Lucuma powder is made from the Peruvian lucuma fruit (also called "eggfruit"), and is rich in minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B3, beta carotene, and fiber. One tablespoon of white sugar contains 14 g of sugar calories, while one tablespoon of lucuma only contains 2 grams (although it still has 60 calories overall). The powder tastes a bit like maple syrup.

Form: Powder
Uses: Sweeten beverages, smoothies, and cereal or yogurt. You can also substitute it directly (1:1 ratio to sugar) in baking recipes, especially if brown sugar is called for.
Glycemic Index: 25

Raw, unprocessed honey (avoid those processed honey bears!) is rich in antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, minerals, and phytonutrients. With a much lower-glycemic rating than table sugar, raw honey is a great alternative sweetener. It has more calories than sugar, but because it is sweeter, you can use less. Try the raw honey with the comb on top -- it's awesome!

Forms: Comb honey and chunk honey (without the comb)
Uses: Sweeten tea, smoothies, cereal and oatmeal.
Glycemic Index: 30

Maple syrup isn't exactly the healthiest of sugar alternatives since it's still highly processed, but compared to white sugar, it does not trigger a blood glucose spike the way refined sugar does. The syrup is high in zinc and manganese. Calorie-wise it's comparable to sugar, but because of its sweeter taste, you only need to use 2/3 cup of maple syrup per 1 cup sugar. Be sure you're buying pure maple syrup, not anything that's been cut with high fructose corn syrup!

Form: Syrup
Uses: Sweeten smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and pancakes (duh). You can also substitute maple syrup in baking, but reduce the amount of liquids in the recipe to compensate. 3/4 cup maple syrup equals 1 cup sugar.
Glycemic Index: 58

This sweetening agent is extracted from the yacon plant, a South American tuber. The syrup has half the calories of sugar and a high concentration of indigestible inulin, a complex sugar that breaks down slowly. It's also an excellent source of potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, 20 amino acids, and is considered a prebiotic that promotes healthy bacteria in your digestive system.

Form: Syrup
Uses: Sweeten smoothies, coffee, or tea. You can also use it in baking, adjusting properly for liquid levels, or drizzle over cereal and yogurt. It has a similar level of sweetness to agave, so substitute 2/3 cup yacon to 1 cup sugar.
Glycemic Index: 1

Date sugar is made from dehydrated, ground dates, so it retains the nutritional benefits of dates, and is not as processed as say, agave nectar or maple syrup. It looks and tastes like brown sugar, but slightly sweeter. The glycemic index on date sugar is in the moderate range, but since it isn't a refined or processed like sugar, most people consider it a healthier option. Also, be careful what recipes you use date sugar in -- it does not dissolve.

Form: Rough granules
Uses: Sweeten smoothies and hearty baked goods (breads, muffins, and brownies, not lighter cake). Sprinkle on top of oatmeal or cinnamon toast. The recommended substitution is 2/3 cup of date sugar to 1 cup white sugar.
Glycemic Index: 68