I tried Stevia but did not like the taste. Most of the artificial sweeteners give me headaches, so I stick to plain sugar in my iced tea. I use 1/3 cup in a half gallon of tea, so that equates to 225 calories, less than a 21 oz soda. Honey is for my hot tea or baking. Applesauce works well in some baked goods too. Diet sodas, candy, and cookies are things I just can't handle. Thankfully I eat more fruit than baked goods or other sweets.