Coconut sugar substitutes
Coconut sugar substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Brown sugar
Same amount as the coconut sugar
Similar sugar with different source.
The best substitutes for coconut sugar are brown sugar, granulated sugar, or maple syrup, depending on the use.
Coconut sugar is a dry, unrefined crystal sugar: it sweetens, it bakes to a deeper toffee-brown than white sugar because of the non-sugar solids left in it, and because it is crystals rather than a syrup it can be creamed into butter to beat air in.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Sweetnessprimary
- Aerationsecondary
- Browning & colorsecondary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of coconut sugar | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown sugarbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Granulated sugarbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Maple syrupbaking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Honeybaking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Turbinado sugarbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Demerara sugarbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Brown sugar
different taste, similar texture
Similar sugar with different source.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Aeration
- Browning & color
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, sauces
Different source, similar sweetness.
Granulated sugar
different taste, similar texture
Similar sugar with different source.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Aeration
- Misses
- Browning & color — not covered
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, sauces
Different source, similar sweetness.
Maple syrup
different taste and texture
Similar sweetener with different source.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Browning & color
- Misses
- Aeration — not covered
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, sauces
Different source, similar sweetness.
Honey
different taste and texture
Similar sweetener with different source.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Browning & color
- Misses
- Aeration — not covered
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, sauces
Different source, similar sweetness.
Turbinado sugar
different taste, similar texture
Similar sugar with different source.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Aeration
- Browning & color
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, sauces
Different source, similar sweetness.
Demerara sugar
different taste, similar texture
Similar sugar with different source.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Aeration
- Browning & color
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, sauces
Different source, similar sweetness.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Yes, brown sugar is a good substitute for coconut sugar. It has a different flavor but similar sweetness and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between coconut sugar and brown sugar?
Coconut sugar is made from coconut palm sap and has a caramel-like flavor, while brown sugar is made from sugar cane and contains molasses. Both provide sweetness but have different origins.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Yes, granulated sugar can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar sweetness and can be used in most recipes.
Why is coconut sugar so popular in healthy cooking?
Coconut sugar is popular because it's considered a more natural sweetener and has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar.
Tips for substituting coconut sugar
6 tips- Coconut sugar adds natural sweetness to dishes
- Coconut sugar can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Coconut sugar pairs well with most ingredients and flavors
- Coconut sugar works well in baking, desserts, and beverages
- Coconut sugar can be used to make caramel and syrups
- Store coconut sugar in a cool, dry place