For those with a sweet tooth, desserts and pastries are everything – either the satisfactory end to a savory meal or a pick-me-up treat to brighten up one’s day. But we also know that too much sugar can be harmful – especially if you’re dealing with certain conditions, like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

While excessive refined sugar intake can largely impact one’s metabolism and overall health, there are still ways to enjoy some sweetness, thanks to sugar alternatives lower on the glycemic index – coconut sugar, stevia, erythritol, and others – without sacrificing so much of the taste.

For diabetic-friendly and keto-friendly treats, here are some local restaurants and bakeries to check out for your next guilt-free dessert!

The Wholesome Bakery 

Local restaurant Wholesome Table’s organic and healthy advocacy expands to their line-up of Wholesome Bakery desserts, which uses only organic coconut sugar.

Among their star choices are the gluten-free carrot cake (P284), rice flour chocolate cake (P200), gluten-free banana cake (P74), gluten-free banana peanut butter cupcake (P95), and gluten-free salted chocolate cupcake (P95).

For pre-orders, you can phone Wholesome Table’s Salcedo Village branch or pre-order through their website.

KetoGo PH

Built for the gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, low-carb, and keto diet, KetoGoPH offers sweet treats free of additives, gluten, flavoring, artificial ingredients, preservatives, and of course, refined sugar.

Using stevia and erythritol, they sell chewy 6-piece Chocnut Cookies (P540), 4-piece Pecan Fudge Brownie Bars (P680), 6-piece Choco Chip Cookies, and a 4-piece Cookie Crust Cheese Cake Bar (P680), which can all be assorted into bundles of your choice – macro count included.

KetoGoPh accepts pre-orders every day, with deliveries every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, To order, visit ketogo.ph or send them a message on Instagram.

Gianna’s Low Carb 

One of Manila’s keto dessert pioneers is Gianna’s, a low-carb bakeshop that uses erythritol as their main sweetener. They offer gluten-free cakes in a can (chocolate, tiramisu, strawberry, brazo de mercedes) ranging from P650 to P880, as well as cheesecakes in plain, lemon, matcha, oreo, strawberry, and blueberry flavors (P700-P950).

Gianna’s also offers coffee keto bread (P550), mamon loaf (P350), fudge brownies (P350), red velvet cupcakes (P360), and choco butternut munchkins (P350). They’re available for pre-order via online form or Viber at 0998-8598845. You can also find them at their store in Makati City from Mondays to Saturdays. 

Healthy Bean PH

Healthy Bean PH’s line-up of dairy-free desserts is fueled by coconut sugar and quality vegan/vegetarian ingredients. Their gluten-free, plant-based best-sellers include Vegan Snickers (P390) and Assorted Sugar-Free Muffins (P790) – banana blueberry, raspberry choco, and green tea pistachio.

They also have Walnut Carrot, Fudgy Double Chocolate Chip, and Peanut Butter Chocolate cupcakes (P490). For orders and same-day deliveries, you can visit Healthy Bean’s website.

Chrisha’s Kitchen

For sugar-free, low-carb whole cakes, Chrisha’s Kitchen can deliver – she’s got tiramisu, strawberry shortcake, carrot walnut, and red velvet cakes (P780), as well as moist chocolate cake (P750), almond sans rival (P900), burnt basque cheesecake (P850), and avocado pistachio cheesecake (P890). Chrisha’s sweetener: isomalt.

There’s Greek yogurt (P250) on the menu, too, made without any sugar at all. For orders, you can visit Chrisha’s Kitchen’s website.

Keto Filipino

Artisanal Quezon City-based brand Keto Filipino offers diabetic-friendly, low-carb treats using erythritol and/or stevia. Best-sellers include their Carrot-less Cake (P680), Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes (P430), and cupcakes in matcha, ensaimada, and chocolate flavors.

They also offer butter, flax, and cheese loaves, as well as a yema cream cake, chocolate obsession cake, donuts, and cream cheese rolls.

You can order through their website (two days lead time) for deliveries from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Confection, Your Honor

Confection, Your Honor is a home-based bakery in Taguig City founded by lawyers that serve a few of their treats guilt-free, sugar-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly. They use erythritol as their main sweetener.

These include the sugar-free banana bread with cream cheese and almond toppings (P450), as well as their lemon bars (P310) in boxes of 6.

You can place your orders via their Instagram page. They deliver on Wednesdays and Sunday.

Mom and Tina’s

Brunch hotspot Mom and Tina’s offers diabetic-friendly sweets too, like the classic American Apple Pie (P185), Mango Walnut Torte (P175), Chocolate Fudge Cake (P90), Chocolate Mousse (P145), and their Mango Cream Pie (P145), all made without any sugar.

Mom and Tina’s is open daily for store pick-ups at any of their branches in Pasig, Makati, or Quezon City. Just place a call at (+63 999) 885 0092 (Pasig),  (+63 999) 885 9252 (Makati), or (+63 999) 885 9254 (Quezon City) to order. – Rappler.com