Coconut Sugar Substitutes: The 5 Best Options

Have you come across a recipe that calls for coconut sugar but you can’t seem to locate any in your cabinets or at the store?

Don’t be alarmed! There are coconut substitutes that will make your dish just as wonderful, and we’ll list them below.

Since conventional white sugar, which is used to flavor and sweeten food, lacks essential nutrients and vitamins, it is just considered a source of calories. It is mostly manufactured from cane and is not the healthiest sweetener choice.

Here is where coconut sugar comes in: it contains nutrients such as calcium, fiber, iron, and potassium, as well as vitamins.

What Is Coconut Sugar?

Coconut sugar, derived from coconut palm plants, is a low-glycemic sugar replacement. It’s also known as coconut palm sugar and coconut crystals, and it’s a fantastic alternative for white sugar.

Coconut sugar is golden brown in color and is created by boiling the sap that originates from the coconut blossom until virtually all of the liquid has evaporated.

Coconut Sugar Vs. Brown Sugar – What’s the Difference?

Brown sugar and coconut sugar are both widely used in baking and have a similar appearance. You probably couldn’t tell the difference between brown sugar and coconut sugar if you had them both in front of you.

So what exactly is the difference between brown sugar and coconut sugar? The biggest distinction is in what and how they are created. As previously stated, coconut sugar is produced from the nectar of the coconut palm tree blossoms. Brown sugar, like white sugar, is manufactured from sugar beets or cane sugar.

There are a few additional distinctions to be discussed below.

Ingredients

Brown sugar and coconut sugar are produced in various ways. Coconut sugar has grown in popularity since it has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, hence many individuals have switched from white sugar to coconut sugar.

Coconut sugar is manufactured in the same manner as honey is made: the nectar is cooked until the liquid within it evaporates. It is very little processed, particularly when compared to brown and white sugar.

The majority of brown sugars are derived from refined sugar and molasses. Brown sugar contains molasses, which reduces its sweetness and gives a somewhat smokey taste.

Taste

Brown sugar has a molasses taste, as previously stated. The more molasses added, the darker the sugar, and vice versa. Dark brown sugar, for example, will taste harsh and have a coffee-like flavor from the molasses, but light brown sugar will be as sweet as white sugar with a little nuttiness.

As you would expect, coconut sugar does not taste like coconut. Instead, it has a nutty taste with a touch of caramel and isn’t as sweet as white sugar.

Nutrition Facts

Since coconut sugar is not as processed as brown sugar, it contains trace levels of amino acids, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Brown sugar has none of these ingredients and is just as healthful as white sugar.

If you compare the nutritional profiles of brown sugar and coconut sugar, youll see that they are almost identical. The most notable nutritional difference occurs in the glycemic index, which is one of the reasons why coconut sugar has gained popularity.

The glycemic index of brown sugar is 64, the glycemic index of white sugar is 65, and the glycemic index of coconut sugar is 35.

This score indicates that if you ingest the same quantity of coconut sugar as brown sugar, your metabolic system reaction will be lowered, allowing you to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

The Best Coconut Sugar Substitute

If you can’t locate coconut sugar, here are some coconut sugar replacements you may use instead.

Light Brown Sugar

Since they have the same texture, taste, and color, light brown sugar is the finest coconut sugar alternative. They also fully dissolve when added to beverages and dishes.

Light brown sugar tastes sweeter than coconut sugar. You may swap them in a 1:1 ratio, but it’s best to start with a little quantity of light brown sugar as a coconut sugar alternative and gradually increase the amount as needed.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup, which is made from black maple, red maple, or sugar maple trees, may be used as a replacement for coconut sugar.

Maple syrup is rich in potassium, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, and its smokey caramel flavor will complement any dish. Remember that maple syrup is sweeter than coconut sugar, so a cup of it is about equivalent to a cup of coconut sugar.

Since maple syrup is a liquid, you may need to lower the proportions of any liquids you add to the recipe when using it as a coconut sugar alternative.

Sucanat

Sucanat is a form of raw sugar that is organic. It is prepared by thoroughly drying the sugar cane to absorb all of its molasses. It is raw sugar that has not been processed in the same way as conventional sugar.

White sugar is refined and filtered, while sucanat is treated just enough to remove solids and allow it to crystallize. It has the same brown hue as coconut sugar and tastes the same.

But keep in mind that sucanat has a different texture than coconut sugar: it’s harder and more solid. If you need it to dissolve entirely in a recipe, you should either use a food processor to break it up slightly or wait a lengthy period.

Sucanat has the same sweetness as coconut sugar, hence one cup is equivalent to one cup coconut sugar.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from a plant. It’s a popular raw sugar and coconut sugar replacement. Since it has no calories, it should be used in moderation.

Stevia has the same sweetness as coconut sugar, so you may use one cup of stevia for one cup of coconut sugar.

Date Sugar

Date sugar, which is manufactured from dried dates, is another coconut sugar replacement. It is less processed than white sugar, yet it is as effective for bringing deep sweetness to dishes.

It is an excellent replacement for coconut sugar in baked items. But be cautious when adding it to beverages since it does not dissolve quickly and occasionally does not dissolve at all.

It has a similar taste profile to coconut sugar and may be used in a 1:1 ratio.

Conclusion

Coconut sugar is a healthier alternative to white sugar and is simple to substitute. If you don’t have coconut sugar on hand, we’ve included five of the finest coconut sugar replacements above.

Just a handful of these coconut sugar replacements have a sweeter flavor than the others. Because of this, you may use a 1:1 ratio for most of these replacements and obtain the same effects as if you used coconut sugar.

People Also Ask

Is it safe for diabetics to consume coconut sugar?

When used as a replacement for white or brown sugar, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index. Nonetheless, the American Diabetes Association recommends treating it the same as conventional sugar since it has the same carbohydrates and calories.

Is Coconut Sugar Healthy?

Coconut sugar is heavy in calories, and you’d have to consume a lot of it to get any nutritional advantages. It has trace levels of fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. Nevertheless, the high sugar content overcomes the possible advantages.

Is Coconut Sugar Excessively Inflammatory?

Anti-inflammatory foods include coconut sugar, pure maple syrup, raw coconut nectar, and stevia.

You may also be interested in Best Coconut Milk Replacement.