There are many cane sugar substitutes on the market these days. So, what’s the big deal? Why go through the hassle of finding a substitute?
Cane sugar has been linked to health concerns such as weight gain and type II diabetes. If you’re looking for a way to cut down on your cane sugar intake, or if you’re just looking for some healthier alternatives, read on!
In this blog post, we will discuss 15 cane sugar substitutes and their benefits.
Cane Sugar Substitutes
- Beet sugar
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Applesauce
- Fruits
- Molasses
- Muscovado sugar
- Coconut sugar
- Demerara sugar
- Corn syrup
- Fruit syrup
- Agave syrup
- Monk fruit
- Stevia sugar
- Artificial sweeteners
Beet sugar
In some cases, beet sugar can be used as a substitute for cane sugar. Beet sugar is similar in color and taste to cane sugar and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
It is also easier to find than cane sugar, making it a convenient option for home bakers. Beet sugar can be used in most recipes that call for cane sugar. And can be a great way to add sweetness without affecting the flavor or texture of the final product.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup is a sweetener that is similar to honey. It is filled with antioxidants, iron, and calcium.
It also has a glycemic index of 54 which is much lower than cane sugar. Hence, maple syrup will not spike up the sugar level in your blood as much as cane sugar.
It can be used in baking, on pancakes, waffles, and oatmeal. Maple syrup can also be used in savory dishes, such as roasted vegetables, marinades, and sauces.
Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener that is filled with vitamins and minerals. It is also a good source of antioxidants.
It has a similar sweetness level as cane sugar. So, honey can be used as a 1:1 ratio substitute for cane sugar.
Honey is a versatile sweetener that can be used in many different recipes. You can use it in everything from baking to making sweet beverages.
Applesauce
Applesauce is a popular kitchen staple, filled with vitamin A and iron. While many people use it as a sweet treat, applesauce can also be used as a healthy substitute for cane sugar.
When baking, simply use unsweetened applesauce in place of sugar. Also, use as much applesauce as you need in the desserts. This substitution will not only cut down on the sugar content of your dish, but it will also add an extra boost of nutrients.
Due to the high water content of applesauce, it’s important to keep in mind that using it as a sugar substitute will also change the texture of your dish. The end result will be moister than if you had used sugar. But this can easily be adjusted for by adding a little extra flour to your recipe.
Fruits
Fruits like figs and dates are sweet and can be used as a substitute for cane sugar in desserts. They are also a healthy alternative to refined sugar.
Fruits are a good source of fiber and vitamins, and they contain natural sugars that are metabolized differently than refined sugars. This means that they have a lower glycemic index and are less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
When substituting fruits for cane sugar, you may need to experiment with different proportions to find the right balance of sweetness. You can also use fruits to add sweetness to savory dishes like roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Molasses
Molasses is a milder-tasting sweetener that is derived from sugar processing. It also contains vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium.
While molasses is not as widely available as cane sugar, it can be a good substitute in some cases. For example, it can be used in baking to add flavor or to create a softer texture. In addition, its nutritional benefits make it a good choice for those who are looking for an alternative to cane sugar.
Muscovado sugar
Muscovado sugar is a type of unrefined sugar that is made from sugar cane. It has a light brown color and a mild caramel flavor. It is also relatively sandy in texture.
Because of its unique properties, Muscovado sugar can be used as a substitute for Cane sugar in some cases!
One of the benefits of using Muscovado sugar is that it can help to add a mild caramel flavor to baked goods. For example, if you are making a Caramel Cake, adding Muscovado sugar to the batter will give the cake a light caramel flavor.
Both Muscovado and cane sugar has a similar sweetness level. So, you can use the same amount of muscovado sugar as you would use cane sugar.
Coconut sugar
When it comes to baking, sugar is an essential ingredient. It not only provides sweetness, but it also helps to create texture and volume. Cane sugar is the most common type of sugar used in baking. But it can be expensive and difficult to find in some parts of the world.
As a result, many bakers are turning to coconut sugar as a perfect substitute!
Coconut sugar is brown in color and has a distinct coconut flavor that can add an exotic twist to baked goods. In addition, it is a top-quality sweetener that can be used as a topping or filling.
Best of all, coconut sugar is a sustainable product that is sourced from coconuts, one of the most plentiful crops in the world. As more people become aware of the benefits of using coconut sugar, it is likely to become the go-to sugar for baking.
Demerara sugar
Demerara sugar is less processed than cane sugar. And as a result, it retains more of the molasses flavor. The large crystals also make it great for decorating cakes and other baked goods.
It is a 1:1 ratio substitute for cane sugar. When substituting Demerara sugar for cane sugar, it is important to keep this in mind.
Overall, if you are looking for less processed sugar with a stronger molasses flavor, Demerara sugar is a great option.
Corn syrup
Corn syrup is a type of sugar that can be used as a substitute for cane sugar. It has a mild vanilla flavor and is available in both light and dark varieties. The dark corn syrup contains molasses, which gives it a more intense flavor.
Corn syrup can be used in many different ways. It can be used as a sweetener in coffee or tea or added to baked goods. It can also be used to make candy or frosting. The mild flavor of corn syrup makes it a good choice for use in recipes that call for cane sugar.
It is a cheaper alternative to cane sugar, and it can be found in most supermarkets. However, it is important to note that dark corn syrup contains more calories than light corn syrup. When substituting corn syrup for cane sugar, it is important to keep this in mind.
Fruit syrup
Fruit syrup is a versatile sweetener that comes in multiple flavors. It can be used as a substitute for cane sugar in many recipes.
The benefits of using fruit syrup include the fact that it is much easier to use than cane sugar. You can use as much or as little as you need, and it dissolves easily in liquids. In addition, it contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
As a result, it is a healthy option for those who are looking for a natural way to sweeten their food.
Agave syrup
Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that comes from the agave plant. It has a similar taste and consistency to maple syrup and can be used as a replacement for cane sugar in many recipes.
The main benefit of using agave syrup is that it is lower on the glycemic index than cane sugar. Meaning it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
It is important to get the organic, pure agave syrup, however, since some brands add high fructose corn syrup or other artificial sweeteners to their products.
Lastly, the sweetness of agave syrup can also vary from brand to brand, so you may need to experiment a bit to find one that you like.
Monk fruit
Monk fruit, or luo han guo, is a small melon that grows in Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. But only recently gained popularity as a sweetener.
Monk fruit is 150 to 500 times sweeter than cane sugar, making it an ideal substitute for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. Because it is so sweet, only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
Additionally, monk fruit is calorie-free and does not raise blood sugar levels, making it a suitable choice for diabetics!
Stevia sugar
Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar with no calories and no effect on blood sugar levels. It’s become the most famous artificial sweetener in recent years. And while some people worry about its safety, there is no evidence that it is harmful.
There are different forms of stevia sugar, but the liquid form is not good for baking because it doesn’t dissolve well. The granulated form works well in recipes that call for sugar.
Artificial sweeteners
There are a few different artificial sweeteners that can be used as a substitute for cane sugar, sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin. They are all best used in beverages because they don’t have the same properties as cane sugar and can change the texture of baked goods.
Sucralose is the most heat stable of the three and can be used in baking. Aspartame breaks down in heat so it’s not good for baking. But it’s fine for cold beverages. Saccharin is the least heat stable and shouldn’t be used in baking or cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the perfect cane sugar substitute for pickling?
You can use coconut sugar as a cane sugar substitute for pickling. The sweetness level of both of these sugars are the same. This means you will need to use the same amount of coconut sugar.
Coconut sugar has a mild coconut flavor which gives the pickle a different and unique flavor.
What is the best cane sugar substitute for baking?
One of the best cane sugar substitutes for baking are coconut sugar, agave syrup, honey, and maple syrups. All of these cane sugar substitutes can resist high heat and make the dessert taste better.
In conclusion
A number of cane sugar substitutes are available in the market. But, it is important to choose the right one depending on the dish you are preparing. The substitutes for cane sugar vary in taste, texture, and sweetness. And, each of them has their own unique flavor which can enhance the taste of your dish.