Lower-Sugar Red Bean Soup

A comforting traditional dessert with a simple sugar swap.

Red bean soup is one of those familiar desserts many of us grew up with — warm, fragrant and comforting. This version keeps those familiar flavours of red beans, pandan and dried orange peel, but replaces regular sugar with a 1:1 monk fruit and erythritol blend.

It’s still important to remember that red beans contain carbohydrates, so “no regular sugar added” doesn’t mean the dessert won’t affect blood glucose. The beans do, however, provide fibre and plant protein, making this a more thoughtful way to enjoy an old favourite.

A Simple Sugar Swap

Using a 1:1 monk fruit + erythritol blend means you can replace approximately 3–4 tablespoons of regular sugar with roughly the same amount of the sweetener blend for similar sweetness. Always check the packaging, as sweetness varies between brands.

RS Tip: “No added sugar” doesn’t mean “no carbohydrates.” Red beans can still raise blood glucose, so enjoy a sensible portion and check your own response if you monitor your glucose.

Enjoy it your way: Serve it warm, chill it for a refreshing dessert, or add a small splash of unsweetened coconut milk for extra creaminess.