It seems to be the case that everything we like is bad for our waistline or heart, addictive or laced with chemicals. Sugar is one of the biggest culprits; we love to hate it. It’s convenient, cheap, accessible, and totally delicious. It’s just not good for you, at all. For all the sweet tooths out there, we’ve sniffed out some treats that can satisfy your urges…

If you love ice cream…

Myog Frozen Yogurt has managed to combine the pleasure of ice cream, with the importance of health in their new sugar-free frozen yoghurt recipes. Their new frozen yoghurt will still have the same taste with Stevia and Erythritol replacing sugar. Both are safe and healthy naturally-sourced sugar alternatives. Their sugar-free flavours include mango, berry, cinnamon, coffee, lemon, and peanut butter. Nom nom!

If you want a healthy workout snack…

Bare Nature Raw Treats started when founder Kathryn du Buisson discovered that what she ate determined the quality of her sporting performance. Bare Nature’s scrumptious selection of raw treats is one of the only products on the market that supports the nutritional content and convenience that an athlete on the go requires. They are unique because they only contain natural ingredients with healthy sugars in them. They are also dehydrated below 46 degrees to make sure they are still raw, and all the nutrients are kept whole. We also love the fact you can design your own Raw Treat Bar, choosing options for a base, dried fruit, sweetener, protein powder, flavouring, seeds and nuts – all orderable online. 

If you want to make something at home…

If you don’t feel like going out to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can try a few ideas at home. Try dark chocolate dipped strawberries, or even frozen banana wrapped in dark chocolate and nut bits. Or top popcorn with a tablespoon of melted peanut butter and a dusting of cocoa powder.

If you want dairy free…

Leafy Greens Café in Muldersdrift in serves all of their desserts raw/not baked, and they use only the finest organic ingredients. Best of all, these desserts are free of refined sugars, dairy and most don’t have gluten either. Instead they are crafted from nuts, fruit and natural sweeteners. Top of our list is their  raw chocolate caramel tart made with raw cacao, nuts, coconut sugar, rock salt and vanilla.

If you want gluten free…

Afro-boer in Pretoria is for those who are seriously focused on eating gluten and wheat free treats. You can try their hazelnut and chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting in the café, and they are also happy to bake special orders to take home, one of which is the ‘little miss sunshine’, which contains no egg, dairy, wheat, gluten or sugar. If you’re in KZN, try Coffee Tree in Umhlali/Glenwood. Their gluten-free chocolate brownies have earned them bragging rights and the coffee’s right up there too!