Sugar Substitute Cooking Guide: Stevia, Sucralose, Aspartame And More

Things used to be simple. If we wanted something sweet, we turned to sugar, or honey or maple syrup. But now we've got options when it comes to sweetness (and it's a good thing too, especially for those who have sugar restrictions). It started with one artificial sweetener, the famous pink packet with its catchy Sweet n' Low jingle. But then, other brands showed up on the market, relying on different sources for sweetness. And it's getting a little confusing.

What are these sweeteners that look like sugar and, for the most part, act like sugar? We know we can add them to our coffees and teas, but can we cook and bake with them as we do with normal white sugar? Click through the slideshow below to find out. And keep in mind, this is a roundup of sweeteners -- artificial or not -- that look and act like sugar. (Sorry agave nectar, you didn't make the cut.)