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Sugar-free canning recipes?

Q:

I'm trying to find approved canning recipes for tomato-based products (marinara, chili, taco sauce, etc.) that do not have sugar in them. Do you know of any? I'm fine with sugar substitutes or without sweeteners.

A:

The sugar in these recipes are for quality, rather than safety. You can leave it out. I would not suggest adding alternative sweeteners before canning. These can be added after opening the jar.

You can learn about low-sugar food preservation and alternative sweeteners in the following articles:

You mention canning chili and tomato products, and I suggest reading these resources for safe procedures and which ingredients to avoid when canning soups:

Related content

Preserving for Special Diets (SP 50-646)

Sugar and salt often play a vital role in canning fruits and vegetables at home. But sugar and salt can often be eliminated or reduced if special care is taken to account for their absence. Here's a how-to guide.

Nellie Oehler | Mar 2013 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Low-Sugar Jams & Jellies/Fruit Spreads (SP 50-765)

For people watching their sugar intake, the amount of sugar called for in traditional recipes for jams and jellies might give them pause. But by using specially modified pectins, sugar can be reduced or eliminated.

Nellie Oehler | Feb 2017 | Article

Low-Salt Pickles (SP 50-533)

Salt can be removed from most fresh-pack or "quick" pickles without affecting the safety of the product. The key is to use at least as much vinegar as water or other liquid. Here's a how-to guide with recipes.

Nellie Oehler | Feb 2013 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Canned peppers in glass jar (photo Lynn Ketchum)
Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Home food preservation, Home food safety and storage, Nutrition and healthy eating

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