Whole-Food Sweeteners Guide
27 items classified under standard Whole-Food guidelines.
This guide covers all 27 sweeteners classified under Whole-Food guidelines. Whole-Food evaluates foods primarily by processing level, which determines how each item in this category is classified.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Agave Nectar | Limited | 68kcal |
| Brown Sugar | Limited | 373kcal |
| Cane Sugar | Limited | 269kcal |
| Coconut Nectar | Limited | 60kcal |
| Coconut Sugar | Limited | 895kcal |
| Dark Chocolate | Limited | 550kcal |
| Date Syrup | Limited | 282kcal |
| Honey | Limited | 304kcal |
| Maple Sugar | Limited | 354kcal |
| Maple Syrup | Limited | 270kcal |
| Monk Fruit Sweetener | Limited | 105kcal |
| Raw Honey | Limited | 69kcal |
| Stevia | Limited | 0kcal |
| Sugar | Limited | 399kcal |
| Allulose | Not Allowed | 20kcal |
| Artificial Sweeteners | Not Allowed | 407kcal |
| Aspartame | Not Allowed | 365kcal |
| Corn Syrup | Not Allowed | 283kcal |
| Erythritol | Not Allowed | 0kcal |
| Fruit Snacks | Not Allowed | 352kcal |
| Gummy Candy | Not Allowed | 396kcal |
| High Fructose Corn Syrup | Not Allowed | 62kcal |
| Milk Chocolate | Not Allowed | 150kcal |
| Molasses | Not Allowed | 290kcal |
| Powdered Sugar | Not Allowed | 431kcal |
| Sucralose | Not Allowed | 48kcal |
| Xylitol | Not Allowed | 240kcal |
Classification Breakdown
14 Limited — These items have moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. 13 Not Allowed — These are an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives.
The target is NOVA group 4 — ultra-processed foods built from extracted components and additives.
Limited Sweeteners (14)
Agave Nectar
LimitedAt 68kcal calories per 100g, Agave Nectar falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Beyond the primary classification, agave nectar also provides 6.6g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between High Fructose Corn Syrup and Raw Honey for calories, 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
Brown Sugar
LimitedWith 373kcal calories per 100g, Brown Sugar earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Beyond the primary classification, brown sugar also provides 9.2g protein and 6.3g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Aspartame at 365kcal. 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
Cane Sugar
LimitedCane Sugar is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 269kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Xylitol and Maple Syrup for calories, ranking 12 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
Coconut Nectar
LimitedWith 60kcal calories per 100g, Coconut Nectar earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Among the 27 items in this category, coconut nectar sits at the low end for calories — next closest is High Fructose Corn Syrup at 62kcal. 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
Coconut Sugar
LimitedAt 895kcal calories per 100g, Coconut Sugar falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 99.1g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Dark Chocolate at 550kcal. 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
Dark Chocolate
LimitedWith 550kcal calories per 100g, Dark Chocolate earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It also contains 5.1g protein and 32.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Powdered Sugar at 431kcal. 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70-85% Cacao | 598kcal | 7.8g | 42.6g | 45.9g | 10.9g |
| 60-69% Cacao | 579kcal | 6.1g | 38.3g | 52.4g | 8g |
| 45-59% Cacao | 546kcal | 4.9g | 31.3g | 61.2g | 7g |
Date Syrup
LimitedDate Syrup is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 282kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It also contains 8g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Maple Syrup and Corn Syrup for calories, 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
Honey
LimitedHoney is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 304kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Molasses and Fruit Snacks for calories, 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
Maple Sugar
LimitedAt 354kcal calories per 100g, Maple Sugar falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Fruit Snacks and Aspartame for calories, ranking 19 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
Maple Syrup
LimitedMaple Syrup is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 270kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Cane Sugar and Date Syrup for calories, ranking 13 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
Monk Fruit Sweetener
LimitedMonk Fruit Sweetener is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 105kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Within this category, it falls between Raw Honey and Milk Chocolate for calories, ranking 9 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
Raw Honey
LimitedWith 69kcal calories per 100g, Raw Honey earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Beyond the primary classification, raw honey also provides 5.3g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Agave Nectar and Monk Fruit Sweetener for calories, ranking 8 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
Stevia
LimitedStevia is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 0kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Among the 27 items in this category, stevia sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Erythritol at 0kcal. 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
Sugar
LimitedWith 399kcal calories per 100g, Sugar earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Gummy Candy at 396kcal. 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 (13)
Allulose
Not AllowedWith 20kcal calories per 100g, Allulose earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Among the 27 items in this category, allulose sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Sucralose at 48kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Artificial Sweeteners
Not AllowedWith 407kcal calories per 100g, Artificial Sweeteners earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. It is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Beyond the primary classification, artificial sweeteners also provides 8.7g fat and 760mg sodium per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Sugar at 399kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Aspartame
Not AllowedAt 365kcal calories per 100g, Aspartame falls into the Not Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Within this category, it falls between Maple Sugar and Brown Sugar for calories, ranking 20 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Corn Syrup
Not AllowedWith 283kcal calories per 100g, Corn Syrup earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Within this category, it falls between Date Syrup and Molasses for calories, ranking 15 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Erythritol
Not AllowedAt 0kcal calories per 100g, Erythritol falls into the Not Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Among the 27 items in this category, erythritol sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Allulose at 20kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Fruit Snacks
Not AllowedFruit Snacks is classified as Not Allowed on Whole-Food, with 352kcal calories per 100g. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Within this category, it falls between Honey and Maple Sugar for calories, ranking 18 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Gummy Candy
Not AllowedWith 396kcal calories per 100g, Gummy Candy earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Brown Sugar at 373kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Not AllowedHigh Fructose Corn Syrup is classified as Not Allowed on Whole-Food, with 62kcal calories per 100g. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Among the 27 items in this category, high fructose corn syrup sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Agave Nectar at 68kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Milk Chocolate
Not AllowedMilk Chocolate is classified as Not Allowed on Whole-Food, with 150kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Nutritionally, it also delivers 6.7g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Monk Fruit Sweetener and Xylitol for calories, ranking 10 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Molasses
Not AllowedMolasses is classified as Not Allowed on Whole-Food, with 290kcal calories per 100g. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Within this category, it falls between Corn Syrup and Honey for calories, ranking 16 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Powdered Sugar
Not AllowedPowdered Sugar is classified as Not Allowed on Whole-Food, with 431kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Nutritionally, it also delivers 23g fat and 440mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Artificial Sweeteners at 407kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sucralose
Not AllowedWith 48kcal calories per 100g, Sucralose earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Among the 27 items in this category, sucralose sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Coconut Nectar at 60kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Xylitol
Not AllowedWith 240kcal calories per 100g, Xylitol earns a Not Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is an industrially formulated product with extracted ingredients and additives. Within this category, it falls between Milk Chocolate and Cane Sugar for calories, ranking 11 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central