I have always been a fan of experimenting in the kitchen. So, when I heard about the health benefits of coconut palm sugar, I was intrigued.
I decided to substitute it for regular sugar in a few recipes. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it in my local grocery store, so I had to order it online.
When the sugar finally arrived, I was so excited to try it out. I immediately noticed a difference in the flavor of my baked goods.
The coconut palm sugar added a lovely caramel-like flavor that was simply irresistible. However, I quickly realized that it is quite expensive.
So, I have listed down some substitutes for coconut palm sugar that are more easily accessible and budget-friendly.
Substitutes For Coconut Palm Sugar:
- Xylitol
- Tagatose
- Erythritol
- Monk Fruit
- Stevia
- Maple Syrup
- Agave Syrup
- Brown Sugar
- Raw Honey
- Date Sugar
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is derived from birch wood. It has a similar structure to sucrose and is used as a sugar substitute in many foods.
Unlike other sugar alcohols, xylitol is absorbed slowly and does not cause gastrointestinal issues that are often associated with them.
Additionally, xylitol has been shown to have dental benefits, as it can help to reduce plaque and cavities.
For these reasons, xylitol is often used as a substitute for coconut palm sugar.
Xylitol can be used in place of coconut palm sugar in any recipe. When substituting xylitol for coconut palm sugar, it is important to note that xylitol is much sweeter than sugar.
As a result, you may want to reduce the amount of xylitol that you use to prevent your food from being too sweet.
Additionally, xylitol does not caramelize like sugar, so it will not provide the same level of color or flavor when used in baking recipes.
Tagatose
Tagatose is a naturally occurring sugar that can be used as a substitute for coconut palm sugar.
While it has a similar sweetness, it has a lower glycemic index and is less likely to cause blood sugar spikes.
Additionally, tagatose is prebiotic, meaning it helps to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
As a result, it can be a good choice for those who are looking to maintain blood sugar levels and support gut health.
When using tagatose as a substitute for coconut palm sugar, it is important to keep in mind you may need to use more tagatose to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
Additionally, Tagatose can cause baked goods to brown more quickly, so you may need to reduce the baking time or temperature.
Erythritol
Erythritol is often used as a sugar substitute in baking and cooking. It is a white powder that is nearly as sweet as sugar with a slight cooling effect.
Erythritol can be used to replace coconut palm sugar in many recipes. When baking with erythritol, you may need to add a little extra liquid to your recipe as it absorbs moisture.
It is also important to note that erythritol does not brown like sugar, so it may not be suitable for all recipes.
Monk Fruit
Monk fruit is a small round melon that grows in Southeast Asia. The fruit has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and more recently, it has become popular as a natural sweetener.
Monk fruit extract is a hundred to a thousand times sweeter than sugar, and it has a very clean taste with no aftertaste.
As a result, it is an excellent substitute for coconut palm sugar in recipes.
Coconut palm sugar is made from the sap of the coconut palm tree, and it has a distinctively rich and caramel-like flavor.
However, it is also quite high in calories and fructose. In contrast, monk fruit extract contains zero calories and zero fructose.
In addition, monk fruit extract does not affect blood sugar levels, making it a suitable sweetener for diabetics.
So what are some recipes where you can substitute monk fruit for coconut palm sugar? Just about anything!
You can use it in baked goods, breakfast cereals, granola bars, smoothies, sauces, marinades, salad dressings, and even cocktails.
Stevia
Stevia is a great substitute for coconut palm sugar in any recipe. Both have a sweet, slightly floral flavor that makes them perfect for baked goods, desserts, and beverages.
However, stevia is much lower in calories and carbohydrates than coconut palm sugar, making it a healthier choice for those watching their waistline.
In addition, stevia is also vegan and gluten-free, while coconut palm sugar is not.
When substituting stevia for coconut palm sugar, you will need to use less of it since it is sweeter than sugar.
Start by using half as much stevia as you would coconut palm sugar, and then adjust to taste.
You may also find that your baked goods will be slightly lighter in color when made with stevia instead of sugar.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a great substitute for coconut palm sugar. Maple syrup has a lower glycemic index than cane sugar, so it doesn’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Additionally, maple syrup contains more minerals than cane sugar, including calcium, potassium, and zinc. And maple syrup has a higher concentration of antioxidants than cane sugar.
Agave Syrup
There are many reasons why you might want to use agave syrup as a substitute for coconut palm sugar.
For one thing, agave syrup is a bit sweeter than coconut palm sugar, so you may find that you need to use less of it to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
Additionally, agave syrup has a lower glycemic index than coconut palm sugar, which means that it won’t cause your blood sugar levels to spike as dramatically.
Finally, agave syrup is also vegan-friendly, while coconut palm sugar is not.
However, keep in mind that your finished product may be slightly sweeter than if you had used coconut palm sugar.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is one of the most popular substitutes for coconut palm sugar, as it has a similar flavor and texture.
In addition, brown sugar is less expensive and more readily available than coconut palm sugar.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using brown sugar as a substitute.
First, brown sugar contains more molasses than coconut palm sugar, so it will result in a darker baked good.
Second, brown sugar is also sweeter than coconut palm sugar, so you may want to reduce the amount used in recipes.
Raw Honey
There are many substitutes for coconut palm sugar, but raw honey is one of the most suitable substitutes.
Raw honey has a similar taste and texture to coconut palm sugar, making it a great choice for baking and cooking.
In addition, raw honey is lower on the glycemic index than coconut palm sugar, so it is a good choice for those on a low-sugar diet.
Raw honey also has numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
However, it is important to note that raw honey should not be given to children under the age of one.
Date Sugar
Date sugar is a fairly new sugar substitute on the market. It tastes like caramel and has a softer texture than regular granulated sugar.
When used in baking, date sugar will produce a moist and chewy final product.
I like to use date sugar in recipes for energy bars, cookies, and quick bread. Date sugar is also a great topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
Another benefit of date sugar is that it is vegan and gluten-free.
Conclusion
There are many substitutes for coconut palm sugar, each with its unique flavor and benefits.
The best substitute for coconut palm sugar is the one that best fits your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative or a plant-based sweetener, there’s a substitute out there for you.
So go ahead and experiment with different substitutes until you find your perfect match!