Sugar Swap 2026

Sugar swap 2026

Swap out refined sugars for natural sweetness to feel better, boost energy, and start the year off nourished, not restricted.

January is the perfect month for a reset. And this year, we’re keeping things simple, supportive, and delicious.

Guiding the challenge again is Angela - nutritionist, mom, and co-owner of Dutchman’s Gold, along with wellness experts in the community helping you make small habit shifts that can add up to big health wins.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

No contest. No pressure. No perfection.

Just follow along and try the swaps that feel right for you.

Choose one area to swap at a time — drinks, breakfast, snacks, baking, sauces.

Try the simple swaps below and notice how your energy, digestion, and cravings shift. If you want to share your swaps or recipes, tag @dutchmansgold and #sugarswap — we love seeing them!

You can participate quietly or proudly — either way, you’re part of the movement.

WHAT IS THE SUGAR SWAP?

You’ll replace refined and ultra-processed sugars with real, natural sweeteners like unpasteurized honey and pure maple syrup.

Why? Because these natural options offer antioxidants, micronutrients, and smoother energy without the big spikes and crashes. And after the holiday season, this gentle reset just feels good.

WHY SHOULD YOU Sugar swap?

Reducing refined sugar supports your whole body:

More stable energy
Stronger immune system
Less inflammation
Better digestion
Improved mood + focus
Naturally sweet flavour without the chemicals

Did you know excessive refined sugar is linked to low immunity, increased inflammation, mood swings, and disrupted sleep? A real-food swap is a simple way to take back your health.

HERE'S HOW TO #SUGARSWAP

Swap 1 cup of refined sugar for ½ - ⅔ a cup of honey, and reduce liquid by about 1/4 cup (honey contains 20% water) or swap 1 cup refined sugar for ¾ a cup of maple syrup.

Start making these #sugarswaps and share your weekly recipes or experiences with us.

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SHOP THE SUGAR SWAP STARTER KIT

DUTCHMAN'S GOLD X JULIE DANILUK

Julie Daniluk and I became holistic nutritionists over 25 years ago, around the same time, for the same reason.

We were deeply curious about how food can be your medicine.

Long before “sugar-free” was a movement, we both saw firsthand how profoundly what you eat impacts how you feel, your energy, your gut health, and your long-term wellbeing, often more than people realize. That shared belief has shaped our work ever since.

Which is why we’re so excited to come together now for Sugar Swap 2026.

By combining Julie’s evidence-based nutrition expertise and educational resources - including her book Becoming Sugar-Free ( add link) with Dutchman’s Gold’s beehive-based ingredients, we’re here to help make reducing refined sugar feel approachable, sustainable, and empowering.

This isn’t about restriction or perfection.

It’s about smarter swaps, real food choices, and sweetness that nourishes rather than depletes.

Two holistic nutritionists.

One shared mission.

Showing you how easy... and enjoyable it can be to kick refined sugar without giving up the foods you love.

We were also thrilled to welcome Julie to our Carlisle storefront, sharing ideas, education, and a full-circle moment rooted in community, connection, and purpose.

As we look ahead, our goal is simple:

To make 2026 even better than 2025 - with more tools, tips, recipes, and support to help you feel your best.

Swap the sugar. Keep the joy. 🍯🐝

KNOW MORE

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN SUGAR SWAP

LEVEL UP YOUR HEALTH

Unpasteurized honey contains antioxidants, enzymes, trace minerals and offers a more nourishing option than refined sweeteners.

Dark maple syrup is rich, bold, and packed with more minerals and antioxidants than lighter grades.

CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION

This challenge brings awareness to what you’re eating - empowering you to choose whole, real foods more often.

BETTER FLAVOUR

Honey + maple syrup add depth, warmth, and natural sweetness to everything from lattes to lunches.

NATURAL ENERGY

Unpasteurized, pure honey provides slow, steady energy for your day.

BEYOND SWEETNESS

Unpasteurized honey has antibacterial properties and supports digestion + immune health.

JOIN THE #SUGARSWAP MOVEMENT

Follow along for recipes, weekly tips, and real-life swaps. Bring a friend, partner, or co-worker — it’s more fun together.

Let’s start 2026 with real food, real sweetness, and real energy. 💛

Watch us on CHCH tv

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SUGAR SWAP RECIPES

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