Skip to content

Out of Sugar types comparison, one case

Sugar types comparison: caster, superfine, turbinado

5 options, ranked, with the exact amount

Use thisBest of 5 options

Use Caster sugar

Same amount as the sugar types comparison

Caster sugar (1:1), superfine sugar (1:1), and turbinado sugar (1:1) all substitute for granulated sugar in equal amounts. Caster and superfine are finer, while turbinado is coarser with molasses flavor.

Best for —
baking

One casethe full granulated sugar card

Every option, one card

Ranked
Sugar types comparison substitutes compared
SubstituteInstead of sugar types comparison
Caster sugarbakingSame amount
Superfine sugarbakingSame amount
Turbinado sugarbakingSame amount
Raw cane sugarbakingSame amount
Demerara sugarbakingSame amount
What changes5 options

Caster sugar

identical sweetness

Caster sugar is finer than granulated sugar but coarser than powdered sugar. It dissolves more easily than granulated sugar and works well in most recipes.

Best for
baking, cooking, when you want fine texture, mousses, meringues, most recipes
Texture
finer than granulated

Caster sugar dissolves more easily than granulated sugar and works well in most recipes. It's finer than granulated sugar but coarser than powdered sugar.

Superfine sugar

identical sweetness

Superfine sugar is very fine granulated sugar that dissolves quickly. It works well in most recipes and provides similar sweetness to granulated sugar.

Best for
baking, cooking, when you want quick dissolving, mousses, meringues, most recipes
Texture
very fine

Superfine sugar dissolves quickly and works well in most recipes. It provides similar sweetness to granulated sugar with finer texture.

Turbinado sugar

similar sweetness with molasses notes

Turbinado sugar is raw cane sugar with large crystals and molasses flavor. It provides similar sweetness to granulated sugar but with different texture and flavor.

Best for
baking, cooking, when you want molasses flavor, when you want natural sugar, most recipes
Texture
larger crystals

Turbinado sugar provides similar sweetness to granulated sugar but with molasses flavor and larger crystals. It works well in most recipes.

Raw cane sugar

similar sweetness with slight molasses notes

Raw cane sugar is unrefined sugar with slight molasses flavor. It provides similar sweetness to granulated sugar but with different flavor profile.

Best for
baking, cooking, when you want natural sugar, when you want slight molasses flavor, most recipes
Texture
similar to granulated

Raw cane sugar provides similar sweetness to granulated sugar but with slight molasses flavor. It works well in most recipes.

Demerara sugar

similar sweetness with molasses notes

Demerara sugar is partially refined sugar with large crystals and molasses flavor. It provides similar sweetness to granulated sugar but with different texture and flavor.

Best for
baking, cooking, when you want molasses flavor, when you want large crystals, most recipes
Texture
large crystals

Demerara sugar provides similar sweetness to granulated sugar but with molasses flavor and large crystals. It works well in most recipes.

How it behaves in this recipe

In this recipeSugar types comparison

Different sugar types have varying crystal sizes and flavor profiles. Caster and superfine sugar are finer and dissolve more easily, while turbinado and demerara sugar have larger crystals and molasses flavor. Understanding these differences helps choose the best substitute for each application.

Tips for substituting sugar types comparison

7 tips
  1. Caster sugar and superfine sugar dissolve more easily than granulated sugar
  2. Turbinado and demerara sugar add molasses flavor to recipes
  3. Raw cane sugar provides natural sweetness with slight molasses flavor
  4. All sugar types work well in baking but may affect texture and flavor
  5. For meringues and mousses, caster or superfine sugar work best
  6. For cookies and cakes, any sugar type works well
  7. For beverages, finer sugars dissolve more easily than coarser ones

Notes on sugar types comparison

Also on file3 notes
  1. For a completely different approach, try using other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia
  2. In some applications, you could use a combination of different sugars for layered flavor
  3. For beverages, consider using simple syrup or other liquid sweeteners

Questions

8 questions

What's the difference between caster sugar and granulated sugar?

Caster sugar is finer than granulated sugar but coarser than powdered sugar. It dissolves more easily than granulated sugar and works well in most recipes.

Can I use superfine sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, superfine sugar works as a 1:1 substitute for granulated sugar. It dissolves more quickly and works well in most recipes.

What's the difference between turbinado and granulated sugar?

Turbinado sugar has larger crystals and molasses flavor, while granulated sugar has smaller crystals and no molasses flavor. Both provide similar sweetness.

Can I use raw cane sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, raw cane sugar works as a 1:1 substitute for granulated sugar. It provides similar sweetness with slight molasses flavor.

What's the best substitute for granulated sugar in meringue?

Caster sugar or superfine sugar work best in meringue as they dissolve more easily than granulated sugar.

Can I use demerara sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, demerara sugar works as a 1:1 substitute for granulated sugar. It provides similar sweetness with molasses flavor and large crystals.

What's the best substitute for granulated sugar in cookies?

Any sugar type works well in cookies. Caster and superfine sugar dissolve more easily, while turbinado and demerara add molasses flavor.

Can I use caster sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, caster sugar works as a 1:1 substitute for granulated sugar. It dissolves more easily and works well in most recipes.