Substitute for Coconut Sugar
A natural granulated sweetener made from coconut palm sap. Used as an alternative to refined sugar.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing coconut sugar is Brown Sugar at a ratio of 1 cup brown sugar = 1 cup coconut sugar. This works well for all baking, coffee, oatmeal. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
Brown Sugar
Flavor impact: Very similar caramel-like flavor. Brown sugar is slightly moister. The swap is nearly seamless.
Dairy-free
Brown sugar is the closest match in flavor and behavior. In fact, coconut sugar and brown sugar are so similar in baking that most people cannot tell the difference in the finished product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coconut sugar has a slightly lower glycemic index and contains trace minerals, but it has the same calories per gram as regular sugar. The health difference is minimal.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of coconut sugar, the best all-around substitute is brown sugar. Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role coconut sugar plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology