17 Substitutes For Coconut Sugar

Are you tired of adding the same old coconut sugar to your meals and looking for an alternative? If yes, then this article is definitely for you. Because in this article, we will discuss 17 different substitutes of coconut sugar that are not only nutritious but also pocket-friendly.

Moreover, you can also use these substitutes for coconut sugar when you can’t find the actual coconut sugar in your nearest supermarket. 

Although coconut sugar has a lot of benefits like it contains nutrients like zinc, iron, and potassium, several antioxidants, and a lower glycemic index than regular sugar but despite all of its benefits, coconut sugar can be expensive and hard to find. 

To solve this problem, we have brought several substitutes for coconut sugar, which will help you in times when coconut sugar is not available, or you simply want to try something new and more nutritious. So, read on to find out. 

What Is Coconut Sugar?

Coconut sugar has a similar appearance and consistency to brown sugar, but with a milder flavor. It is made from the sap of the flower buds of the coconut palm. The sap is boiled down to form a thick syrup, which is then crystallized to create the final product. It can be used in place of other types of sugar in baking and cooking and is also a popular sweetener for beverages such as coffee and tea. 

Nutrition Information 

Coconut sugar has a high fructose content and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. Despite these health benefits, coconut sugar is still mainly composed of sucrose and should be consumed in moderation. One teaspoon of coconut sugar contains:

• 18 calories
• 0 grams of protein
• 0 grams of fat
• 5 grams of carbohydrates
• 0 grams of fiber
• 5 grams of sugar

What Does Coconut Sugar Taste Like?

Coconut sugar tastes very sweet and has a taste that is similar to brown sugar. It is made from the sap of coconut flowers and contains 17 amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. Coconut sugar is a natural source of carbohydrates and has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. 

Low Glycemic Index 

Coconut sugar is a low glycemic index food, which means that it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This is because coconut sugar contains a type of fiber called inulin, which slows down the digestion and absorption of the sugar.

This makes coconut sugar a good choice for people who are looking for a healthy alternative to white sugar or artificial sweeteners. Moreover, it has a lower calorie count than regular sugar.

The Best Overall Substitute

Although there are many substitutes for coconut sugar, not all of them are created equal. Some substitutes may not provide the same sweetness or flavor, while others may not be as healthy. After extensive research, we have determined that the best overall substitute for coconut sugar is brown sugar. Read below to know why.  

Brown Sugar 

Brown sugar is often touted as a healthier alternative to coconut sugar. After all, it contains molasses, which is a source of vitamins and minerals.

Brown sugar is commonly used in baking recipes, as it can add a unique sweetness to desserts. It can also be used as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes.  

The Best Low Glycemic Substitute

When it comes to finding a good low-glycemic substitute, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

• First, you’ll want to make sure that the product doesn’t contain any added sugar or artificial sweeteners. 
• Second, you’ll want to choose a product that is high in fiber and protein.
• Third, you’ll want to select a product that has a low glycemic index. 

With these guidelines in mind, a great substitute for low glycemic coconut sugar is Swerve Brown Sugar. 

Swerve Brown Sugar

For people who need to maintain stable blood sugar levels, it’s important to choose a low-glycemic sweetener. Swerve Brown Sugar is a great choice for a number of reasons. 

• First, it’s made from erythritol and oligosaccharides, which are both low-glycemic. 
• Second, it has a similar taste and texture to brown sugar, making it a good substitution in recipes. 
• Finally, it doesn’t contain any calories or carbohydrates, so it won’t contribute to weight gain. 

If you’re looking for a low-glycemic sweetener that can be used in place of brown sugar, Swerve Brown Sugar is a great option.

Best Substitute For Coconut Sugar 

Although coconut sugar has become a popular sweetener in recent years, it is not always the best choice for every recipe. Here are some substitutes for coconut sugar that can be used in baking and cooking:

Raw Honey

Raw honey is another natural sweetener that can be used in place of coconut sugar. It has a similar flavor to maple syrup, but it is less expensive and easier to find in stores.

Honey can also be used as a healthful alternative to other sweeteners, as it contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is another popular substitute for coconut sugar. It is less processed than white sugar and has a unique flavor that can enhance the taste of certain dishes. However, it is also more expensive than coconut sugar, so it may not be the best choice for every recipe.

Sucanat

Sucanat is a great substitute of coconut sugar. It is made from whole cane sugar juice, whereas coconut sugar is made from the sap of coconut palm flowers.

Both have a similar composition of natural sugars, but Sucanat has a molasses flavor that some people prefer over the coconut flavor of coconut sugar. 

Agave Syrup

Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that comes from the agave plant. It has a similar taste to honey and is often used as a substitute for sugar in recipes.

Agave syrup is a great substitute for coconut sugar because it is a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

This makes it a better choice for people who are looking for a healthier alternative to coconut sugar.

Maple Sugar

As anyone who has ever tried to bake with maple sugar knows, finding the right substitute for coconut sugar can be a bit of a challenge. After all, both maple sugar and coconut sugar are unique in their own way.

However, coconut sugar does have its own benefits. It’s more affordable than maple sugar and has a richer flavor than some people prefer. But maple sugar can work if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to coconut sugar.

Turbinado Sugar

Turbinado sugar is a type of unrefined sugar made from sugar cane juice that has been evaporated and then spun in a centrifuge to remove any molasses.

The result is light brown sugar with a slightly coarse texture and a mild molasses flavor. This is why turbinado sugar is an excellent substitute for coconut sugar or other less healthful options like honey or corn syrup. 

Palm Sugar

Palm sugar is made from the juice of certain palms, such as the nipa palm or the sugar palm. Unlike coconut sugar, which is made from the sap of the coconut tree, palm sugar does not have a strong flavor. As a result, it can be used as a substitute for coconut sugar in many recipes. 

Date Sugar

The best overall substitute for coconut sugar is date sugar. It is made from 100% dates, which makes it a natural and healthy option.

It is also very sweet and has a similar flavor to coconut sugar. In addition, date sugar is easy to find in most grocery stores. 

Jaggery / Panela

While both jaggery/panela and coconut sugar come from sugarcane, they are two distinct sweeteners with different flavor profiles.

Jaggery is made by boiling down sugarcane juice until it crystallizes, while coconut sugar is made by boiling down the sap of the coconut palm.

While they can be used interchangeably in some recipes, jaggery may be the more versatile sweetener since it can add depth of flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. 

Demerara Sugar 

Demerara sugar is a type of unrefined sugar that has large crystals and a golden color. It is made from sugar cane juice that has been boiled and then crystallized. Demerara sugar can be used as a substitute for coconut sugar in many recipes.

When substituting Demerara sugar for coconut sugar, use a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 cup (250 ml) of coconut sugar, use 1 cup (250 ml) of Demerara sugar. 

Best Low-carb Substitutes 

Although coconut sugar is a popular sweetener, it is high in carbs and calories. If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to coconut sugar, here are four options to consider. 

Stevia

Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that is calorie-free and has a glycemic index of zero, making it a good choice for those with diabetes or on a low-carb diet.

It is much sweeter than sugar and can be used in smaller quantities to achieve the desired level of sweetness. In addition, stevia is available in both granulated and liquid form, making it a versatile sweetener for baking and cooking. 

Monk Fruit

While monk fruit is often advertised as a healthy alternative to coconut sugar, it’s important to remember that no sweetener is completely calorie-free.

Monk fruit contains antioxidants that may help to protect cells from damage. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, so you can use less of it to achieve the same level of sweetness. 

Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables. It is about 60-80% as sweet as sucrose but does not have the same negative effects on blood sugar levels.

Although erythritol does not have the same nutritional value as coconut sugar, it is a suitable substitute for those who are looking to avoid the negative health effects of consuming too much fructose.

Tagatose

Tagatose is a natural sugar that can be used as a substitute for coconut sugar. It is derived from lactose, which is found in milk and has a similar taste and texture to table sugar.

It is also much sweeter than coconut sugar, so you may need to use less of it when baking or cooking. 

Xylitol

Xylitol, which is derived from birch trees, has a sweetness similar to that of sugar but with fewer calories. It has demonstrated antibacterial properties and may help to protect against tooth decay.

While it’s important to moderate intake of all sweeteners, xylitol appears to be a promising option for those looking to enjoy the occasional sweet treat without sacrificing their health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coconut sugar is a more sustainable source of energy that can help to regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, the natural sweetness of coconut sugar means that you can use less of it in recipes, leading to lower calorie intake overall. Let’s discuss some most frequently asked questions about coconut sugar substitutes.  

What can I use instead of coconut sugar?

There are a few other natural sweeteners that you can use instead of coconut sugar. These include honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, and stevia. Each has its own unique flavor and properties, so you may need to experiment to see which one works best for you.

Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?

Yes, you can use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar, but the resulting dish will not taste as good because coconut sugar has a distinctly different flavor than regular sugar. Coconut sugar is a bit richer and caramel-like in flavor, whereas regular sugar is just sweet.

What is a healthy substitute for coconut sugar?

A healthy substitute for coconut sugar can be found in pure stevia extract. Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana plant. It is about 150-200 times sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way. Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia does not contain any calories or harmful chemicals.

What is the difference between regular sugar and coconut sugar?

Regular sugar is extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets and then refined to create table sugar. Coconut sugar, on the other hand, is made from the sap of coconut palm trees. Both types of sugar are high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. 

Can I replace coconut sugar with brown sugar?

Yes, you can. If you’re looking to replace the coconut sugar with brown sugar in a recipe, we would recommend using 1 and 1/2 cups of coconut sugar for every cup of brown sugar called for in the recipe. Keep in mind that coconut sugar is about 25% sweeter than brown sugar, so you may need to adjust the amount of sweetener you use accordingly. 

Can I replace coconut sugar with stevia?

Yes, you can replace the coconut sugar with stevia. However, keep in mind that because stevia is about 300 times sweeter than sugar, you’ll need to use a lot less of it. Start by replacing 1/4 cup of the coconut sugar with 1/4 teaspoon of the stevia extract and adjust from there.

Is brown sugar and coconut sugar the same?

No, they’re not the same. Brown sugar is made from cane sugar that’s been molasses has been added back to it, while coconut sugar is made from the sap of coconut flowers. Both have different flavors and nutritional profiles. 

Is stevia sweeter than coconut sugar?

Yes, Stevia is much sweeter than coconut sugar. A teaspoon of stevia is equivalent to a cup of sugar, while a teaspoon of coconut sugar is equivalent to only one-eighth of a teaspoon of sugar.

Does coconut sugar taste like cane sugar?

Coconut sugar does have a similar taste to cane sugar, but it’s not an exact match. Coconut sugar is made from the sap of coconut blossoms, and the taste can vary depending on the region where it’s made. Some people say that coconut sugar has a slight caramel flavor, while others describe it as being slightly earthier than cane sugar.

Can honey be substituted for coconut sugar?

Yes, honey can be substituted for coconut sugar in most recipes. However, it is important to note that honey is sweeter than coconut sugar, so you may need to use less honey than prescribed by the recipe. In terms of taste and texture, honey and coconut sugar are fairly similar.

Is maple syrup better than coconut sugar?

Maple syrup is healthier than coconut sugar because it has a lower glycemic index. Maple syrup contains zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and other minerals that are beneficial for your health. However, maple syrup is high in calories and sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Is coconut sugar inflammatory?

Recent studies have shown that coconut sugar does not cause inflammation in the same way as other added sugars like high-fructose corn syrup. Coconut sugar is actually prebiotic, which means that it helps to support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. 

Conclusion

There you go, 17 different substitutes of coconut sugar that are actually better than coconut sugar itself. Choose according to your requirement, taste, and preference, and enjoy your daily meal prepared with a new taste and a different ingredient. For more similar information, read our blog. 

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