Maple Syrup

Not Allowed

At 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

270kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
67.4gCarbs
0gFiber
67.4gNet Carbs

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Milk Chocolate

Not Allowed

At 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

150kcalCalories
3.7gProtein
6.7gFat
20.4gCarbs
1.6gFiber
18.8gNet Carbs

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Molasses

Not Allowed

At 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

290kcalCalories
0gProtein
0.1gFat
74.7gCarbs
0gFiber
74.7gNet Carbs

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Powdered Sugar

Not Allowed

Powdered 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

431kcalCalories
4.9gProtein
23gFat
51.1gCarbs
1.6gFiber
49.5gNet Carbs

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Raw Honey

Not Allowed

With 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

69kcalCalories
1.5gProtein
0.1gFat
17.6gCarbs
5.3gFiber
12.3gNet Carbs

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Sugar

Not Allowed

Sugar 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

399kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
99.8gCarbs
Fiber
99.8gNet Carbs

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