What Cordial Has No Sugar? Exploring Zero-Sugar Options

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Diabetes Australia, while artificial sweeteners don't affect blood sugar levels, unsweetened drinks are always the best option. However, when you want flavour without the sugar, knowing what cordial has no sugar is essential for a healthier beverage choice.

Quick Summary

This article explores the landscape of sugar-free cordials, covering brands that utilize natural and artificial sweeteners. It includes insights into how to choose the right option for your dietary needs, the ingredients to look for, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of various sugar alternatives, from stevia to erythritol. Homemade recipes are also discussed.

Key Points

Natural Sweeteners: Look for cordials sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia or erythritol to avoid artificial ingredients.
Check Labels Carefully: 'No added sugar' does not always mean zero sugar, as natural fruit juice concentrates contain their own sugars.
Mind the Aftertaste: Artificial sweeteners like sucralose can sometimes leave a lingering aftertaste, while natural options tend to have a cleaner flavour.
DIY is an Option: For total control, making homemade cordial with fresh fruit and your preferred natural sweetener is an easy process.
Consider Digestive Impact: Excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners may lead to gastrointestinal issues like bloating or stomach cramps.
Flavor Overload: A homemade recipe with fresh ingredients can produce a fresher, more vibrant flavour profile than many store-bought varieties.

Understanding Sugar-Free Cordials

For those managing blood sugar, counting calories, or simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle, sugar-free cordials offer a popular alternative to their full-sugar counterparts. Instead of using traditional sugar (sucrose), these concentrated syrups rely on various sugar substitutes to achieve their sweet flavour. Understanding the different types of sweeteners is key to navigating the market and finding a cordial that suits your preferences and dietary restrictions.

Sweeteners Used in Sugar-Free Cordials

Not all sugar-free cordials are created equal, and the type of sweetener used can significantly impact the taste, aftertaste, and potential health effects. Here are the most common options:

Artificial Sweeteners: These synthetic compounds are intensely sweet and contain zero or very few calories. Examples include sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and sodium cyclamate. They are a common ingredient in many mainstream 'no added sugar' or 'diet' cordials. While effective for sweetness, some people report a lingering aftertaste, and consuming them in large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Natural Sweeteners: Derived from natural sources, these are often preferred by those seeking a more 'natural' product. Stevia, derived from the stevia plant, is one such popular choice known for its potent sweetness without calories. Another is erythritol, a sugar alcohol that is found naturally in some fruits. Cordials made with these sweeteners, such as those from Belvoir Farm, often have a more rounded flavour profile.
Fruit Juice Concentrates: Some cordials, while still labeled 'no added sugar,' may contain fruit juice concentrate, which still contributes natural sugars. It is important to read the nutritional information carefully if you are strictly monitoring sugar intake. Cordials from brands like Belvoir often use a high percentage of fruit juice, giving them a more robust, authentic flavour.

The Rise of Naturally Sweetened Cordials

In recent years, consumer demand for healthier, more natural products has led to a shift away from synthetic additives. Brands like Belvoir Farm have gained popularity by crafting their 'no added sugar' cordials with natural fruit juice and plant-based sweeteners like stevia. This approach caters to those who are conscious of artificial ingredients but still want a delicious, sugar-free option. For example, their Sicilian Lemon & Lime cordial uses stevia for a perfectly balanced citrus flavour.

Homemade Sugar-Free Cordial: The Ultimate Control

For complete control over ingredients and sweetness, making your own cordial at home is an excellent option. By starting with fresh fruits, water, and your preferred natural sweetener, such as stevia or erythritol, you can create a completely customized beverage. Popular combinations include lemon and ginger, or various berries, allowing for endless experimentation with flavours.

Recipe for Homemade Sugar-Free Lemon Cordial

Ingredients:
- 2 cups Water
- 1 large Lemon
- 2 cups Erythritol
- 1.5 tsp Ascorbic acid
Instructions:
1. Add water and erythritol to a large pan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until dissolved.
2. Turn off the heat and add ascorbic acid, grated lemon zest, and lemon slices.
3. Cover and infuse for 24 hours. Strain and bottle, then dilute to taste.

Comparison Table: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Cordial


Feature	Store-Bought (Zero/No Added Sugar)	Homemade (Sugar-Free)
Sweetener	Artificial (Sucralose, etc.) or natural (Stevia)	Natural (Stevia, Erythritol, Allulose)
Ingredients	Water, fruit juice concentrate, sweeteners, preservatives, flavourings	Fresh fruit, water, chosen sweetener, optional citric acid
Customization	Very little. Limited to brand offerings.	Complete control over flavour, sweetness, and ingredients.
Convenience	High. Ready to use immediately.	Lower. Requires preparation time.
Cost	Generally more expensive per serving than homemade ingredients.	Can be more cost-effective over time.
Flavour Profile	Can vary widely. Some have an artificial aftertaste.	Fresh, authentic fruit flavour based on ingredients used.

Making the Best Choice for You

Choosing the right sugar-free cordial depends on your individual needs and preferences. For those prioritizing convenience and variety, numerous store-bought options exist, though a careful check of ingredients is necessary to understand the type of sweetener used. Brands using plant-based sweeteners offer a more natural flavour profile. For those seeking ultimate control, fresher taste, and cost savings over time, a homemade cordial is the superior option, allowing for personalized flavour combinations. No matter your choice, a refreshing, flavourful, and sugar-free beverage is well within reach.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no single cordial that is entirely sugar-free across the board, but many manufacturers offer excellent 'no added sugar' alternatives using a variety of sweeteners. By understanding the different types of sugar substitutes, from artificial options like sucralose to natural ones like stevia, consumers can make informed decisions. Whether choosing a commercially produced cordial or creating a custom blend at home, enjoying a flavourful drink without the sugar has never been easier.

Finding What Cordial Has No Sugar

Belvoir Farm (No Added Sugar Range): Known for using natural ingredients like stevia for sweetness, their Sicilian Lemon & Lime and other variants are excellent choices.
Tovali (Diabetic Range): Specifically formulated for diabetics, offering traditional flavours like blackcurrant without added sugar.
Robinsons (No Added Sugar Range): A widely available brand in the UK with a large variety of fruit flavours sweetened with artificial sweeteners.
Homemade with Stevia: For maximum control, a homemade recipe using a natural sweetener like stevia allows for complete customization of ingredients and sweetness.
Look for 'Zero Sugar' or 'No Added Sugar': The label is the first place to check, though reading the full ingredients list is necessary to see which sweetener is used.

Frequently Asked Questions

In countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, 'cordial' and 'squash' are often used interchangeably to refer to a non-alcoholic fruit-based concentrate that is diluted with water before drinking. The terms refer to the same type of product.

Not necessarily. Cordials labeled 'no added sugar' mean that no extra sucrose was added during production, but they may still contain natural sugars from fruit juice concentrate. Always check the nutritional information for the total sugar content if you are monitoring your intake strictly.

Yes, but with caution. Many cordials use artificial sweeteners that do not raise blood glucose levels, making them a suitable option. However, some experts suggest that consuming unsweetened drinks is a better long-term habit.

Stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is significantly sweeter than sugar and has no calories. Regulatory bodies in most countries have approved it as a safe food additive.

Yes, you can. By combining fresh fruit, water, and a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol, you can create a personalized, sugar-free cordial. This gives you full control over the ingredients and sweetness level.

For some people, especially when consumed in large quantities, the artificial sweeteners found in sugar-free drinks may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.

Brands like Belvoir Farm have a 'no added sugar' range that uses natural sweeteners like stevia instead of artificial ones. It's best to check the ingredients list to be sure.