The Best Coconut Sugar Substitutes and Their Measurements

coconut sugar substitute

To effectively substitute and replace coconut sugar, you must first understand what coconut sugar is, its taste, and how to replace it. So let’s begin!

What Is Coconut Sugar?

Coconut sugar is a natural sugar made from coconut palm tree flowers. Compared to countless other natural and artificial sugars, it has a lower glycemic index and is less processed. It makes coconut sugar a much healthier option!

The best substitute for Coconut Sugar in any recipe is Light Brown Sugar.

  1. Light Brown Sugar: Its taste is the most similar to coconut sugar. Not just the taste but its sweetness as well. To replace Light Brown Sugar with Coconut sugar, replace it at a 1:1 ratio.

Tip : If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use a combination of regular granulated white sugar with a small amount of molasses.

  1. Dark Brown Sugar: Probably the 2nd best alternative to Coconut Sugar. Dark Brown Sugar is the same as Light Brown Sugar but with slightly higher molasses. Replace it with Coconut Sugar at a 1:1 ratio.
  1. Turbinado Sugar: This natural brown sugar is golden colored. The sugar granules are much bigger than that of other brown sugars. It is usually milder in taste and flavor compared to other brown sugars. Again to replace it for Coconut Sugar in any recipe, maintain a 1:1 ratio. 
  1. Demerara Sugar: Although it is often confused with Turbinado Sugar, Demerara Sugar is much darker in color and milder in taste. And just like Turbinado Sugar, Demerara Sugar can be replaced with Coconut Sugar at a 1:1 ratio.
  1. Date Sugar: Date sugar is a flavorful sugar made from pulverized dried dates. Its taste is sweet and has hints of warm and caramel notes. When using date sugar, care should be taken because it doesn’t dissolve well and doesn’t mix well either. To replace it with coconut sugar, replace it at a ratio of 1:1 with coconut sugar. 
  1. Palm Sugar: I know this may sound confusing. Still, not all palm sugars are coconut sugar, but all coconut sugar belongs to palm sugar. So they can be interchanged in recipes. For exam
  1. Maple Sugar: Yes, I am talking about the maple syrup you pour on your pancakes! While its taste may not be similar to Coconut Sugar, if you are out of options, you can use it to substitute Coconut Sugar at a ratio of 1:1.
maple sugar spilled from a sack
Image credit: Foodio, Shutterstock

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  1. Granulated White Sugar: This is just regular white sugar that you use every day. Yes, you won’t get the caramel and deep flavor of Coconut Sugar, but if you have nothing else, you can use this at a 1:1 ratio. But keep in mind that the sweetness of regular sugar is more than that of Coconut Sugar, so I’d suggest using a bit less at first and then adding more if needed.
  1. Piloncillo Sugar: This Mexican cane sugar is very rich in flavor and is usually cone-shaped. It is broken up or shaved into. Its taste and texture are very similar to that of Coconut Sugar.
  1. Honey: Yes, honey can be used to replace Coconut Sugar. Use a ratio of 1:4 for honey and Coconut Sugar.
  1. Sucanat: It is a viable substitute for Coconut Sugar. It tastes similar to Turbinado Sugar and Demerara Sugar and is dehydrated cane juice. Replace it at a ratio of 1:1.
  1. Agave Syrup: Agave syrup or Agave Nectar can be used to substitute Coconut Sugar in recipes at a ratio of 3:4.
  1. Monk Fruit Sweetener: This is probably the healthiest substitute for Coconut Sugar. It has zero calories and is sweeter than regular sugar. Replace it at a 1:1 ratio and adjust by tasting.

Fun Fact : Monk fruit sweetener is 250 times sweeter than regular sugar.

  1. Jaggery: Jaggery is quite similar to molasses in taste but is hard and crystallized. It can be replaced with Coconut Sugar at a 3:4 ratio.  
  1. Molasses: Molasses is often too intense and strong, so care should be taken when replacing them with Coconut Sugar. Taste it and add it according to your liking.
a bowl of molasses
Image credit: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock
  1. Stevia: Stevia is 2-3 times sweeter than regular sugar and should be used at a 1:1 ratio. But it is best to taste and adjust according to your preference.
  1. Xylitol: Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in your favorite sugar-free candies and gums. You can simply replace it at a 1:1 ratio.

Fun Fact : Lower Glycemic Index (GI) means that the food will have fewer carbs and glucose.

Now you might be wondering how it’s made.

How Is Coconut Sugar Made?

Coconut sugar is primarily made from the sap of the coconut tree. Usually, the sap is collected from the flowers and then dehydrated. When this is further dehydrated and then granulated, it makes coconut sugar—resulting in molasses-like thick caramel. It is also a form of coconut sugar.

Let’s see what it tastes like.

What Does Coconut Sugar Taste Like?

In many ways, coconut sugar tastes similar to brown sugar. It has a very floral, sweet taste and depth because of the caramelization of the sap. Its taste also differs based on the species of coconut trees, time of harvesting of the sap, geographical location, and much more.

But where do you buy it from?

Why Replace Coconut Sugar?

Other than running out of it, there are a few reasons why you may want to replace or substitute coconut sugar:

  • It is high in calories.
  • It is not keto-friendly.
  • Limited availability 

Now let us look at some of the best substitutes for coconut sugar.

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FAQ

Can diabetic patients consume coconut sugar?

Despite having a low GI, it can still increase the blood glucose level of anyone. So it’s best to consult a doctor before giving it to a diabetic patient.

Does coconut sugar have a low glycemic index?

Yes, about 50-54 (on a scale of 0-100)

Is coconut sugar healthier than regular white sugar?

Yes, definitely, but it should be consumed in moderation.

Can I substitute brown sugar for coconut sugar?

Yes! At a 1:1 ratio.

Can I use maple syrup instead of coconut sugar?

Of course! At a ratio of 1:1.

What are the differences between regular sugar and coconut sugar?

Coconut sugar is more nutritious and less processed than regular sugar.

Keto substitute for coconut sugar?

Monk fruit sweetener is a good keto substitute for coconut sugar. Replace Monk Fruit Sweetener with coconut sugar at a ratio of 1:4.

Benefits of coconut sugar?

Source of iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, amino acids, Vitamin B, etc. It also helps treat diabetic neuropathy, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, high blood pressure, etc.

Healthy alternatives for coconut sugar?

Honey, Maple syrup, Agave nectar, Sucanat, etc.

Coconut Sugar VS. Brown Sugar

Coconut sugar is made from coconut tree sap, whereas Brown Sugar is made from cane sugar or sugar beets. Coconut sugar is healthier than brown sugar.

To Conclude

We all have a sweet tooth. We all crave sweet treats and desserts. So next time when you are making your favorite dish with sugar, and you find yourself in a pickle, then use the information I provided to improvise. Don’t forget to share your recipe with us! Hopefully, you are rewarded with an almost similar eating experience in the end.

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