India, Aug. 25 -- A spoonful of sugar may seem like a small part of a cup of tea or a homemade dessert, but rising prices can quickly change the monthly kitchen budget. With sugar prices climbing in parts of Mumbai and festival demand expected to increase, many households may look at other ways to add sweetness to everyday food.

Recent reports said retail sugar prices rose from around Rs 50 to Rs 58 per kg, with traders expecting further movement. At the same time, national sugar prices have also come under pressure as the festive season approaches. The government has taken measures to improve domestic availability, including allowing duty-free imports of 1 million metric tonnes of raw sugar.

That does not mean every natural sweetener i...