If you’re following the Mediterranean diet and feel like the dessert options are limited, think again! These no-added-sugar recipes are the perfect fix. Even if refined carbohydrates are not regularly consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet (one of the healthiest eating patterns around), you can still enjoy naturally-sweet treats like these delicious desserts that highlight foods like fruit, nut butters and whole grains. Recipes like our No-Sugar-Added Mini Apple Pies and Raspberry-Peach-Mango Smoothie Bowl are delightful bites that you’ll happily make again and again.
No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble
Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
This no-sugar-added cherry crumble baked in ramekins is a great way to highlight the flavor of cherries in this naturally sweet snack. The crumble topping, made from oats and slivered almonds, offers a satisfying crunch. Adding a few tart cherries brings a touch of tang for a less-sweet flavor profile, if you prefer.
Creamy Raspberry-Mango Chia Seed Smoothie
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Keosha McGhee.
This creamy smoothie delivers sweet tropical flavors, with frozen mango blending with fiber-rich raspberries and coconut milk for a thick, frosty base. Strained (Greek-style) yogurt adds protein and tang to keep you satisfied, while dates add natural sweetness and fiber. With just a quick spin in the blender, you’ll have a refreshing, nutrient-packed smoothie ready to sip.
Strawberry Chia Pudding
Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley
This strawberry chia pudding is a convenient grab-and-go breakfast with plenty of benefits. Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, while chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein—all nutrients that can help lower inflammation.
Creamy Orange Smoothie
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Tricia Manzanero, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This creamy smoothie makes the most of the entire orange—peel and all. We recommend fresh ginger for the best flavor here, but you can substitute ¼ teaspoon ground ginger in its place if you prefer.
Blueberry-Coconut-Walnut Baked Oatmeal
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
This blueberry-coconut-walnut baked oatmeal gets natural sweetness from banana and dates with bursts of juicy blueberries and a nutty crunch from walnuts. This hearty dish is perfect for meal prep or sharing at brunch, offering a nutritious start to your day.
Watermelon-Peach Smoothie
Ali Redmond
Made with ripe watermelon and frozen peaches, this smoothie bursts with fruity flavor without the need for added sugar. Use frozen peaches from a bag or freeze your own ripe, in-season peaches for the best sweet and fruity flavor.
Cottage Cheese-Berry Bowl
Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
This no-sugar-added berry bowl highlights the natural sweetness of thawed mixed berries with a hint of vanilla for extra flavor. It’s a simple snack you can prepare in advance, but add the cereal just before serving so it stays crunchy.
Blueberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie
Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.
This chia seed smoothie is a nutrient-packed drink that’s naturally sweet and refreshing. It blends frozen peaches and sweet frozen blueberries with a splash of almond milk and yogurt for a creamy, fruity base.
Strawberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This fiber-rich chia smoothie is sweet and tangy, with a velvety texture thanks to nutritious chia seeds that expand as they combine with liquid.
