You ran out of the ingredient in the middle of your recipe. You really hate the flavour. You're allergic. Whatever the reason is that you're looking for a coconut sugar substitute, I've got you covered.
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Coconut sugar is a popular natural sweetener. It's derived from the coconut palm tree and is known for having more nutrients and a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. It's flavour profile is similar to brown sugar, with sweet, musky flavour notes.
While brown sugar is the closest substitute for coconut sugar, there are a lot of other natural sweeteners that you can use instead if you are trying to stay away from refined sugars.
From maple sugar to date sugar, I've listed the best alternatives for coconut sugar for you below. While all options are better than white table sugar, I still recommend using them in moderation.
1. Maple sugar
Maple sugar can be used in place of coconut sugar in a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar, substitute in 1 tablespoon of maple sugar.
Maple sugar is made from the sap of the maple tree just like maple syrup. It's actually dehydrated maple sap that has been reduced to the point at which it crystalizes into sugar granules. The granule are quite course, just like coconut sugar granules.
It's flavour profile is also quite similar to coconut sugar. It has hints of caramel, vanilla and butter, and of course, a strong maple flavour. This flavouring works well in most recipes that call for coconut sugar.
2. Sucanat
Sucanat can be used in place of coconut sugar in a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar, use 1 tablespoon of sucanat.
Sucanat is classified as a raw cane sugar because it is minimally processed.
This sugar has course, golden granules that resemble coconut sugar in look and flavour. It has delicious caramel notes thanks to its natural molasses content.
One thing to note is that sucranat will not dissolve as quickly as finer sugar granules. For that reason, sucanat works best as a topping or baking sugar. It's great for adding a sweet dusting on top of your oatmeal. But, it's not so great at dissolving in juices or smoothies.
Ingredient note:
- If you want to use sucanat in a recipe that requires the sugar to dissolve, it's best to run the sugar through a spice grinder, food processor or blender first. Keep grinding until you reach a similar consistency to white table sugar.
3. Raw honey
Raw honey can be used in place of coconut sugar in a 1:4 ratio. For every 4 tablespoons of coconut sugar, substitute in 1 tablespoon of honey. You may also need to adjust the amount of other liquids in the recipe.
Raw honey is the most nutritious kind of honey you can buy. It is removed from the honeycomb, strained and packaged. Processed honey, on the other hand, is heated and cooled, which destroys some of the nutrients.
Knowing that some of the nutrients in honey can be destroyed at high heats, this natural sweetener is best used as a replacement for coconut sugar in recipes that don't include high temperature cooking.
Because this sweetener is liquid, other liquid ingredients may also need to be adjusted. If it's just a small amount of honey required, it likely won't make much difference to the final texture of the recipe. But, if you're using a large quantity of honey, you'll want to reduce the other liquids to compensate. That way, you will keep your recipe consistency as it's supposed to be.
Ingredient note:
- For maximum health benefits, purchase raw honey. Do not purchase pasteurized or filtered honey.
4. Maple syrup
Maple syrup can be used in place of coconut sugar in a 1:4 ratio. For every 4 tablespoons of coconut sugar, substitute in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. You may also need to adjust the amount of other liquids in the recipe.
Maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees. The sap is boiled and reduced until it reaches a syrup consistency. It's then packaged for us to buy. It contains antioxidants and important micronutrients like riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Maple syrup is a good alternative to coconut sugar in most recipes. It's flavour profile is quite similar, with a stronger maple flavour, of course.
Because this sweetener is liquid, other liquid ingredients may also need to be adjusted. If it's just a small amount of maple syrup required, it likely won't make much difference to the final texture of the recipe. But, if you're using a large quantity of maple syrup, you'll want to reduce the other liquids to compensate. That way, you will keep your recipe consistency as it's supposed to be.
Ingredient note:
- Make sure you're buying 100% pure maple syrup instead of pancake syrup, which is primarily made with artificial chemicals.
5. Agave syrup
Agave syrup can be used in place of coconut sugar in a 1:4 ratio. For every 4 tablespoons of coconut sugar, substitute in 1 tablespoon of agave syrup. You may also need to adjust the amount of other liquids in the recipe.
Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that is 1.5 times more sweet than white sugar. It can be used as a coconut sugar substitute in most recipes.
It has a thick consistency and a flavour profile quite similar to honey, with a slightly more bitter aftertaste.
While at one point considered one of the healthiest natural sweeteners, this is now more debated. Research now suggests that its high fructose content can reduce insulin sensitivity. It is also higher in calories than table sugar. For these reasons, I recommend using agave nectar in moderation.
Because this sweetener is liquid, other liquid ingredients may also need to be adjusted. If it's just a small amount of agave syrup required, it likely won't make much difference to the final texture of the recipe. But, if you're using a large quantity of agave syrup, you'll want to reduce the other liquids to compensate. That way, you will keep your recipe consistency as it's supposed to be.
6. Date sugar
Date sugar can be used in place of coconut sugar. For every 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar, replace with 1 tablespoon of date sugar.
Date sugar is made from finely ground, dehydrated dates. It's not a traditional sugar since it won't dissolve like other sweeteners. So, it's best used as a topping sugar or in baking.
Date sugar has a mild and sweet flavour. The flavour profile will change slightly depending on the dates used, but is best when made from Medjool dates.
Ingredient note:
- You can find date sugar in health grocery stores.
- You can also make your own date sugar at home. Cut the medjools dates in half and discard the pits. Then bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit on a parchment paper lined baking sheet for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and grind with a food processor. Store in an airtight container.
7. Stevia
Stevia can be used in place of coconut sugar in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio. My preference is to replace 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar with ½ tablespoon of powdered stevia.
Stevia is a natural sweetener made from the leaves of the stevia rebaudiana plant. It is both carb and calorie free, so can be a good option if you're trying to manage your weight.
This sweetener is available in powder or liquid form. It is twice as sweet as sugar, so less is needed to reach the desired level of sweetness. For that reason, I like to use a 2:1 ratio of coconut sugar to powdered stevia, although many will use a 1:1 ratio.
8. Xylitol
Xylitol can be used in place of coconut sugar in a 2:3 ratio. For every 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar, use ⅔ tablespoon of xylitol.
Xylitol has a sweet taste that's very close to white table sugar. It's considered natural because it's found in small quantities in fruits and vegetables.
It's considered healthier than refined sugar because some research suggests that it offers health benefits like increasing calcium absorption.
9. Brown sugar
Brown sugar can be used in place of coconut sugar in a 2:3 ratio. For every 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar, use ⅔ tablespoon of brown sugar.
If the above coconut palm sugar substitutes aren't close enough in taste or flavour, then use brown sugar.
Brown sugar contains molasses, which gives it a caramel-like flavour and brown colouring. It very closely mimics coconut sugar in texture, colour and flavour.
One thing to note is that brown sugar is sweeter than coconut sugar, so you'll need less to reach the same desired level of sweetness.
Summary
There are a number of reasons you might be looking for a coconut palm sugar substitute. From food intolerances to lack of availability to taste presences.
If you need coconut sugar in your recipe, follow these guidelines for substituting:
- To imitate the flavour, texture and colour most closely use brown sugar.
- To mimic the flavour and texture most closely with a natural sweetener use maple sugar.
- Other powder options include sucanat, xylitol, and stevia powder.
- You can also use maple syrup, honey or agave syrup, but you'll need to adjust the amount of other liquids in your recipe to ensure the final consistency or the recipe stays the same.
What is coconut sugar?
- Coconut sugar is derived from the sap of the coconut tree. The sap is mixed with water, boiled, and then dried to form course crystalized granules.
- Coconut sugar is also known as coconut palm sugar.
- Coconut sugar retains more nutrients than refined table sugar because it is minimally processed. It is a source of calcium, zinc, iron and potassium.
- Coconut sugar contains a kind of fibre called inulin that slows down digestion and explains why the sugar has a lower score on the glycemic index.
- Coconut sugar is high in calories. So it's still best to use this sugar in moderation.
How to use coconut sugar
I’ll share some of my favourite recipes to use coconut sugar in below. But to make you the master of your own kitchen, I want to share a few ideas on how you can start incorporating coconut sugar.
- In cooking
- In sauces and condiments
- In baking
- In homemade granola, like my easy chocolate granola.
- In energy balls , like my pumpkin protein balls.
Is coconut sugar healthy?
Coconut sugar is considered a healthier sugar than refined sugar. That's because it's less processed, meaning it retains many of the nutrients found in the coconut palm - iron, calcium, zinc and potassium.
Coconut sugar is also said to contain inulin, a kind of fibre. This helps slow glucose absorption, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes that are treacherous for our health.
It's important to note that coconut sugar is not a nutritional superfood, however. Coconut sugar is just slightly more healthy than refined sugar alternatives. It's still high in calories, affects our blood sugar levels, and, in large quantities, can have negative health effects.
In summary, coconut sugar is healthier than processed, refined sugars. But, having no sugar at all is the healthiest option.
I want to hear from you!
Have you tried another sub for coconut sugar? Did you try any of these? Please take a minute to leave a comment below with your suggestions.
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