Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Everyone Asks Me For This Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Keto Cranberry Sauce
• My Recipe Tips
• Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce (4 Ingredients) Recipe card
• Flavor Variations
• More Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

Everyone Asks Me For This Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Recipe

I make this fresh, sugar free cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving every year. (In fact, it’s my oldest Thanksgiving recipe, from 2016.) And every single year, everyone at the table — including my extended family that isn’t even trying to eat healthy — eagerly gobbles it up. Here’s why everyone asks me for this no-one-will-ever-know keto cranberry sauce recipe:

• Tastes just like regular cranberry sauce – Your family and friends won’t be able to tell the difference! I don’t say this about many of my keto recipes (even when I love them), but with this one it really is true. My sugar free cranberry sauce recipe is just the right balance of sweet and tart, with no aftertaste.
• Customizable texture – You can make it runny, more jelly-like, or somewhere in between! Just see my tips below to adjust.
• 4 simple ingredients – Plus water, but who counts that? And you can whip it up in just 10 minutes.
• Healthy, sugar free, keto, and diabetic friendly – This sauce has just 4g net carbs and 27 calories per generous serving (1/4 cup). And no preservatives or processed stuff!
• Make it ahead – There’s enough to worry about around the holidays! My no sugar cranberry sauce stores beautifully and tastes fresh for a long time after you make it.
• Versatile for Thanksgiving and beyond – Yes, this is a must-have for roasted turkey , but don’t stop there. I also love this sauce over baked chicken breast and keto meatballs , and even stirred into Greek yogurt with my low carb granola or healthy granola .

If you’re looking for “something extra” that will surprise everyone at your Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering (and make them rave), this sugar free cranberry sauce is it. Make it with me this holiday season!

“I made this the day before Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit. Thought it would be better if it sat all night. Even the people in my family that do not do keto loved it. No one knew it had no added sugar until I told them. Will definitely make this again next year!”

-Kiki

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my sugar free cranberry sauce, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Cranberries – You can use fresh cranberries or frozen ones! Cranberries actually have a small amount of natural sugar, which helps the sauce thicken and gel a little, just like you’d expect from a traditional cranberry sauce. If you have extra cranberries left over, use them for my sugar free dried cranberries , stuffed acorn squash , or turkey roulade !
• Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – My favorite sweetener for sauces, because it tastes like sugar (no aftertaste), dissolves completely, and won’t crystallize! Most brands labeled “monk fruit”, “stevia”, or “erythritol” have trouble dissolving and will form crystals. If you’ll be enjoying your sugar free cranberry sauce right away, other powdered sugar substitutes can work (see my sweetener conversion chart for amounts), but Besti is the only one to use if you want to avoid your sauce becoming crunchy after storing — and it tastes the closest to real sugar.
• Water – Thins out the sauce and gives the berries something to simmer in.
• Orange Zest – Add as much or as little as you like. If you can’t get a fresh orange, then a little orange extract (to taste) is the next best option.
• Vanilla Extract – This brand is one of my faves.

How To Make Keto Cranberry Sauce

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below .

1. Combine all the ingredients. Mix cranberries, water, powdered Besti, and orange zest in a medium saucepan .
2. Simmer away. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Let your sugar free cranberry sauce simmer to thicken, until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms. (See my tips below on this!)
3. Add the vanilla. Remove from heat, then add it in. Stir in the vanilla extract. You can serve this sauce warm, at room temperature, or chilled in the fridge.

My Recipe Tips

• Don’t use a wooden spoon like I did. 😉 Sugar free cranberry sauce will stain your spoon! Silicone cooking spoons work well and don’t stain as easily.
• You can change the consistency by adjusting the cook time. Cook the sauce for less time for a texture similar to preserves with some whole berries intact (as pictured), or cook it for longer to get a jelly-like sauce more similar to canned versions.
• The sauce will thicken more as it cools. Keep this in mind when deciding whether it’s thick enough for your liking.
• Prefer a smooth sauce? Puree it in a blender at the end. You could also try to strain it after the cranberries pop (before the sauce is too thick) and then return the liquid to the saucepan to simmer more. This version would need to be chilled to set.
• Adjust the sweetener to your taste. It will depend on your tastebuds and the tartness of your cranberries. I recommend starting with my keto cranberry sauce recipe as written, then stir in more at the end if needed. Besti will dissolve easily!
• Want a fresh (instead of cooked) version? Make my cranberry relish recipe , which requires zero cooking. Just blend and refrigerate!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 12 oz Cranberries ▢
• 1 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
• 3/4 cup Water ▢
• 1 tsp Orange zest (optional; add more if you like more orange flavor) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Combine the cranberries, water, Besti, and orange zest in a medium saucepan . Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes , until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms that’s thickened to your liking.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 cup

• Tips: See my recipe tips above to get the perfect consistency (thick or runny, smooth or chunky) and sweetness you like in this sauce!
• Variations: I’ve got a whole list of add-ins above if you want to change up the flavor a bit.
• Storage: Keep sugar free cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. (Fun fact: The allulose in powdered Besti is a natural preservative, so this keto cranberry sauce will keep for longer than regular versions!)
• Make ahead: I used to make this recipe with erythritol for years, and while it was good, I could never make it in advance because it developed this crunchy texture after a few hours. Now that I use powdered Besti (every year since 2020), I can make it in advance and not give it a second thought. Here’s to making the hectic holiday season a little easier!
• Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook , Healthy Holiday Cookbook , and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Sugar-Free Keto Cranberry Sauce

Flavor Variations

It’s super easy to change up the flavor of my basic sugar free cranberry sauce! Try these add-ins:

• Maple – Use 1/2 cup of my Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup instead of the sweetener.
• Brown Sugar – Swap the powdered Besti with my Besti Brown sweetener , which will give you a brown sugar flavor.
• Spices – You can add ground cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, and/or ground ginger. I recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cloves. From there you can adjust to taste.
• Orange – I already add orange zest to my keto cranberry sauce, but double it if you want a stronger orange flavor.
• Spicy – Simmer the sauce with some minced jalapenos.
• Apple – Use 3/4 cup of unsweetened apple juice or 1 cup unsweetened applesauce instead of water. (This option makes a low sugar cranberry sauce, but it’s not keto friendly. You can use apple extract instead for a keto version.)

More Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

With how quickly this sugar free cranberry sauce comes together, you’ll have plenty of time to make other holiday dishes. I recommend:

• Turkey – I love a juicy roasted Thanksgiving turkey (pictured above with this low carb cranberry sauce). But you can’t go wrong with spatchcock turkey for a faster option, or Crock Pot turkey breast or turkey legs for a smaller gathering. Don’t forget my keto gravy !
• Potatoes & Swaps – Choose from my healthy sweet potato casserole (uses real sweet potatoes, but no refined sugar), or my keto sweet potato casserole as a low carb swap. For something simpler, try my mashed cauliflower or mashed sweet potatoes .
• Classic Sides – Complete your Thanksgiving dinner with my cauliflower stuffing and keto green bean casserole . My family also really loves cauliflower mac and cheese , garlic roasted green beans (in my picture above), and butternut squash salad .
• Desserts – If you’re watching your carbs, you can still enjoy a slice of my keto pumpkin pie , sugar-free pecan pie , or keto pumpkin cheesecake . My healthy cheesecake is a more recent fave at my house.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce (4 Ingredients)

My healthy, keto, sugar free cranberry sauce needs just 4 ingredients + 10 minutes! It’s sweet, tangy, and tastes better than store bought.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/4-ingredient-sugar-free-low-carb-cranberry-sauce-paleo-gluten-free/

Ingredients

• 12 oz Cranberries
• 1 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend
• 3/4 cup Water
• 1 tsp Orange zest (optional; add more if you like more orange flavor)
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine the cranberries, water, Besti, and orange zest in a medium saucepan . Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes , until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms that’s thickened to your liking.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 cup

• Tips: See my recipe tips above to get the perfect consistency (thick or runny, smooth or chunky) and sweetness you like in this sauce!
• Variations: I’ve got a whole list of add-ins above if you want to change up the flavor a bit.
• Storage: Keep sugar free cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. (Fun fact: The allulose in powdered Besti is a natural preservative, so this keto cranberry sauce will keep for longer than regular versions!)
• Make ahead: I used to make this recipe with erythritol for years, and while it was good, I could never make it in advance because it developed this crunchy texture after a few hours. Now that I use powdered Besti (every year since 2020), I can make it in advance and not give it a second thought. Here’s to making the hectic holiday season a little easier!
• Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook , Healthy Holiday Cookbook , and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Everyone Asks Me For This Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Keto Cranberry Sauce
• My Recipe Tips
• Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce (4 Ingredients) Recipe card
• Flavor Variations
• More Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

Everyone Asks Me For This Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Recipe

I make this fresh, sugar free cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving every year. (In fact, it’s my oldest Thanksgiving recipe, from 2016.) And every single year, everyone at the table — including my extended family that isn’t even trying to eat healthy — eagerly gobbles it up. Here’s why everyone asks me for this no-one-will-ever-know keto cranberry sauce recipe:

• Tastes just like regular cranberry sauce – Your family and friends won’t be able to tell the difference! I don’t say this about many of my keto recipes (even when I love them), but with this one it really is true. My sugar free cranberry sauce recipe is just the right balance of sweet and tart, with no aftertaste.
• Customizable texture – You can make it runny, more jelly-like, or somewhere in between! Just see my tips below to adjust.
• 4 simple ingredients – Plus water, but who counts that? And you can whip it up in just 10 minutes.
• Healthy, sugar free, keto, and diabetic friendly – This sauce has just 4g net carbs and 27 calories per generous serving (1/4 cup). And no preservatives or processed stuff!
• Make it ahead – There’s enough to worry about around the holidays! My no sugar cranberry sauce stores beautifully and tastes fresh for a long time after you make it.
• Versatile for Thanksgiving and beyond – Yes, this is a must-have for roasted turkey , but don’t stop there. I also love this sauce over baked chicken breast and keto meatballs , and even stirred into Greek yogurt with my low carb granola or healthy granola .

If you’re looking for “something extra” that will surprise everyone at your Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering (and make them rave), this sugar free cranberry sauce is it. Make it with me this holiday season!

“I made this the day before Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit. Thought it would be better if it sat all night. Even the people in my family that do not do keto loved it. No one knew it had no added sugar until I told them. Will definitely make this again next year!”

-Kiki

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my sugar free cranberry sauce, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Cranberries – You can use fresh cranberries or frozen ones! Cranberries actually have a small amount of natural sugar, which helps the sauce thicken and gel a little, just like you’d expect from a traditional cranberry sauce. If you have extra cranberries left over, use them for my sugar free dried cranberries , stuffed acorn squash , or turkey roulade !
• Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – My favorite sweetener for sauces, because it tastes like sugar (no aftertaste), dissolves completely, and won’t crystallize! Most brands labeled “monk fruit”, “stevia”, or “erythritol” have trouble dissolving and will form crystals. If you’ll be enjoying your sugar free cranberry sauce right away, other powdered sugar substitutes can work (see my sweetener conversion chart for amounts), but Besti is the only one to use if you want to avoid your sauce becoming crunchy after storing — and it tastes the closest to real sugar.
• Water – Thins out the sauce and gives the berries something to simmer in.
• Orange Zest – Add as much or as little as you like. If you can’t get a fresh orange, then a little orange extract (to taste) is the next best option.
• Vanilla Extract – This brand is one of my faves.

How To Make Keto Cranberry Sauce

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below .

1. Combine all the ingredients. Mix cranberries, water, powdered Besti, and orange zest in a medium saucepan .
2. Simmer away. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Let your sugar free cranberry sauce simmer to thicken, until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms. (See my tips below on this!)
3. Add the vanilla. Remove from heat, then add it in. Stir in the vanilla extract. You can serve this sauce warm, at room temperature, or chilled in the fridge.

My Recipe Tips

• Don’t use a wooden spoon like I did. 😉 Sugar free cranberry sauce will stain your spoon! Silicone cooking spoons work well and don’t stain as easily.
• You can change the consistency by adjusting the cook time. Cook the sauce for less time for a texture similar to preserves with some whole berries intact (as pictured), or cook it for longer to get a jelly-like sauce more similar to canned versions.
• The sauce will thicken more as it cools. Keep this in mind when deciding whether it’s thick enough for your liking.
• Prefer a smooth sauce? Puree it in a blender at the end. You could also try to strain it after the cranberries pop (before the sauce is too thick) and then return the liquid to the saucepan to simmer more. This version would need to be chilled to set.
• Adjust the sweetener to your taste. It will depend on your tastebuds and the tartness of your cranberries. I recommend starting with my keto cranberry sauce recipe as written, then stir in more at the end if needed. Besti will dissolve easily!
• Want a fresh (instead of cooked) version? Make my cranberry relish recipe , which requires zero cooking. Just blend and refrigerate!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 12 oz Cranberries ▢
• 1 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
• 3/4 cup Water ▢
• 1 tsp Orange zest (optional; add more if you like more orange flavor) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Combine the cranberries, water, Besti, and orange zest in a medium saucepan . Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes , until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms that’s thickened to your liking.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 cup

• Tips: See my recipe tips above to get the perfect consistency (thick or runny, smooth or chunky) and sweetness you like in this sauce!
• Variations: I’ve got a whole list of add-ins above if you want to change up the flavor a bit.
• Storage: Keep sugar free cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. (Fun fact: The allulose in powdered Besti is a natural preservative, so this keto cranberry sauce will keep for longer than regular versions!)
• Make ahead: I used to make this recipe with erythritol for years, and while it was good, I could never make it in advance because it developed this crunchy texture after a few hours. Now that I use powdered Besti (every year since 2020), I can make it in advance and not give it a second thought. Here’s to making the hectic holiday season a little easier!
• Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook , Healthy Holiday Cookbook , and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Sugar-Free Keto Cranberry Sauce

Flavor Variations

It’s super easy to change up the flavor of my basic sugar free cranberry sauce! Try these add-ins:

• Maple – Use 1/2 cup of my Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup instead of the sweetener.
• Brown Sugar – Swap the powdered Besti with my Besti Brown sweetener , which will give you a brown sugar flavor.
• Spices – You can add ground cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, and/or ground ginger. I recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cloves. From there you can adjust to taste.
• Orange – I already add orange zest to my keto cranberry sauce, but double it if you want a stronger orange flavor.
• Spicy – Simmer the sauce with some minced jalapenos.
• Apple – Use 3/4 cup of unsweetened apple juice or 1 cup unsweetened applesauce instead of water. (This option makes a low sugar cranberry sauce, but it’s not keto friendly. You can use apple extract instead for a keto version.)

More Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

With how quickly this sugar free cranberry sauce comes together, you’ll have plenty of time to make other holiday dishes. I recommend:

• Turkey – I love a juicy roasted Thanksgiving turkey (pictured above with this low carb cranberry sauce). But you can’t go wrong with spatchcock turkey for a faster option, or Crock Pot turkey breast or turkey legs for a smaller gathering. Don’t forget my keto gravy !
• Potatoes & Swaps – Choose from my healthy sweet potato casserole (uses real sweet potatoes, but no refined sugar), or my keto sweet potato casserole as a low carb swap. For something simpler, try my mashed cauliflower or mashed sweet potatoes .
• Classic Sides – Complete your Thanksgiving dinner with my cauliflower stuffing and keto green bean casserole . My family also really loves cauliflower mac and cheese , garlic roasted green beans (in my picture above), and butternut squash salad .
• Desserts – If you’re watching your carbs, you can still enjoy a slice of my keto pumpkin pie , sugar-free pecan pie , or keto pumpkin cheesecake . My healthy cheesecake is a more recent fave at my house.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Everyone Asks Me For This Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Keto Cranberry Sauce
• My Recipe Tips
• Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce (4 Ingredients) Recipe card
• Flavor Variations
• More Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

Everyone Asks Me For This Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Recipe

I make this fresh, sugar free cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving every year. (In fact, it’s my oldest Thanksgiving recipe, from 2016.) And every single year, everyone at the table — including my extended family that isn’t even trying to eat healthy — eagerly gobbles it up. Here’s why everyone asks me for this no-one-will-ever-know keto cranberry sauce recipe:

• Tastes just like regular cranberry sauce – Your family and friends won’t be able to tell the difference! I don’t say this about many of my keto recipes (even when I love them), but with this one it really is true. My sugar free cranberry sauce recipe is just the right balance of sweet and tart, with no aftertaste.
• Customizable texture – You can make it runny, more jelly-like, or somewhere in between! Just see my tips below to adjust.
• 4 simple ingredients – Plus water, but who counts that? And you can whip it up in just 10 minutes.
• Healthy, sugar free, keto, and diabetic friendly – This sauce has just 4g net carbs and 27 calories per generous serving (1/4 cup). And no preservatives or processed stuff!
• Make it ahead – There’s enough to worry about around the holidays! My no sugar cranberry sauce stores beautifully and tastes fresh for a long time after you make it.
• Versatile for Thanksgiving and beyond – Yes, this is a must-have for roasted turkey , but don’t stop there. I also love this sauce over baked chicken breast and keto meatballs , and even stirred into Greek yogurt with my low carb granola or healthy granola .

If you’re looking for “something extra” that will surprise everyone at your Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering (and make them rave), this sugar free cranberry sauce is it. Make it with me this holiday season!

“I made this the day before Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit. Thought it would be better if it sat all night. Even the people in my family that do not do keto loved it. No one knew it had no added sugar until I told them. Will definitely make this again next year!”

-Kiki

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my sugar free cranberry sauce, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Cranberries – You can use fresh cranberries or frozen ones! Cranberries actually have a small amount of natural sugar, which helps the sauce thicken and gel a little, just like you’d expect from a traditional cranberry sauce. If you have extra cranberries left over, use them for my sugar free dried cranberries , stuffed acorn squash , or turkey roulade !
• Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – My favorite sweetener for sauces, because it tastes like sugar (no aftertaste), dissolves completely, and won’t crystallize! Most brands labeled “monk fruit”, “stevia”, or “erythritol” have trouble dissolving and will form crystals. If you’ll be enjoying your sugar free cranberry sauce right away, other powdered sugar substitutes can work (see my sweetener conversion chart for amounts), but Besti is the only one to use if you want to avoid your sauce becoming crunchy after storing — and it tastes the closest to real sugar.
• Water – Thins out the sauce and gives the berries something to simmer in.
• Orange Zest – Add as much or as little as you like. If you can’t get a fresh orange, then a little orange extract (to taste) is the next best option.
• Vanilla Extract – This brand is one of my faves.

How To Make Keto Cranberry Sauce

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below .

1. Combine all the ingredients. Mix cranberries, water, powdered Besti, and orange zest in a medium saucepan .
2. Simmer away. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Let your sugar free cranberry sauce simmer to thicken, until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms. (See my tips below on this!)
3. Add the vanilla. Remove from heat, then add it in. Stir in the vanilla extract. You can serve this sauce warm, at room temperature, or chilled in the fridge.

My Recipe Tips

• Don’t use a wooden spoon like I did. 😉 Sugar free cranberry sauce will stain your spoon! Silicone cooking spoons work well and don’t stain as easily.
• You can change the consistency by adjusting the cook time. Cook the sauce for less time for a texture similar to preserves with some whole berries intact (as pictured), or cook it for longer to get a jelly-like sauce more similar to canned versions.
• The sauce will thicken more as it cools. Keep this in mind when deciding whether it’s thick enough for your liking.
• Prefer a smooth sauce? Puree it in a blender at the end. You could also try to strain it after the cranberries pop (before the sauce is too thick) and then return the liquid to the saucepan to simmer more. This version would need to be chilled to set.
• Adjust the sweetener to your taste. It will depend on your tastebuds and the tartness of your cranberries. I recommend starting with my keto cranberry sauce recipe as written, then stir in more at the end if needed. Besti will dissolve easily!
• Want a fresh (instead of cooked) version? Make my cranberry relish recipe , which requires zero cooking. Just blend and refrigerate!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 12 oz Cranberries ▢
• 1 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
• 3/4 cup Water ▢
• 1 tsp Orange zest (optional; add more if you like more orange flavor) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Combine the cranberries, water, Besti, and orange zest in a medium saucepan . Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes , until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms that’s thickened to your liking.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 cup

• Tips: See my recipe tips above to get the perfect consistency (thick or runny, smooth or chunky) and sweetness you like in this sauce!
• Variations: I’ve got a whole list of add-ins above if you want to change up the flavor a bit.
• Storage: Keep sugar free cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. (Fun fact: The allulose in powdered Besti is a natural preservative, so this keto cranberry sauce will keep for longer than regular versions!)
• Make ahead: I used to make this recipe with erythritol for years, and while it was good, I could never make it in advance because it developed this crunchy texture after a few hours. Now that I use powdered Besti (every year since 2020), I can make it in advance and not give it a second thought. Here’s to making the hectic holiday season a little easier!
• Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook , Healthy Holiday Cookbook , and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Sugar-Free Keto Cranberry Sauce

Flavor Variations

It’s super easy to change up the flavor of my basic sugar free cranberry sauce! Try these add-ins:

• Maple – Use 1/2 cup of my Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup instead of the sweetener.
• Brown Sugar – Swap the powdered Besti with my Besti Brown sweetener , which will give you a brown sugar flavor.
• Spices – You can add ground cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, and/or ground ginger. I recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cloves. From there you can adjust to taste.
• Orange – I already add orange zest to my keto cranberry sauce, but double it if you want a stronger orange flavor.
• Spicy – Simmer the sauce with some minced jalapenos.
• Apple – Use 3/4 cup of unsweetened apple juice or 1 cup unsweetened applesauce instead of water. (This option makes a low sugar cranberry sauce, but it’s not keto friendly. You can use apple extract instead for a keto version.)

More Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

With how quickly this sugar free cranberry sauce comes together, you’ll have plenty of time to make other holiday dishes. I recommend:

• Turkey – I love a juicy roasted Thanksgiving turkey (pictured above with this low carb cranberry sauce). But you can’t go wrong with spatchcock turkey for a faster option, or Crock Pot turkey breast or turkey legs for a smaller gathering. Don’t forget my keto gravy !
• Potatoes & Swaps – Choose from my healthy sweet potato casserole (uses real sweet potatoes, but no refined sugar), or my keto sweet potato casserole as a low carb swap. For something simpler, try my mashed cauliflower or mashed sweet potatoes .
• Classic Sides – Complete your Thanksgiving dinner with my cauliflower stuffing and keto green bean casserole . My family also really loves cauliflower mac and cheese , garlic roasted green beans (in my picture above), and butternut squash salad .
• Desserts – If you’re watching your carbs, you can still enjoy a slice of my keto pumpkin pie , sugar-free pecan pie , or keto pumpkin cheesecake . My healthy cheesecake is a more recent fave at my house.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Everyone Asks Me For This Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Keto Cranberry Sauce
• My Recipe Tips
• Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce (4 Ingredients) Recipe card
• Flavor Variations
• More Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

Everyone Asks Me For This Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Recipe

I make this fresh, sugar free cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving every year. (In fact, it’s my oldest Thanksgiving recipe, from 2016.) And every single year, everyone at the table — including my extended family that isn’t even trying to eat healthy — eagerly gobbles it up. Here’s why everyone asks me for this no-one-will-ever-know keto cranberry sauce recipe:

• Tastes just like regular cranberry sauce – Your family and friends won’t be able to tell the difference! I don’t say this about many of my keto recipes (even when I love them), but with this one it really is true. My sugar free cranberry sauce recipe is just the right balance of sweet and tart, with no aftertaste.
• Customizable texture – You can make it runny, more jelly-like, or somewhere in between! Just see my tips below to adjust.
• 4 simple ingredients – Plus water, but who counts that? And you can whip it up in just 10 minutes.
• Healthy, sugar free, keto, and diabetic friendly – This sauce has just 4g net carbs and 27 calories per generous serving (1/4 cup). And no preservatives or processed stuff!
• Make it ahead – There’s enough to worry about around the holidays! My no sugar cranberry sauce stores beautifully and tastes fresh for a long time after you make it.
• Versatile for Thanksgiving and beyond – Yes, this is a must-have for roasted turkey , but don’t stop there. I also love this sauce over baked chicken breast and keto meatballs , and even stirred into Greek yogurt with my low carb granola or healthy granola .

If you’re looking for “something extra” that will surprise everyone at your Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering (and make them rave), this sugar free cranberry sauce is it. Make it with me this holiday season!

“I made this the day before Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit. Thought it would be better if it sat all night. Even the people in my family that do not do keto loved it. No one knew it had no added sugar until I told them. Will definitely make this again next year!”

-Kiki

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my sugar free cranberry sauce, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Cranberries – You can use fresh cranberries or frozen ones! Cranberries actually have a small amount of natural sugar, which helps the sauce thicken and gel a little, just like you’d expect from a traditional cranberry sauce. If you have extra cranberries left over, use them for my sugar free dried cranberries , stuffed acorn squash , or turkey roulade !
• Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – My favorite sweetener for sauces, because it tastes like sugar (no aftertaste), dissolves completely, and won’t crystallize! Most brands labeled “monk fruit”, “stevia”, or “erythritol” have trouble dissolving and will form crystals. If you’ll be enjoying your sugar free cranberry sauce right away, other powdered sugar substitutes can work (see my sweetener conversion chart for amounts), but Besti is the only one to use if you want to avoid your sauce becoming crunchy after storing — and it tastes the closest to real sugar.
• Water – Thins out the sauce and gives the berries something to simmer in.
• Orange Zest – Add as much or as little as you like. If you can’t get a fresh orange, then a little orange extract (to taste) is the next best option.
• Vanilla Extract – This brand is one of my faves.

How To Make Keto Cranberry Sauce

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below .

1. Combine all the ingredients. Mix cranberries, water, powdered Besti, and orange zest in a medium saucepan .
2. Simmer away. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Let your sugar free cranberry sauce simmer to thicken, until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms. (See my tips below on this!)
3. Add the vanilla. Remove from heat, then add it in. Stir in the vanilla extract. You can serve this sauce warm, at room temperature, or chilled in the fridge.

My Recipe Tips

• Don’t use a wooden spoon like I did. 😉 Sugar free cranberry sauce will stain your spoon! Silicone cooking spoons work well and don’t stain as easily.
• You can change the consistency by adjusting the cook time. Cook the sauce for less time for a texture similar to preserves with some whole berries intact (as pictured), or cook it for longer to get a jelly-like sauce more similar to canned versions.
• The sauce will thicken more as it cools. Keep this in mind when deciding whether it’s thick enough for your liking.
• Prefer a smooth sauce? Puree it in a blender at the end. You could also try to strain it after the cranberries pop (before the sauce is too thick) and then return the liquid to the saucepan to simmer more. This version would need to be chilled to set.
• Adjust the sweetener to your taste. It will depend on your tastebuds and the tartness of your cranberries. I recommend starting with my keto cranberry sauce recipe as written, then stir in more at the end if needed. Besti will dissolve easily!
• Want a fresh (instead of cooked) version? Make my cranberry relish recipe , which requires zero cooking. Just blend and refrigerate!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 12 oz Cranberries ▢
• 1 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
• 3/4 cup Water ▢
• 1 tsp Orange zest (optional; add more if you like more orange flavor) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Combine the cranberries, water, Besti, and orange zest in a medium saucepan . Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes , until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms that’s thickened to your liking.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 cup

• Tips: See my recipe tips above to get the perfect consistency (thick or runny, smooth or chunky) and sweetness you like in this sauce!
• Variations: I’ve got a whole list of add-ins above if you want to change up the flavor a bit.
• Storage: Keep sugar free cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. (Fun fact: The allulose in powdered Besti is a natural preservative, so this keto cranberry sauce will keep for longer than regular versions!)
• Make ahead: I used to make this recipe with erythritol for years, and while it was good, I could never make it in advance because it developed this crunchy texture after a few hours. Now that I use powdered Besti (every year since 2020), I can make it in advance and not give it a second thought. Here’s to making the hectic holiday season a little easier!
• Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook , Healthy Holiday Cookbook , and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Sugar-Free Keto Cranberry Sauce

Flavor Variations

It’s super easy to change up the flavor of my basic sugar free cranberry sauce! Try these add-ins:

• Maple – Use 1/2 cup of my Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup instead of the sweetener.
• Brown Sugar – Swap the powdered Besti with my Besti Brown sweetener , which will give you a brown sugar flavor.
• Spices – You can add ground cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, and/or ground ginger. I recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cloves. From there you can adjust to taste.
• Orange – I already add orange zest to my keto cranberry sauce, but double it if you want a stronger orange flavor.
• Spicy – Simmer the sauce with some minced jalapenos.
• Apple – Use 3/4 cup of unsweetened apple juice or 1 cup unsweetened applesauce instead of water. (This option makes a low sugar cranberry sauce, but it’s not keto friendly. You can use apple extract instead for a keto version.)

More Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

With how quickly this sugar free cranberry sauce comes together, you’ll have plenty of time to make other holiday dishes. I recommend:

• Turkey – I love a juicy roasted Thanksgiving turkey (pictured above with this low carb cranberry sauce). But you can’t go wrong with spatchcock turkey for a faster option, or Crock Pot turkey breast or turkey legs for a smaller gathering. Don’t forget my keto gravy !
• Potatoes & Swaps – Choose from my healthy sweet potato casserole (uses real sweet potatoes, but no refined sugar), or my keto sweet potato casserole as a low carb swap. For something simpler, try my mashed cauliflower or mashed sweet potatoes .
• Classic Sides – Complete your Thanksgiving dinner with my cauliflower stuffing and keto green bean casserole . My family also really loves cauliflower mac and cheese , garlic roasted green beans (in my picture above), and butternut squash salad .
• Desserts – If you’re watching your carbs, you can still enjoy a slice of my keto pumpkin pie , sugar-free pecan pie , or keto pumpkin cheesecake . My healthy cheesecake is a more recent fave at my house.