The fantastic folks at Hermosa Peak sent me some Yacon Syrup to sample. Not sure what that is? Neither was I! Basically, it’s a sweetening agent made from a South American plant that resembles a sweet potato. This is what it looks like in whole form.

It can be used as a sugar substitute once it’s distilled (similar to how maple syrup is made). Diabetics would really benefit from using Yacon Syrup, because it is low glycemic, low carb, and it doesn’t raise insulin levels. Some people say that it’s a metabolism booster and a weight loss aid. Dr. Oz did a diet challenge on his show that featured it.

Yacon Syrup can be used in baking, salad dressings, BBQ sauce, and marinades—almost any recipe that calls for honey or sugar, really! I tried it in tea and on top of oatmeal. The taste of the syrup is mild and doesn’t overpower food or drinks. It’s been compared to molasses. I thought it tasted kind of like raisins. The only thing I didn’t like it mixed into was coffee.

I averaged about 1-2 spoons per day, experimenting until the bottle was gone. While I didn’t personally experience any weight loss, I think this is a great sugar substitute that would help anyone who wants to eat healthier. We are all eating way too much sugar and it’s important to cut back anyway we can; with Yacon Syrup, it’s painless. I would definitely buy Hermosa Peak Yacon Syrup!