Sugar-Free Simple Syrup (sweetened with stevia)
Skip the sugar and make a sugar-free simple syrup using pure stevia extract that's easy and ready in less than 15 minutes. It's sweet and perfect for drinks, smoothies, or creative flavor variations!
sugar free • vegan • zero waste • three ingredients
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Always consult with your doctor or trusted medical professional to determine what ingredients, including sweeteners are appropriate for your individual health needs.
Jump to:
- 📝 quick recipe overview
- ❤️ what you'll love about this sugar-free stevia simple syrup
- 🥣 ingredient notes
- why stevia extract?
- 🔪 equipment notes
- Recipe
- 🧑🏽🍳 how to make sugar-free simple syrup using stevia
- ✅ Sugar vs. stevia syrups: what's the difference?
- 🍽️ how to serve
- 🧊 storage
- ✅ acceptable substitutions and variations
- ♻️ sustainability profile
- ❓ frequently asked questions
- ✨ more simple syrup recipes
- 🕰️ the latest
Let's be honest. Sugar tastes great, but there are times you may want to reduce added sugar in your diet. Or, maybe you're entertaining and have guests who need to limit their sugar intake.
After years of trying different sugar-free products on the market, I've landed on stevia extract as my favorite sugar substitute.
Now, not all stevia is created equal. Many actually have additives that can cause issues for people with sensitivities. I found organic, pure stevia extract that works for my recipes and I'm excited to show you that you can, in fact, make a simple syrup with stevia.
Here's how I make a sugar-free simple syrup using pure stevia extract powder. It's perfect for variations similar to strawberry top simple syrup and thyme simple syrup.
📝 quick recipe overview
- Skill level: Easy
- Taste: Sweet
- Waste: Low
- Sustainability: High
- Cleanup: Easy
- Ingredients: Common, moderately easy to source
- Equipment: Common, easy to source
- Time: 15 minutes
- Consistency: Light, pourable syrup
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Best for: Using as a base for drinks
❤️ what you'll love about this sugar-free stevia simple syrup
Completely sugar free. We skip the sugar and opt for stevia to sweeten and arrowroot powder to thicken.
Uses pure stevia extract, not versions with fillers and additives. Stevia extract is 200-400 times sweeter than table sugar, so many brands will add fillers to "bulk it up" and make it perform similar to sugar in recipes. However, these additives vary and some people may have sensitivities. Common additives include dextrose, erythritol, maltodextrin, inulin, and silica. I prefer working with pure stevia extract to avoid potential sensitivities, especially if serving when entertaining.
Easy to make. The syrup is ready in less than 15 minutes and requires a little simmering and stirring. All you need are three ingredients!
Small batch, zero waste. This recipe makes 1 cup, which serves about 4, depending upon your use. Since this is so easy, you can make a batch when you need a quick syrup and increase or decrease the quantities as needed.
🥣 ingredient notes
Filtered water. This is optional, and only to prevent any off-flavors from either hard or soft tap water. Distilled water would also work, but is a little less accessible, and uses more energy to make.
Pure stevia extract. I prefer powdered, pure stevia instead of versions with added bulking agents. Here's the brand I'm currently using.
Arrowroot powder. The arrowroot powder adds just a little "body" to the simple syrup, since sugar usually creates both texture and sweetness in the traditional simple syrup. I prefer using arrowroot powder because it creates a more clear finished product compared to other thickeners, like cornstarch.
why stevia extract?
Why do I use pure stevia extract and not allulose or other sugar-free sweeteners? Here's a breakdown:
- Allulose: Shows promise for similar flavor and texture as sugar, but isn't widely tested and, therefore, not available globally (Canada and Europe, for example).
- Monk fruit extract: This is closest to stevia extract in terms of properties and you should get a similar result if you replace stevia extract with monk fruit in this recipe. However, it is usually sold with additives and is less sustainable to grow, harvest, and distribute compared to stevia.
- Erythritol: I avoid this because of recent studies indicating potential issues with cardiovascular health.
- Xylitol: Similar potential health risks as erythritol and extremely toxic to dogs. While you wouldn't serve this to your pets, it's best to be aware of toxicity and take extra precautions to keep out of reach.
- Dextrose: Technically, dextrose is a form of glucose, so I avoid this when making recipes with lower sugar.
- Stevia is more widely available. Not all alternative sweeteners are approved for use globally.
- Pure stevia extract is not the same as stevia extract with fillers. For those who may have sensitivities to fillers, like dextrose, common stevia sugar substitutes may not be a good fit. With pure stevia extract, you know you're using one ingredient.
- It's more sustainable than other sugar substitutes. The plant is able to grow in more regions, and is easier to harvest. Cultivation is more sustainable than sugar cane production as well.
If you're new to stevia, the Cleveland Clinic has a comprehensive overview of stevia, including potential benefits and considerations. Please note, I'm not providing medical guidance or recommendations. Always consult a qualified medical professional to determine the best ingredient options for you.
🔪 equipment notes
- Small saucepan.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Spoon or spatula for stirring.
- Electric kettle. Optional, for heating water more quickly.
Recipe
Sugar-Free Simple Syrup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Simmer water in small saucepan.1 ½ cups water
- Stir in stevia extract until dissolved.½ teaspoon stevia
- Create a slurry with arrowroot powder and a small amount of water before stirring into the saucepan.1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
- Simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid turns clear or very slightly cloudy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!🧑🏽🍳 how to make sugar-free simple syrup using stevia
Heat water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. If you have an electric kettle, you'll reduce the time and energy output needed to boil water on the stovetop from room temperature. Heat in the kettle and pour into a saucepan over medium-high heat until simmering.
If you don't have an electric kettle, bring the water to a simmer from room temperature in your saucepan.
Stir in stevia extract. Stir a few times, until dissolved.
Stir in arrowroot powder. Add a little water to the arrowroot powder, just enough until it dissolves into a slurry. Stir the slurry into the water and stir until dissolved. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken and become more clear.
Remove from heat and cool before transferring to an airtight container.
💡 Pro Tip: Creating a slurry with the arrowroot powder helps prevent it from clumping when it hits the hot water. If clumps don't dissolve quickly, they may become little balls of gel. While it can be strained out of the syrup, you miss the thickening from the arrowroot. Best to create the slurry to be safe!
✅ Sugar vs. stevia syrups: what's the difference?
Sugar
- Acts as a natural preservative with a longer shelf life
- Hygroscopic nature of sugar makes the syrup thicker. Sugar attracts water molecules, binding to them and reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe. That's why heating sugar and water creates a syrupy consistency.
- 💡 Note: These hygroscopic properties are also why it's typically mixed with wet ingredients when making baked goods.
- In syrups, you usually need a ratio of 1:1 sugar to water to achieve the appropriate flavor and consistency.
- Flavor is less sweet than stevia with warmer, caramel-like notes.
Stevia.
- 200-400 times sweeter than sugar, so pure stevia requires a very small amount to be used. We're only using a half teaspoon of pure stevia extract in this recipe, when a traditional sugar recipe would call for a cup and a half of sugar.
- Shelf life is shorter because stevia doesn't act as a preservative.
- Some describe a slightly metallic aftertaste with stevia. This depends on the brand, and is typically balanced by other flavors in the recipe. Here's the brand we use.
- Flavor is more herby and sweet with bright flavor. The sweetness is lighter than sugar, which usually has more depth of flavor.
🍽️ how to serve
A basic simple syrup is great to have handy for a wide variety of recipes. Below is a list of options, or get creative and experiment with some of your own!
- Teas (iced and hot)
- Lemonade
- Coffee
- Smoothies
- Cocktails or mocktails
- Flavored sparkling water or simple sodas
- Toppings for oatmeal or baked goods
- Protein shakes
⚠️ This simple syrup is not intended to be used as a sweetener in baked goods, or as a replacement for corn syrup.
🧊 storage
Short-term storage. The syrup lasts for about a week at room temperature, when stored in a cool, dark place.
Long-term storage. Stevia simple syrup can be cooled in the refrigerator and lasts up to a month. Always check for discoloration or odors and discard if any develop.
You should not experience separation, but you can stir before using in your recipes, if desired.
✅ acceptable substitutions and variations
Skip adding arrowroot powder. If you're not concerned about the thickness of the syrup, you can completely skip the arrowroot powder step.
(Not tested) Monk fruit extract in place of stevia extract. If you're sensitive to the flavor or stevia extract, or just happen to have monk fruit extract on hand, you should get a similar result using pure monk fruit extract.
Tap water instead of filtered water. If tap water is all you have handy, that's fine! Just note that if you have hard water, or mineral buildup, off-flavors may develop. Filtered water reduces the chances of off-flavors. Distilled will as well, if preferred.
♻️ sustainability profile
sourcing
I recommend purchasing organic, pure stevia extract to avoid additives.
When you make simple syrup from scratch, you also reduce packaging waste from buying store-bought bottles. You can store the syrup in an airtight glass jar instead of plastic, which is a more sustainable material to use in the kitchen.
Stevia can be a more sustainable choice compared to other sugar substitutes due to its wide growing region, and relative ease to harvest. Compared to monk fruit and sugar cane production, for example, stevia is the more sustainable choice.
waste
There is no food waste with this recipe.
You can minimize cooking energy waste by using an electric kettle to jump start the simmering process and use a burner that matches the size of your pan.
❓ frequently asked questions
Does simple syrup always have sugar?
No, simple syrup doesn't always have to use sugar. While traditional recipes call for equal parts sugar and water, syrups can also be made using sugar substitutes, thickening agents, or unrefined sugars like maple syrup. For those who prefer using sugar, check out my blackberry simple syrup recipe.
Can I make simple syrup with stevia?
Yes, you can make simple syrup using stevia extract. The amount of stevia used will vary depending upon the type. For example, pure stevia extract powder requires a smaller amount compared to stevia extract with bulking agents. When making simple syrup with stevia, start with a small amount and add more as needed to reach your desired level of sweetness.
Can I flavor sugar-free simple syrup with fruit or herbs?
Yes, you can flavor sugar-free simple syrup. In fact, my strawberry top simple syrup, strawberry basil simple syrup, hibiscus simple syrup, and thyme simple syrup recipes are all created using stevia extract. Add the fruit of your choice to the simmering water, allowing the flavors to infuse for several minutes. Then, strain and add the stevia and arrowroot powder (if using), simmering for a few more minutes before removing from heat and cooling. If using berries, you might want to mash before straining. And, remember that fruit pulp or leftover herb scraps can usually be reused in other recipes ranging from fruit leather to stovetop simmer pots.
✨ more simple syrup recipes
- Thyme Simple Syrup
- Blackberry Simple Syrup (uses real sugar)
- Strawberry Top Simple Syrup
- Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup
