Grocery
Natural Sweetener
What it is
Coconut sugar is a granulated sweetener made from the sap of coconut palm blossoms. The sugar has a slightly coarse texture and a light brown to dark brown color. It is often considered a more natural alternative to refined white sugar. The flavor is subtly different from other sugars.
How people cook with it
This sweetener can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. It offers a unique flavor profile that complements many recipes.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Sweetening beverages
- Glazing meats
- Making sauces
Coconut sugar can be substituted for granulated white sugar in most recipes at a 1:1 ratio. It dissolves similarly to brown sugar, making it suitable for baking. When used in beverages like coffee or tea, it adds a gentle sweetness and a hint of caramel. For glazes and sauces, it can be melted and combined with other ingredients to create a rich, complex flavor. Its color will also impart a slightly darker hue to finished products compared to white sugar.
How it differs from similar foods
Its flavor is often described as having notes of caramel or butterscotch, which is distinct from the neutral sweetness of white sugar.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a natural sweetener with a slightly different flavor profile often choose coconut sugar.
How to keep the rest
To maintain its quality, store coconut sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will prevent it from clumping and absorbing moisture. If it does become slightly hard, it can often be softened by placing a damp paper towel in the container for a short period.