Welcome to our list of things that are sweet but healthy! 🍎🍉🍒
Sweetness doesn’t always have to come at the cost of health. Many natural foods offer a delightful sweetness while also providing essential nutrients and health benefits. For instance, fruits like berries, apples, and bananas are naturally sweet and are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Similarly, sweet vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, fiber, and beneficial phytonutrients.
Here’s a visual list of things that are sweet but healthy, with a categorised descriptive list below:
Food
Enjoying sweet flavors while maintaining a healthy diet is entirely possible with a variety of natural and nutritious foods. Here’s a list of foods that are both sweet and healthy, excluding desserts, drinks, and traditional sweets:
- Apples: Naturally sweet and a great source of fiber and vitamins.
- Berries: Including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, which are rich in antioxidants.
- Bananas: A quick source of natural sweetness, packed with potassium and fiber.
- Oranges: Citrus fruits that are not only sweet but also high in vitamin C.
- Mangoes: Tropical fruits known for their natural sweetness and rich in vitamins A and C.
- Pineapples: Juicy and sweet, containing enzymes that aid digestion.
- Grapes: Sweet and convenient snacks, loaded with antioxidants.
- Pears: Another sweet fruit, good for fiber content.
- Cherries: Sweet, tangy, and packed with antioxidants.
- Kiwi: Offers a unique sweet and tart taste and rich in vitamin C.
- Peaches: Juicy and sweet, a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Plums: Sweet, with a slightly tart edge, and contain antioxidants.
- Papayas: Tropical sweetness with digestive enzymes and vitamin C.
- Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and an excellent source of vitamin A and fiber.
- Carrots: Known for their natural sweetness and rich in beta-carotene.
- Beets: Earthy sweetness and packed with nutrients like folate and fiber.
- Dates: Natural sweeteners, high in fiber and essential minerals like potassium.
- Figs: Sweet, with a unique texture and a source of calcium and fiber.
- Raisins: Dried grapes that are sweet and iron-rich.
- Honeydew Melon: Lightly sweet with a high water content for hydration.
- Cantaloupe: Another melon variety that’s sweet and a good source of vitamins A and C.
- Apricots: Small, sweet fruits with a hint of tartness, rich in vitamins A and C.
- Nectarines: Similar to peaches, they’re sweet and full of vitamins and minerals.
- Watermelon: Sweet and hydrating with vitamins A and C.
- Applesauce (Unsweetened): A pureed form of apples, retaining natural sweetness.
- Yams: Sweeter than sweet potatoes and a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
- Baked Squash: Varieties like butternut and acorn squash have a natural sweetness.
- Cranberries (Fresh or Dried without Added Sugar): Naturally tart but with a hint of sweetness.
- Lychees: Tropical fruits that are sweet and rich in vitamin C.
- Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Orange): These have a natural sweetness, especially when ripe.
- Coconut Flesh: Offers a mild sweetness and is nutritious.
- Pomegranates: Sweet and tangy seeds that are antioxidant-rich.
- Pumpkin: When cooked, it has a gentle sweetness and is high in vitamins.
- Corn: Sweet corn kernels are naturally sweet and a good source of fiber.
- Persimmons: Naturally sweet when fully ripe, with a honey-like flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweetness, rich in lycopene.
- Dragon Fruit: Mildly sweet and rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
- Star Fruit: Sweet and tangy, providing vitamin C and fiber.
- Jicama: A root vegetable with a sweet, apple-like flavor.
- Golden Berries: Small, yellow fruits with a sweet-tart flavor, rich in antioxidants.
- Mulberries: Sweet berries that are rarely found in stores but delicious and nutritious.
- Ripe Plantains: When cooked, they’re sweet and a staple in many tropical cuisines.
- Tamarind: A tropical fruit with a sweet and sour flavor, used in many Asian cuisines.
- Grapes (Frozen as a Snack): Freezing them brings out a sorbet-like sweetness.
- Blueberries (Frozen): Retain natural sweetness even when frozen, great for snacking.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Naturally sweet and a healthier alternative to regular fries.
- Roasted Carrots with Honey: The natural sweetness of carrots is enhanced by roasting, with a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: A warm, comforting breakfast option where the natural sweetness of apples complements the oats.
- Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries and Oranges: A wholesome salad with a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
- Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy and naturally sweet, especially when the squash is roasted.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers have a natural sweetness, which is delicious in stuffed recipes.
- Grilled Peaches with Balsamic Glaze: A savory-sweet side dish or dessert.
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili: The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness to this hearty dish.
- Fig and Ricotta Toast: A balanced combination of sweet figs and creamy ricotta on whole-grain toast.
- Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The balsamic vinegar brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts.
- Banana Pancakes: Made with ripe bananas for natural sweetness and whole-grain flour for nutrition.
- Mango Salsa: Perfect as a topping for fish or chicken, offering a sweet and spicy kick.
- Carrot and Ginger Dressing: A sweet and tangy salad dressing made from pureed carrots.
- Cinnamon Baked Apples: A simple, healthy dessert or snack that’s naturally sweet.
- Pumpkin Curry: A savory dish with the natural sweetness of pumpkin.
- Zucchini Bread with Apple Sauce: Uses natural sweeteners like applesauce and grated zucchini.
- Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: The roasting process enhances the natural sugars of the beets.
- Cranberry Walnut Quinoa: A side dish with the natural sweetness of cranberries.
- Acorn Squash Stuffed with Apples and Nuts: A sweet and savory combination.
- Pineapple Stir-Fry: Pineapple adds sweetness to this savory dish.
- Baked Pears with Walnuts and Honey: A simple yet elegant dessert.
- Yogurt Parfait with Honey and Fresh Berries: A healthy breakfast or snack option.
- Sweet Corn and Black Bean Tacos: Corn provides a sweet contrast to the savory elements.
- Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa: The peaches add a sweet touch to the grilled chicken.
- Roasted Parsnips: When roasted, parsnips develop a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Cauliflower Rice with Sweet Peas: The peas add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- Moroccan Spiced Couscous with Raisins: The raisins add a sweet element to the spiced couscous.
- Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce: The squash has a subtle sweetness, complementing the tomato sauce.
- Kale Salad with Pomegranate Seeds: Pomegranate seeds provide bursts of sweetness.
- Sweet and Sour Tofu with Pineapple: A healthy version of the classic sweet and sour dish.
- Almond Butter and Banana Sandwich: A sweet and satisfying sandwich option.
- Apple and Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: A sweet and savory main course.
- Ratatouille with Bell Peppers: The natural sweetness of the vegetables shines in this dish.
- Couscous with Dried Apricots and Cinnamon: A subtly sweet side dish.
- Lentil Salad with Roasted Red Peppers: The peppers add a nice sweet flavor.
- Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Roasting them concentrates their natural sugars.
- Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Peppers: The sweetness of the peppers is balanced by the savory filling.
- Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: A touch of maple syrup adds sweetness to this savory side.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: The pineapple brings a sweet flavor to this savory dish.
- Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken: The honey mustard adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Almonds: A delicious, naturally sweet treat.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Some vegetables like bell peppers and onions get sweeter when grilled.
Desserts
Creating desserts that are both sweet and healthy involves using natural sweeteners, whole grains, healthy fats, and incorporating fruits and nuts. Here’s a list of desserts that satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing nutritional benefits:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of various fresh fruits, naturally sweet and full of vitamins.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey and Berries: A rich source of protein, topped with natural sweetness from honey and berries.
- Baked Apples with Cinnamon: A simple dessert, where apples are baked with cinnamon and a touch of honey.
- Dark Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Strawberries dipped in dark chocolate, which is lower in sugar and high in antioxidants.
- Banana Ice Cream: Frozen bananas blended until creamy, sometimes called “nice cream.”
- Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies: Made with whole oats, cinnamon, and natural sweeteners like applesauce.
- Almond Flour Lemon Bars: A healthier version of lemon bars using almond flour and natural sweeteners.
- Avocado Chocolate Mousse: A creamy mousse made with ripe avocados, cocoa powder, and a hint of maple syrup or honey.
- Chia Seed Pudding: Chia seeds soaked in almond milk and sweetened with natural sweeteners like agave or stevia.
- Baked Pear with Walnuts and Honey: Pears baked until tender, topped with walnuts and a drizzle of honey.
- Carrot Cake with Greek Yogurt Frosting: Made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with pineapple juice or applesauce.
- Apple Crisp with Oat Topping: A healthier version of apple crisp using oats and less sugar.
- Frozen Yogurt Bark: Greek yogurt spread thin and frozen, topped with fruits and nuts.
- No-Bake Energy Balls: Made with ingredients like oats, nut butter, honey, and dark chocolate chips.
- Pumpkin Pie with Almond Flour Crust: A lower-carb version of pumpkin pie, sweetened with natural sweeteners.
- Whole Wheat Banana Bread: Made with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and reduced sugar.
- Fruit Sorbet: Made with pureed fruit, water, and a bit of honey or agave syrup.
- Cocoa-Dusted Almonds: Almonds coated in dark cocoa powder, offering a sweet yet healthy snack.
- Homemade Granola Bars: Made with oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Zucchini Brownies: Brownies made with zucchini for added moisture and nutrients.
- Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding: Layered with fresh raspberries and sweetened with a bit of honey or maple syrup.
- Quinoa and Fruit Pudding: A sweet pudding made with cooked quinoa, fruits, and a dash of honey.
- Coconut Flour Pancakes: Served with fresh fruit instead of syrup.
- Blueberry and Almond Flour Muffins: Sweetened with natural sugars and packed with nutritious blueberries.
- Dark Chocolate and Nut Bark: A mix of dark chocolate and assorted nuts, sometimes with dried fruit.
- Date and Walnut Cake: Made with dates for natural sweetness and walnuts for healthy fats.
- Poached Pears in Spiced Tea: Pears poached in black tea with cinnamon and star anise.
- Roasted Chickpeas with Cinnamon and Honey: A crunchy, sweet, and healthy snack.
- Healthy Rice Pudding: Made with brown rice, almond milk, and natural sweeteners.
- Matcha Green Tea Yogurt Parfait: Layered with fruits and granola for a healthy treat.
- Keto Avocado Brownies: A low-carb version of brownies made with avocados.
- Baked Oatmeal Cups: Individual oatmeal portions baked with fruits and nuts.
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cups: Made with natural peanut butter and dark chocolate.
- Fruit Kabobs: Skewered assorted fruits, sometimes grilled for extra flavor.
- Healthy Apple Galette: A rustic pie made with a whole grain crust and less sugar.
- Fig and Honey Tart: Using fresh figs and a natural sweetener on a whole grain crust.
- Coconut and Almond Macaroons: Sweetened with a bit of honey or maple syrup.
- Stuffed Baked Peaches: Peaches filled with a mixture of oats, nuts, and a little honey.
- Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie: Using unsweetened almond milk and natural peanut butter.
- Cottage Cheese with Pineapple or Berries: A high-protein dessert with the natural sweetness of fruit.
- Homemade Fruit Leather: Pureed fruit dried into thin sheets, with no added sugar.
- Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon: Naturally sweet and served with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Coconut Water Popsicles with Fruit Pieces: Frozen coconut water with chunks of fresh fruit.
- Protein Pancakes: Made with protein powder, egg, and banana, topped with fresh fruit.
- Black Bean Chocolate Cake: Using black beans for moisture and fiber, with less flour and sugar.
Drinks
Sweet but healthy drinks offer the best of both worlds: delicious flavors and nutritional benefits. Here’s a list of beverages that are naturally sweet or use healthy sweeteners:
- Fruit-Infused Water: Water infused with fruits like berries, citrus, or melon for natural sweetness.
- Smoothies with Fruits and Vegetables: Blends of fruits, greens, and sometimes yogurt or nut milk.
- Herbal Teas with Honey: Herbal teas sweetened with a small amount of honey.
- Coconut Water: Naturally sweet and hydrating with electrolytes.
- Fresh-Squeezed Fruit Juices: Like orange, apple, or grapefruit juice, consumed in moderation.
- Green Tea with Lemon and Honey: A healthy combination with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Almond Milk Latte with Dates: Almond milk and a few dates blended for natural sweetness.
- Vegetable Juices: Like carrot or beet juice, which have a natural sweetness.
- Iced Tea with Stevia: A zero-calorie natural sweetener to replace sugar.
- Homemade Lemonade with Honey: Freshly squeezed lemons with honey and water.
- Protein Shakes with Banana: Bananas add natural sweetness to protein shakes.
- Chia Seed Water with Fruit Juice: Chia seeds soaked in water with a splash of fruit juice for flavor.
- Kombucha (Low-Sugar Varieties): Naturally fermented tea with a slightly sweet taste.
- Matcha Latte with Almond Milk: Matcha green tea with unsweetened almond milk and a natural sweetener.
- Golden Milk: A turmeric-based drink with almond milk and honey.
- Black Coffee with Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a sweet touch without sugar.
- Ginger Tea with Maple Syrup: Fresh ginger tea lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup.
- Fruit Smoothie Bowls: Blended fruits topped with nuts and seeds.
- Cucumber and Mint Water: Refreshing and subtly sweet.
- Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Almond Milk: The vanilla adds a natural sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks: Mixed with water and a bit of honey.
- Rooibos Tea with Apple Slices: Naturally sweet and caffeine-free.
- Pomegranate Juice Spritzer: Mixed with sparkling water for a refreshing drink.
- Acai Berry Smoothie: Blended acai berries with banana for natural sweetness.
- Watermelon Juice: Pure watermelon is naturally sweet and hydrating.
- Pineapple and Spinach Green Juice: Pineapple adds sweetness to green juices.
- Homemade Nut Milk: Like cashew or almond milk, sweetened with dates or vanilla.
- Basil Lemonade: Fresh basil adds a sweet aroma to lemonade.
- Hibiscus Iced Tea with Agave Nectar: A floral tea with a touch of natural sweetener.
- Mango Lassi: Made with ripe mango and yogurt, traditionally sweetened with a bit of sugar or honey.
- Blueberry and Kale Smoothie: Blueberries add natural sweetness to the nutritious kale.
- Carrot and Ginger Juice: A sweet and spicy combination.
- Peppermint Tea with Honey: Refreshing and subtly sweet.
- Beetroot and Berry Smoothie: Beets add sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cantaloupe and Mint Juice: Fresh cantaloupe blended with mint for a sweet drink.
- Chamomile Tea with Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla enhances the natural sweetness.
- Pumpkin Spice Smoothie: Includes pumpkin puree, banana, and spices, sweetened with maple syrup.
- Homemade Rice Milk: Sweetened with vanilla or cinnamon.
- Lavender and Blueberry Infused Water: Floral and fruity, with a hint of natural sweetness.
- Turmeric and Pineapple Smoothie: Pineapple brings sweetness to this anti-inflammatory drink.
- Yerba Mate with Lemon: The lemon adds a natural sweetness to the earthy tea.
- Cranberry Water with Apple Juice: Diluted cranberry juice mixed with a bit of apple juice for sweetness.
- Sweet Potato Latte: Blended cooked sweet potato with almond milk and a hint of maple syrup.
- Kiwi and Spinach Juice: Kiwi adds natural sweetness to green juices.
- Prune Juice: Naturally sweet and known for its digestive benefits.
Snacks and Candy
Incorporating healthy yet sweet snacks and candies into your diet can satisfy cravings while still aligning with health-conscious choices. Here’s a list that includes both homemade and commercially available options:
- Dark Chocolate-Covered Almonds: Homemade to control the amount and quality of chocolate.
- Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips: Thinly sliced apples baked until crisp.
- Energy Balls: Made with oats, nut butter, honey, and dark chocolate chips.
- Banana Oat Cookies: Made with ripe bananas, oats, and optional nuts or dark chocolate.
- Frozen Yogurt Bark: Spread Greek yogurt on a tray, top with fruits and nuts, then freeze.
- Date and Nut Bars: Blended dates with nuts, pressed into bars or balls.
- Honey-Sweetened Granola: Made with oats, nuts, seeds, and honey.
- Baked Pear or Peach Halves: With cinnamon and a drizzle of honey.
- Sweet Potato Brownies: Using sweet potato puree for natural sweetness and moisture.
- LÄRABAR Bars: Made primarily from dates and nuts.
- Kind Bars – Lower Sugar Varieties: Nut-based bars with a lower sugar content.
- Trail Mix with Dried Fruit and Nuts: Look for ones without added sugars or chocolate.
- Greek Yogurt with Fruit: Opt for brands with low added sugar.
- Dark Chocolate (70% or Higher): Rich in antioxidants and lower in sugar.
- Unsweetened Apple Sauce Cups: Check for varieties with no added sugar.
- Freeze-Dried Fruit: Like strawberries or mangoes, with no added ingredients.
- RXBAR: Protein bars made with whole ingredients like dates and egg whites.
- Justin’s Nut Butter Packs: Paired with fruit or whole-grain crackers.
- Kale Chips: Commercial varieties are often baked and lightly seasoned.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Available in various flavors, including sweet options like cinnamon.
- SmartSweets: Gummy candies with reduced sugar content and no artificial sweeteners.
- That’s It Fruit Bars: Made exclusively from fruit without added sugar.
- Siggi’s Yogurt: Icelandic-style yogurt, which is lower in sugar and higher in protein.
We hope this list of sweet but healthy things was useful and that you found what you needed!
We did our best to cover all of the varied meanings of “sweet but healthy” with our visual gallery of sweet and healthy things and descriptive list. But if you feel there’s something we missed, please feel free to let us know and leave a comment.
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