Sweeteners are used to add sweetness to food and drinks. There are many types of sweeteners available in the market, but not all of them are good for your health. Coconut sugar is a natural and healthy sweetener that can be used as a substitute for other unhealthy sweeteners.
Coconut sugar is a natural sugar made from the sap of coconut palms and has a delightful caramel-like flavor. It is a delicious, natural, and healthy alternative to refined sugar and has a lower glycemic index. Coconut sugar contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are beneficial for your health.
For all these reasons, coconut sugar is an excellent choice for baking and cooking. But what if you can’t find coconut sugar or want to use something else? Here are the best coconut sugar substitutes.
Table of Contents
11 Best Coconut Sugar Substitutes
The best coconut sugar substitutes are light brown sugar and maple sugar. You can also use sucant, date sugar, and maple syrup as substitutes for coconut sugar in most recipes.
Keep reading to learn more about these alternatives and how to use them in your recipes.
1. Light Brown Sugar
To begin with, light brown sugar is one of the most similar substitutes to coconut sugar in both taste and texture. In fact, many people might not even be able to taste the difference between the two.
Light brown sugar is made by taking white sugar and adding molasses to it. It has a lovely caramel-like flavor. The main difference between the two is that light brown sugar has less molasses than coconut sugar, giving it a lighter color and flavor.
You can use light brown sugar as a 1:1 replacement for coconut sugar in any recipe.
2. Maple Sugar
Maple sugar is another excellent substitute for coconut sugar. It has a similar texture and flavor to coconut sugar. Maple sugar is made from the sap of maple trees and has a deep amber color and a rich, sweet flavor.
The main difference between the two is that maple sugar has a more intense flavor. Maple sugar is also a bit more expensive than coconut sugar.
Maple sugar may be used as a 1:1 substitute for coconut sugar in any recipe.
3. Sucanat
Sucanat is a type of unrefined cane sugar. It is made from sugar cane juice that has been evaporated and crystallized. Sucanat has a dark brown color and a molasses-like or caramel flavor.
The main difference between sucanat and coconut sugar is that sucanat has coarse granules and a stronger flavor. As a result, it will not dissolve as quickly as other sugars.
You may use the same quantity of sucanat as you would coconut sugar to achieve the same level of sweetness.
4. Date Sugar
Date sugar is made from dehydrated and ground dates. It has a light brown color and a sweet, caramel-like flavor.
Date sugar is a good substitute for coconut sugar because of its similar flavor and color. It is important to note that date sugar is considered to be healthy sugar since it retains many of the nutrients found in dates.
Date sugar can be used as a 1:1 replacement for coconut sugar.
5. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a sweetener made from the sap of maple trees and has a deep amber color and a rich, sweet flavor.
Maple syrup is an excellent substitute for coconut sugar because of its similar flavor and color. The only difference between maple sugar and maple syrup is that maple syrup is thinner and has a more liquid consistency while sugar is more granular.
For every cup of coconut sugar use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of maple syrup.
6. Agave Nectar
Another good substitute for coconut sugar is agave nectar. Agave nectar is a sweetener made from the agave plant and has a light amber color and a mild, honey-like flavor.
Agave nectar is similar to honey in both taste and texture, but it is a bit sweeter and has a lower glycemic index. You can agave nectar as a coconut sugar substitute in drinks, baking, or cooking.
7. Stevia
Stevia is a type of natural sweetener that is made from the leaves stevia plant. It is calorie-free and has a very sweet taste. It is many times sweeter than sugar.
While stevia is much sweeter than coconut sugar, it can be used as a one-to-one replacement in many recipes. Simply use the same amount of stevia as you would coconut sugar.
8. Raw Honey
Raw honey is a type of honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered. It is a thick, golden-colored liquid with a sweet, floral flavor.
Raw honey is a good alternative to coconut sugar because it is just as sweet. The raw type of honey has a distinct flavor to it as opposed to pasteurized honey. Use 1/4 of the amount of honey in place of coconut sugar in recipes.
9. Piloncillo
Another suitable replacement for coconut sugar is piloncillo as it is very similar to coconut sugar in taste and texture.
Piloncillo is a type of unrefined sugar that is popular in Mexico and Latin America.
It is made from sugar cane juice that has been boiled and then allowed to crystallize. The resulting brown sugar is then shaped into cones, which gives it its distinctive appearance. You can break it into smaller chunks to use it in recipes.
Piloncillo has a rich, molasses-like flavor that makes it a popular choice for baking and cooking.
10. Turbinado Sugar
Turbinado sugar is a type of unrefined sugar that is made from sugar cane juice. It is cooked until it crystallizes and then spun in a centrifuge to remove any impurities.
Turbinado sugar has large, grainy crystals and a golden-brown color and a slightly molasses-like flavor. It’s often used as a topping for baked goods or in coffee and tea.
11. Xylitol
Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol that is made from corn cobs or birch trees. It has a white color and a sweet, cooling taste.
Xylitol is a good substitute for coconut sugar because it is just as sweet. It is also a calorie-free sweetener. Xylitol is a good choice for people who are looking for a healthy alternative to sugar.
These are some of the best substitutes for coconut sugar. You can use any of these substitutes in recipes that call for coconut sugar.
Related Questions
What Does Coconut Sugar Taste Like?
Coconut sugar tastes like a cross between brown sugar and caramel. It’s less sweet than white sugar but has a more complex flavor.
How Is Coconut Sugar Different From Regular Sugar?
Coconut sugar is made from the sap of the flower that grows on the coconut tree. The sap is then evaporated and turned into granules. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, which means it doesn’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Regular sugar, on the other hand, is made from sugar cane or sugar beets. The sugar cane is crushed and the juice is extracted.
The juice is then boiled to create a syrup, which is then crystallized to form granules. Regular sugar has a higher glycemic index than coconut sugar, which means it can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
How to Make Powdered Coconut Sugar at Home
If you can’t find powdered coconut sugar, you can easily make it at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
Instructions:
1. Add the coconut sugar to a food processor or blender.
2. Add the arrowroot powder and pulse until the mixture is fine and powdery.
3. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Conclusion
Overall, coconut sugar is a healthy alternative to refined sugar, but it’s not the only choice. There are many other substitutes that can be used in place of coconut sugar.
Some of the best substitutes for coconut sugar include brown sugar, stevia, raw honey, piloncillo, turbinado sugar, and date sugar.
You can use any of these substitutes in recipes that call for coconut sugar. Ultimately, the best sugar substitute for you will depend on your personal preferences.
If you have any questions about substitutes for coconut sugar, please leave a comment below. Also, let us know which substitute you like the best.
