Sugar Substitute: Coconut Sugar?
Coconut sugar is made from the sap of the coconut palm tree, not from the coconut fruit. Thus, there is no coconut taste to the sugar. In fact, coconut sugar has a brown color and caramel-like taste that is similar to brown sugar.
If you’re wondering how coconut sugar differs from brown sugar, here’s it is:
Category | Coconut Sugar | Brown Sugar |
Made from | Sap of coconut palm tree | White refined sugar with added molasses |
Taste | Caramel-like flavor | Different levels of molasses |
Texture |
|
|
Nutrients | Vitamins, minerals & antioxidants | Little to none (depend if it’s refined or unrefined) |
Glycemic Index score | ± 35 | ± 64 |
Price | More expensive | Budget-friendly |
Substitute | 1:1, addition of a little liquid | 1:1, reduction of a little liquid |
Although coconut sugar seems to cost a little more than brown sugar, the additional nutrients may benefit the body in the long run. That is if it is consumed in moderation.
Why don’t you give it shot? Start yourself off with a packet of Medella’s Organic Coconut Sugar.
References:
Jaron 2020, Coconut Sugar vs Brown Sugar – What’s The Difference?, Foodsguy, < https://foodsguy.com/coconut-sugar-vs-brown-sugar/#:~:text=So%20what%20is%20the%20difference,beets%2C%20just%20like%20white%20sugar.>.
Schmid, W 2015, Ranking sugars, from best to worst, Furthermore, < https://furthermore.equinox.com/articles/2015/04/sugar>.
Times of India 2021, What is Coconut Sugar and is it healthy?, <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/what-is-coconut-sugar-and-is-it-healthy/photostory/81362894.cms>.
