Better Homes and Gardens BH&G Cut the Sugar 2025

HEART While saturated fat has long been thought of as the cause of heart disease, newer research points to a link between added sugars and poor heart health. An analysis of more than 11,000 studies found that a diet high in added sugars increased blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL (bad) cholesterol, all of which contribute to heart disease. PANCREAS There are many reasons a person can develop type 2 diabetes, but research has found that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages 1 to 2 times a day increased a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes by 26 percent. TEETH It’s true that eating too much candy can rot your teeth. Sugar interacts with the saliva and bacteria in your mouth to create an acidic environment, which in turn eats away at the enamel on your teeth and creates…

5 G ADDED SUGARS BLUEBERRY CEREAL BARS HANDS ON 15 MINUTES BAKE 20 MINUTES AT 325°F COOL 40 MINUTES 3 cups regular rolled oats, toasted1 cup no-sugar-added crisp rice cereal (such as Arrowhead Mills brand)⅔ cup unsweetened dried blueberries and/or raisins½ cup chopped almonds and/or pecans, toasted½ cup brown rice syrup½ cup almond butter2 Tbsp. salted butter2 Tbsp. chia seeds1 tsp. vanilla¼ tsp. salt¼ tsp. almond extract (optional)2 egg whites (¼ cup) 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, extending paper over two sides. 2. In a large bowl combine oats, rice cereal, dried blueberries, and almonds. 3. In a microwave-safe bowl combine rice syrup, almond butter, butter, chia seeds, vanilla, salt, and almond extract (if using). Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute (or heat in a saucepan over medium 1 minute).…

0G ADDED SUGARS DATE COFFEE CREAMER START TO FINISH 5 minutes 2 pitted Medjool dates (1 oz.)2 cups MILK, divided (options, below)½ tsp. EXTRACT or 2 tsp. MIX-IN (options, below) In a blender* combine dates, 1 cup MILK, and EXTRACT or MIX-IN. Cover and blend until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Add remaining MILK; blend to combine. Transfer to a 1-pint Mason jar; chill up to 1 week. Shake well before using. Makes 16 servings (2 Tbsp. each). *TIP For best results, use a high-power blender. MILK dairy milk, half-and-half, heavy cream, oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk beverage. EXTRACT vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, or peppermint. MIX-IN Homemade Chai Spice (p. 48), pumpkin pie spice, or 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder. 0G ADDED SUGARS VANILLA BEAN CREAM FRAPPÉ START TO FINISH 5 minutes 1 cup Vanilla Date Coffee Creamer (p.…

3G ADDED SUGARS BROWNED BUTTER APPLE-MAPLE SNACK CAKE HANDS ON 15 minutes COOK 7 minutes BAKE 20 minutes at 350°F 1 cup white whole wheat flour1 tsp. baking powder¾ tsp. apple pie spice¼ tsp. salt⅓ cup salted butter¼ cup packed brown sugar3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup1 egg2 tsp. vanilla1½ cups peeled and chopped Braeburn or other cooking apples¼ cup sliced almonds 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan (tip, above right). In a medium bowl stir together first four ingredients (through salt). 2. In a small saucepan melt butter over low. Continue cooking, stirring often, until butter smells nutty and turns a delicate light brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer butter to a medium bowl. Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup. Stir in egg and vanilla. Stir in…

7G ADDED SUGARS OLIVE OIL CAKE WITH ROASTED CITRUS HANDS ON 25 minutes BROIL 5 minutes BAKE 30 minutes at 375°F COOL 15 minutes 1 recipe Roasted Citrus (below)2 tsp. salted butter, softened2 lemons5 Tbsp. sugar, divided½ cup slivered almonds, toasted2 cups all-purpose flour1 Tbsp. baking powder2 tsp. snipped fresh rosemary½ tsp. salt3 eggs, lightly beaten1 cup buttermilk¼ cup olive oil½ cup fresh orange juice4 1-inch strips orange zest 1. Prepare Roasted Citrus. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter. Remove 1 Tbsp. zest and squeeze 3 Tbsp. juice from lemons. 2. In a food processor combine 3 Tbsp. of the sugar and the almonds; cover and pulse until nuts are finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in lemon zest, flour, baking powder, rosemary, and salt. Make a well in…

STUFFED DATES START TO FINISH 10 MINUTES Using a sharp knife, cut slits in 12 whole fresh Medjool dates and remove pits, or use pitted Medjool dates. Stuff dates as desired (see variations, below). Makes 12 stuffed dates. TO STORE Chill, covered, up to 3 days. 1G ADDED SUGARS CHOCOLATY CASHEW Stuff dates evenly with ½ cup unsweetened cashew butter (2 tsp. each). Sprinkle dates evenly with 1 oz. dark chocolate, chopped, and ½ tsp. flaky sea salt. PER STUFFED DATE 144 cal, 6 g fat (2 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 129 mg sodium, 23 g carb, 2 g fiber, 18 g total sugars, 2 g pro 0G ADDED SUGARS MASCARPONE CRUNCH Stuff dates evenly with ½ cup mascarpone cheese (2 tsp. each). Sprinkle dates evenly with ¼ cup pomegranate arils and 2 tbsp. finely chopped pistachios. PER STUFFED…