What's the Best Substitute for White Sugar?
Whether you're out of White Sugar or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Refined granulated sugar made from sugar cane or sugar beets, commonly used in baking and cooking for its neutral flavor and ability to caramelize In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for white sugar are brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or stevia, depending on your dietary needs and recipe requirements.
Best Substitutes for White Sugar
Brown Sugar
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- desserts
- cookies
- cakes
- sauces
Description
Sugar with molasses added for moisture and caramel flavor. Very similar to white sugar in most applications.
Adds moisture and caramel flavor. Works well in most recipes that call for white sugar.
Honey
Ratio
1 cup white sugar = 3/4 cup honey
Best For
- baking
- desserts
- beverages
- glazes
- marinades
Description
Natural sweetener with floral flavor. Adds moisture and helps with browning in baked goods.
Reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup and lower oven temperature by 25°F. Adds floral flavor.
Maple Syrup
Ratio
1 cup white sugar = 3/4 cup maple syrup
Best For
- baking
- desserts
- beverages
- glazes
- pancakes
Description
Natural sweetener with distinctive maple flavor. Adds moisture and helps with browning.
Reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup and lower oven temperature by 25°F. Adds maple flavor.
Coconut Sugar
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- desserts
- beverages
- sauces
- natural recipes
Description
Natural sugar made from coconut palm sap. Similar to brown sugar in flavor and texture.
Slightly less sweet than white sugar. Has caramel-like flavor similar to brown sugar.
Stevia
Ratio
1 cup white sugar = 1 tsp stevia powder or 1/2 tsp liquid stevia
Best For
- beverages
- frosting
- low-carb baking
- diabetic-friendly recipes
Description
Natural zero-calorie sweetener that's much sweeter than sugar. No calories or carbs.
Much sweeter than sugar - start with less and taste. May have slight aftertaste.
Erythritol
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- beverages
- frosting
- low-carb recipes
- diabetic-friendly recipes
Description
Natural zero-calorie sweetener that measures like sugar. No calories or carbs.
May have a cooling effect in large amounts. Doesn't caramelize like sugar.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for White Sugar, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
White sugar is the most versatile sweetener for baking and cooking
White sugar caramelizes at 320°F, creating golden brown color and rich flavor
For creaming butter and sugar, use room temperature ingredients for best results
White sugar helps create tender, moist baked goods by absorbing moisture
When substituting liquid sweeteners, reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup
White sugar can be used to make simple syrups for cocktails and beverages
Store white sugar in an airtight container to prevent clumping
White sugar helps stabilize egg whites when making meringues
For caramelization, use white sugar with a little water and heat slowly
White sugar is essential for making traditional caramel and toffee
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications