I brine turkeys and chickens all the time and use no sweeteners of any kind, instead I use sweet spices and herbs and salt. Allspice, lemon juice, cinnamon, bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, sage, orange peel..things of that nature. I also use about 1/2 cup of salt for a 12 pound turkey and 3 tbs of salt for a whole chicken. Turns out great every time..