25 Best Coconut Sugar Substitutes For Your Recipe

Most of us enjoy using sweeteners in our beverages, and quite often, our food calls for sweeteners, too. There are lots of varieties of sugar, but coconut sugar is a keen favorite, as it is deemed to be a lot healthier than white sugar. 

Sometimes, we forget to buy that one thing we really needed in our grocery shop, and so we need to use substitutes. Other times, we simply run out and don’t have time to stock up.

In other cases, we might have allergies, which prevents us from using certain products. Whatever the reason you’re looking for a coconut sugar substitute, I’ve got you covered. 

I have a list of the 10 best coconut sugar substitutes, with detailed descriptions. 

Before we get into that, let’s consider why we use coconut sugar in the first place. 

What Exactly Is Coconut Sugar?

Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener. It’s made of coconut palm sap. Once this is sliced, the sap is mixed with water and undergoes a heating process.

This turns the mixture into a syrup and, once dried, crystallizes. This enables producers to then turn it into granules. The result of this process is a little thing called, coconut sugar. 

Why Do We Use Coconut Sugar? 

Coconut sugar is a very popular alternative to white sugar. White sugar does not have any essential nutrients, nor does it contain any vitamins.

While it’s totally fine to consume in small doses, some of us prefer to use alternative sugars, for a multitude of reasons. It could be that certain recipes work better with coconut sugar, or it could be a taste preference, or quite often, the fact coconut sugar is that little healthier for you. 

Coconut sugar contains a few nutrients, such as iron, zin, calcium, and potassium. It also has a lower glycemic index than white sugar. Now, keep in mind that, coconut sugar is still sugar. Regardless of the calories, too much sugar is not good for you, even if it’s derived from coconuts. Moderation is always key. 

What Can I Substitute Coconut Sugar With?

If you’re looking for alternative options to coconut sugar, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ve provided a list of the best coconut sugar substitutes, which are: date sugar, maple syrup, raw honey, maple sugar, agave nectar, Piloncillo, light-brown sugar, and stevia.

With that said, let’s get stuck in! 

Best Coconut Sugar Substitutes

Date Sugar 

First on our list of coconut sugar alternatives, is date sugar. 

Date Sugar is made from dehydrated dates that have been ground. It’s not like other sugar, in that date sugar isn’t sugar crystals. However, it’s a popular sugar due to the fact it is considered healthy and contains vitamins and minerals. 

This sugar is sweet, with a mild flavor. If you’re going to use it to replace coconut sugar, use a 1:1 proportion. While you can find it in most supermarkets, it’s probably best to purchase it from a health store — you’ll likely find more of a range and a variety. 

The keynote is that I only recommend this sugar as a baking replacement. I would not advise that you add this to beverages, as it is not easy to dissolve. However, it does work great as a baking replacement for coconut sugar, so keep that in mind. 

How To Substitute

Date sugar is prepared with grounded dates and is often used due to its vitamins and mineral contents. It has a mild flavor compared to coconut sugar and can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio.

Maple Syrup 

Next up on our list of coconut sugar substitutes, is the Canadian favorite, maple syrup. 

This is a pretty popular alternative to coconut sugar. Maple syrup is made from the sap of sugar maple trees. It contains a few nutrients, such as potassium and magnesium.

It can be a more affordable option, compared to the other options on our list. If you want to buy premium grade maple syrup, then that might cost you a big buck, but you can probably get a decent bottle of maple syrup for less than $10. 

I love maple syrup, it has a delicious trace of caramel and vanilla. If you’d like to use maple syrup as a substitute for coconut sugar, use ¼ of maple syrup for every cup of sugar. 

How To Substitute

Maple syrup is one of the most popular substitutes for coconut sugar with a caramel taste and is available at a cheaper rate. In general, coconut sugar has a less intense flavor than maple syrup and a lighter texture. Coconut sugar is also less processed, more sustainable than most sugars, and easily replaceable.

Raw Honey 

Another addition to our list of coconut sugar substitutes is raw honey. 

Raw honey contains wonderful health benefits, and you should consider having it as a staple in your pantry. It’s made up of pollen, beeswax, and propolis. Raw honey is thought to have antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties — as well as this, it contains enzymes and amino acids. 

If you’ve ever tasted honey, then you know it has a delicious, sweet flavor. While raw honey has more of a complex flavor, the health benefits are worth it. 

If you use this wonderful pot of magic to substitute coconut sugar, use ¼ cup of honey for 1 cup of coconut sugar. 

How To Substitute

Raw honey is pure and natural from the nectar of flowers and plants with a delicious sweet flavor. You may substitute it in a similar ratio as maple syrup. However, the health benefits intact in raw honey are more beneficial.

Maple Sugar 

Back on our Canadian trend, our next substitute for coconut sugar is maple sugar. 

If you can’t trust yourself with a fresh bottle of maple syrup (we’ve all been there, pancakes are addictive), then maple sugar is another great alternative. 

Like maple syrup, maple sugar is made from maple tree sap. The only difference between maple sugar and maple syrup is that the maple sugar has been reduced down to granules. 

When it comes to comparisons, maple sugar and coconut sugar have some similarities. They have a similar texture, and while the flavors are different, they tend to behave similarly when used for baking. 

If you want to use maple sugar as a substitution for coconut sugar, use a 1:1 proportion. 

How To Substitute

Coconut sugar is the main ingredient in many baked goods and desserts, and you can substitute it with maple sugar. Maple sugar has a milder, less-sweet flavor than white granulated sugar. Maple sugar is easier to find than coconut sugar, but it’s more expensive than white granulated sugar.

Agave Nectar 

Another substitution for coconut sugar is agave nectar. 

Agave nectar is very popular within the vegan and plant-based community. It’s frequently used to produce jelly-like products. As it’s very sweet, it’s also used as a vegan replacement for honey. 

So, agave nectar is a syrup, that comes from the blue agave plant. It is filtered and heated until it transforms into a lovely syrup. As a small aside, If you can purchase this from an independent company, that would be my recommendation. The commercial process destroys a lot of the great health properties of agave nectar. Now, if you’re not concerned about the health properties, then you don’t need to worry. It’s still a good coconut sugar substitute. 

If you want to use agave nectar as your coconut sugar substitution, then use ¼ cup for every cup of coconut sugar needed. 

How To Substitute

Coconut sugar is a granulated sugar; however, Agave nectar is a liquid sweetener. While they are both liquid sugars, agave nectar is not granulated sugar and is much sweeter than coconut sugar. To substitute agave nectar for coconut sugar in a recipe, use one part agave nectar to two parts coconut sugar.

Sucanat 

Next on our list of coconut sugar substitutions, is sucanat.

Sucanat is a variety of unrefined, whole sugar cane. It’s viewed as raw sugar, as it is far less processed than a lot of other types of sugars, i.e., white sugar. It’s a good replacement for coconut sugar, as it has similar size crystals and a similar brown color. Due to the molasses content of sucanat, it has slight caramel undertones. 

The only issue I’ve found with this sugar is that it doesn’t dissolve very quickly. This means, depending on the recipe, the sugar might not completely dissolve. To solve this, you can blitz it up in a food processor, until it reaches a similar consistency to table sugar.

If you’re going to use sucanat to replace coconut sugar, then use a 1:1 proportion. 

How To Substitute

Coconut sugar is a great natural alternative to Sucanat in your recipes. It is unrefined sugar cane considered raw sugar. It comes with slight caramel undertones, and you may substitute it in a ratio of 1:1.

RELATED: 9 Awesome Ways To Substitute Pectin

Light-Brown Sugar 

The last substitution for coconut sugar, in this article, is light-brown sugar. 

Okay, so you’re probably wondering why I didn’t put this first. Well, the answer is because it is a very obvious solution. Oftentimes, if someone is using coconut sugar in a recipe, then they are looking for a more natural alternative. Of course, this isn’t true in every case, but I wanted to present options that would be great for everyone. 

Light-brown sugar is made of white sugar and molasses. The molasses gives it that zap of caramel and the lovely brown color. You can also use dark brown sugar, but it has a higher content of molasses. I choose light-brown sugar because it is more similar in taste and texture to coconut sugar. 

If you would like to use light-brown sugar, or dark-brown sugar, to replace coconut sugar, use a 1:1 proportion. 

How To Substitute

The last substitution for coconut sugar is light-brown sugar. Light brown sugar is made from granulated sugar that is boiled and then stirred with molasses, the sticky black substance that clings to the bottom of a pot. It has a slightly caramel-like taste and is a better choice for baking because it doesn’t crystallize.

Palm Sugar

Palm sugar is considered one of the most popular substitutes for coconut sugar.

They are most often considered the same and are interchanged. So, for example, although palm sugar is coconut sugar, we can only say that some coconut sugar is palm sugar.

Palm sugar comes from a different tree than coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is a type of palm sugar, but not all palm sugars are coconut sugars.

Palm sugar is made from the sap of the date palm, nipa palm, or sugar palm trees. It is processed similarly to coconut sugar but is often sold as a paste or as more significant blocks of sugar that need to be grated. 

It has a caramel and buttery flavor with a distinct palm taste.

How To Substitute

Palm sugar makes an excellent replacement for coconut sugar; however, it’s not best to use in all your dishes. You may consider adding it if you are comfortable with an added buttery caramel taste in your recipe. But, again, using in 1:1 ratio will do best for it.

Jaggery/Panela

Jaggery and Panela are both non-granulated sugar derived from cane juice, date sap, palm sap, etc. 

These two sugar content are popular in different regions. For instance, Jaggery is very popular in the Southeast, and people often use it in desserts and baking goods. However, Panela is popular in Latin and Central America.

These two comes in the form of a small brick; however, they won’t disappoint you in your recipes.

How To Substitute

Jaggery or Panela can help you a lot if you run short of coconut sugar in your recipe. You may swap out coconut sugar with the exact coconut of Jaggery or Panela in your recipes that it calls for.

Monk Fruit

Monk fruit is your go-to choice for a healthier swap from coconut sugar.

Yes, Monk fruit sweetener contains zero calories, so you can easily add them to your recipes without worrying about calculating sugar content.

The monk fruit sweetener tastes the same as granulated sugar does.

How To Substitute

Monk fruit is almost zero calories, but it will provide you the same taste as granulated sugar. You may use it on a 1:1 ratio; however, if you want, you may adjust it per your preference.

Stevia

If you are worried about your sugar intake and want to go for low-sugar substitutes, then here is one of the best substitutes for coconut sugar substitutes.

Stevia is often touted as a natural sweetener better for your health than other sweeteners like sugar. Stevia is a safe alternative to other sweeteners and is known to be suitable for your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

With little to no calories, it would be a perfect choice for you. For example, one teaspoon of stevia has only four calories and no carbs.

How To Substitute

You may replace 1 cup of stevia with 1 cup of coconut sugar. However, depending on your recipe, you may adjust the quantity.

Xylitol

The pant-derived sugar alcohol, Xylitol, is one of the best coconut sugar substitutes you must try once in your recipes.

Xylitol is an everyday staple mainly used in candies and sugar-free gums. Xylitol contains a lower glycemic index and only ⅓ calories compared to granulated sugar.

Although it is claimed to have as many calories as stevia contains, they are still much sweeter, so while using them, you must remember that.

How To Substitute

The best ratio to substitute Xylitol with coconut sugar is 1:1. We suggest you add it little by little to your recipe.

Tagatose

Coconut sugar is often used in cooking and baking but has a high glycemic index. On the other hand, Tagatose is a sugar that is only available as a powder and has a lower glycemic index.

It is easy to use in place of coconut sugar in cooking and baking.

The product is Tagatose, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener from a plant-based source. It is known for its ability to help individuals with diabetes—those who are trying to reduce their sugar intake.

How To Substitute

You may swap coconut sugar in a 1:1 ratio with Tagatose for a similar sweetness.

Erythritol

Coconut sugar is made by boiling coconut water and mixing it with sugar. It is sometimes cooked with other ingredients like pandan leaves, lemon, or vanilla.

The result is light-colored, sweet, and aromatic sugar used in various dishes.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol found in some foods, including sugar-free candies, chewing gum, and other sweet treats.

It has a sweeter taste than sugar and is often used as a sugar substitute in baking and cooking. Its low glycemic index can also be used as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes.

How To Substitute

To use erythritol to replace coconut sugar, add it to your recipes or replace the sugar in your recipes with a 1:1 ratio.

Turbinado Sugar

You will need a substitute if you are on a diet, especially on a keto diet, since coconut sugar is one of the many types of sugar that is not allowed on a ketogenic diet.

It can be a problem because many people use coconut sugar in recipes, including those that call for granulated sugar. Coconut sugar is also used in baking and desserts. 

Turbinado sugar can save you from this challenging situation. However, many recipes can substitute turbinado sugar for coconut sugar if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.

It is also lower in glycemic index than regular white sugar.

How To Substitute

To substitute coconut sugar with turbinado sugar, use the following amounts: 1/4 cup granulated sugar to 1/4 cup coconut sugar.

Agave Syrup

Agave syrup is a healthier, less expensive alternative to coconut sugar that is low in carbohydrates and calories. You can use agave syrup in place of coconut sugar in many recipes.

Agave syrup has a milder flavor than sugar but a slightly sweeter taste than honey.

It is important to note that the coconut sugar and agave syrup have different flavors, so the taste of your dish may be slightly different.

Additionally, agave syrup is generally sweeter than coconut sugar, so you may need to adjust the amount you use depending on your desired sweetness.

How To Substitute

If you want to substitute agave syrup for coconut sugar, you must use a 1:1 ratio when replacing sugar with agave syrup.

Regular Granulated White Sugar

You may use regular granulated white sugar for coconut sugar, but it is vital to use the right amount of it.

When people substitute coconut sugar for granulated white sugar, they often end up with a sticky, clumpy mess that can ruin their baked goods. The trick to using granulated white sugar is to use a lot less than coconut sugar.

So, instead of using two tablespoons of granulated white sugar for every one tablespoon of coconut sugar, use one tablespoon of granulated white sugar for every two tablespoons of coconut sugar.

It will ensure that the consistency of your baked goods stays the same without any mess.

How To Substitute

If the recipe calls for 2 cups of coconut sugar white sugar, you need to use 1 cup of granulated to equal the recipe.

Dark Brown Sugar

Coconut sugar is made from the sap of the coconut tree, which is sweeter than regular sugar. Coconut sugar is often substituted for brown sugar in baked goods.

Brown sugar is made from granulated sugar that has been heated and coated with molasses, which adds a rich, dark color and a deep flavor.

Dark Brown Sugar is a more affordable and accessible substitute for coconut sugar. It is still sweet but less processed than white sugar.

How To Substitute

It can be substituted one to one for coconut sugar in recipes or used in smaller quantities to add sweetness to recipes.

Swerve Brown Sugar

Swerve Brown Sugar is an alternative to coconut sugar. It can be used as a one-to-one replacement in any recipe, as it has a similar flavor, sweetness, and consistency.

Swerve Brown Sugar can also reduce calories in recipes and contains zero net carbs.

When baking with Swerve Brown Sugar, it is essential to note that you may have to reduce the cooking time and temperature, as it can cause items to darken and cook faster than coconut sugar.

Additionally, increasing the amount of Swerve Brown Sugar relative to the amount called for in a given recipe may be necessary to maximize the sweetness.

How To Substitute

Use 2 cups of swerve brown sugar for the 1 cup of coconut sugar in your recipe.

Granulated White Sugar With Molasses

Granulated White Sugar and Molasses can be used as a substitute for coconut sugar. Combining granulated white sugar and molasses in equal parts is essential to make this mixture.

Once the mixture has been thoroughly stirred, you may use it like coconut sugar in any recipe. Granulated White Sugar and Molasses are less expensive than coconut sugar and easier to find in most grocery stores.

Additionally, it has a slightly less intense flavor than regular sugar, making it an effective alternative for those looking for lower sugar content in their recipes.

How To Substitute

One cup of granulated white sugar with one cup of molasses equals 1 cup of coconut syrup. You may use it accordingly.

Brown Rice Syrup

Coconut sugar is a sweetener made from coconut sap that has been dried, processed, and crystallized. This sugar is rich in nutrients and has a low glycemic index.

Brown rice syrup is a natural sweetener made from rice that has been fermented and heated.

This syrup has a slightly lower glycemic index. If you’re looking for a coconut sugar substitute, brown rice syrup is a good option.

It is evident from the name that brown rice syrup is made by steaming brown rice to extract the sugar from its starch. 

Its texture and consistency are similar to corn syrup. The substance is sticky and thick.

How To Substitute

You may replace 1 cup of coconut sugar with ¾ cup of brown rice syrup.

Date Syrup

Date syrup is all you need to save your recipe if you have it at home.

Date syrup is also known as date honey. The syrup is thick and sweet, and incredibly delicious.

Use a minimal amount of date syrup in your recipe since it is a concentrated form of dates with an intense flavor.

How To Substitute

For substituting 1 cup of coconut sugar, you need only ⅔ cup of date syrup.

Coconut Caramel Sauce

If you’re looking for a delicious way to add some sweetness to your recipes, coconut sugar is a great option. But what if it gets over and you forget to buy it? Coconut caramel sauce is a great substitute!

Add the same sauce to your recipe to substitute coconut sugar with coconut caramel sauce. The sauce will add a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor to your dish.

Just be sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly, as the sauce is quite a bit thinner than sugar.

So next time you’re in a pinch, reach for the coconut caramel sauce instead of the sugar – your tastebuds will thank you!

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 substitution ratio to swap out coconut sugar with coconut caramel sauce.

Medjool Dates

There might be many reasons to substitute coconut sugar with Medjool dates. For example, you may reduce sugar or look for a more natural sweetener. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to do!

The dates will need to be chopped or puréed before using, and they will also add moisture to your recipe, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

Medjool dates are an excellent substitution for coconut sugar because they are just as sweet and have a similar caramel-like flavor.

They are also a natural source of sugar, so they are a healthier option overall. Additionally, they are relatively cheap and easy to find.

How To Substitute

To substitute Medjool dates for coconut sugar, use a 1:1 ratio. So, if you need 1 cup of coconut sugar, use 1 cup of Medjool dates.

Natural Cane Sugar

Natural cane sugar is an excellent substitute for coconut sugar. It is less processed and has a lower glycemic index, so that it won’t spike your blood sugar as much as coconut sugar.

It has a similar taste and can be used similarly to coconut sugar.

Cane sugar is less expensive than coconut sugar, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Also, it is easier to locate in stores. Also, it is easier to find in stores.

How To Substitute

Use 1 cup of cane sugar for 1 cup of coconut sugar.

Summary

I hope you found my list of coconut sugar substitutes helpful. I’ve researched a lot of different options, and I hope that one suits your needs. Be sure to use the right ratios, otherwise, the substitutions will not react the same. 

Thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Substitution Is Low-Cost? 

Okay, so at the end of the day, we’re only dealing with sugar. You don’t have to break the bank if it is out of your current budget, there are lots of different ways of making healthier switches in your life. 

I would say that the low-cost option is light-brown sugar. However, you can definitely get maple syrup at a decent price.

Can I Really Use Liquid To Replace A Solid? 

I’ve had a couple of people ask me if it’s okay, to use a liquid such as maple syrup, or agave nectar to replace coconut sugar. 

The short answer is yes, you can. 

That’s why I put the different ratios in each section. If you replaced coconut sugar with a liquid and didn’t adjust the measurement, then it wouldn’t behave the same. As long as you use the right measurements, it’ll be fine. 

Is Coconut Sugar Even Different From Regular Sugar?

Yes, coconut sugar is different from regular sugar. Regular sugar does not contain any nutrients, whereas coconut sugar does contain nutrients and minerals. It is a healthier alternative. However, it’s all sugar at the end of the day, and it all should be consumed in moderation.

25 Best Coconut Sugar Substitutes

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Here are the best coconut sugar substitutes to use in your recipes.

Ingredients

• Date Sugar

• Maple Syrup

• Raw Honey

• Maple Sugar

• Agave Nectar

• Sucanat

• Light-Brown Sugar

• Palm Sugar

• Jaggery/Panela

• Monk Fruit

• Stevia

• Xylitol

• Tagatose

• Erythritol

• Turbinado Sugar

• Agave Syrup

• Regular Granulated White Sugar

• Dark Brown Sugar

• Swerve Brown Sugar

• Granulated White Sugar With Molasses

• Brown Rice Syrup

• Date Syrup

• Coconut Caramel Sauce

• Medjool Dates

• Natural Cane Sugar

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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