Sugar is not keto: it has ~12 g of net carbs per 1 tablespoon, against the keto diet's 5 g-per-serving limit.
Net carbs
12 g
per 1 tablespoon
These are the carbs that count on keto: total carbs minus fiber.
With 12.5 g net carbs per tablespoon and a high glycemic index, sugar quickly spikes blood glucose and breaks ketosis.
Nutrition facts for sugar
0 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0 g
Fiber
Why sugar is not keto?
On keto the goal is to stay under ~5 g of net carbs per serving; sugar has 12 g per 1 tablespoon (12 g total − 0 g of fiber).
How much sugar can I eat on keto?
To stay under 5 g of net carbs, the limit is ~5 g of sugar. A better keto alternative is erythritol.
Best keto alternative
Related
Yes
Erythritol
0 g net
/ 1 tablespoon
No
Honey
17 g net
/ 1 tablespoon
In moderation
Coconut sugar
11 g net
/ 1 tablespoon
In moderation
Sugar
12 g net
/ 1 tablespoon
Yes
Xylitol
0 g net
/ 1 tablespoon
Yes
Stevia
0 g net
/ 1 teaspoon
See all: Endulzantes keto
Source: nutritional estimate (USDA-style reference) · Confidence: high
Reviewed by the Ketorai team · Last updated: July 1, 2026 · How we assign the verdict
For information only. This does not replace advice from a health professional.
Reviewed by the Ketorai team · Last updated: July 1, 2026 · How we assign the verdict
For information only. This does not replace advice from a health professional.
Something off? Let us know.
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