Are you looking for brown sugar substitutes for your baking and cooking needs? Brown sugar is a ubiquitous ingredient that lends sweetness and moisture to many recipes, but you may not always have it on hand.
There are numerous alternatives to brown sugar, including honey, maple syrup, molasses, and coconut sugar.
In addition to providing the same level of sweetness, these replacements offer unique flavors and health benefits.
Let’s check alternatives to brown sugar and how to incorporate them into your favorite recipes.
Substitutes for Brown Sugar
1. Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is a popular brown sugar substitute that is gaining popularity among health enthusiasts. It is derived from the sap of coconut palms and is a natural sweetener that contains nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium.
Coconut sugar has a low glycemic index, which means it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels, making it an excellent option for people with diabetes. You can use it in a 1:1 ratio to replace brown sugar in your recipes.
- ORGANIC COCONUT SUGAR—TASTE THE DIFFERENCE: Scoop or sprinkle some of our delicious organic coconut sugar with this pack of 1, 48-ounce bag of MADHAVA Organic Coconut Sugar
- INDEPENDENTLY AWARDED FOR PURITY: Continuously tested by The Clean Label Project to verify we are a leading coconut sugar brand avoiding more than 200 contaminants including heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury), pesticides and insecticides (including glyphosate)
- AUTHENTIC COCONUT SUGAR: Harvested on multi-generation family farms in Indonesia
- SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED: Our organic coconut sugar is harvested from coconut palm trees in partnership with local organic and non GMO farmers who share our values of doing good for people and the earth
- CLEAN & SIMPLE: Our organic coconut sugar is USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, gluten-free and vegan, and is packed in BPA free packaging
- REFINED SUGAR ALTERNATIVE: Organic Coconut Sugar makes an excellent 1 to 1 ratio (spoon for spoon) replacement to refined white sugar; That means it's easy to switch out white sugar or artificial sweeteners for BetterBody Foods Organic Coconut Sugar in simple meals and gourmet recipes; The possibilities are endless
- LOW ON THE GLYCEMIC INDEX: BetterBody Foods’ Organic Coconut Sugar ranks low on the glycemic index; This means it doesn't raise your blood sugar as quickly as refined sugars, allowing you to enjoy the sweetness of coconut sugar without the sharp insulin spike; Our Organic Coconut Sugar is USDA organic certified, gluten-free, non GMO, kosher
- MILD CARAMEL FLAVOR: Organic Coconut Sugar from BetterBody Foods has a subtle caramel like taste, offering a unique alternative to refined sugars; Its flavor is comparable to brown and cane sugar, making it a delicious addition to your morning coffee, tea, or bowl of oatmeal or cereal
- UNREFINED FOR BAKING and COOKING: Having traveled the world to find the best food, we found the perfect sweetener for all of your cooking and baking needs; Cookies, cakes, muffins, brownies, pancakes, and many other foods can be sweetened with our premium Organic Coconut Sugar for a better alternative to granulated sugar
- COCONUT SWEETENER: Our Organic Coconut Sugar is derived from the nectar of flowers that grow on coconut trees; Because it is organic, it is able to retain many of the nutrients that other coconut products contain; This unrefined sweetener option will help you tame your sweet tooth without feeling guilty
- 1:1 Replacement For Refined Sugar
- Ethically & Sustainably Sourced
- Lower Glycemic Index Than Table Sugar
- 365 by Whole Foods Market products give you that dance-down-the-aisles feeling, virtual aisles too! Our huge range of choices with premium ingredients at prices you can get down with makes grocery shopping so much more than tossing the basics in your cart.
- An Amazon brand
- Terrasoul Superfoods Coconut Palm Sugar, 32 ounces
- USDA Certified Organic, kosher, non-gmo, gluten free, and vegan friendly.
- Coconut sugar makes an excellent 1:1 ratio replacement to refined white sugar for all of your baking and cooking needs. This tasty addition adds sweetness to coffee or tea without the sugar spike.
- 100% Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee - We stand behind our products and offer a 30-day money back guarantee, backed by an outstanding customer service team.
- Terrasoul Superfoods sources the freshest and highest quality superfoods from all over the planet. Our mission is to make these amazing, healthy foods available to you at the lowest prices possible while paying our growers and employees fair wages.
2. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a sweet, natural liquid obtained from the sap of maple trees. It is an excellent alternative to brown sugar and can be used in a 1:1 ratio in most recipes.
Maple syrup has a unique flavor that can add depth and richness to your dishes. It also contains minerals like zinc and manganese and has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar.
- FLAVOR PROFILE: The darker the syrup, the stronger the flavor. Our Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste maple syrup is the darkest grade available, providing a strong and hearty maple flavor. Great for all around use including table top and cooking.
- FLAVOR PROFILE: The darker the syrup, the stronger the flavor. Our Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste maple syrup is the darkest grade available, providing a strong and hearty maple flavor. Great for all around use including table top and cooking.
- SUSTAINABLY SOURCED: At Butternut Mountain Farm we are committed to giving you 100% pure Vermont maple syrup. The farmers with whom we work with understand maple and share our commitment to maintaining the health and sustainability of our forests.
- QUALITY STORY: Our pure maple syrup is carefully selected to ensure the product you receive is of the highest quality. With our strict quality standards, we can trace every drop of syrup from farm to table.
- Non Gmo Project Verified
- 100% pure maple syrup with only natural sweeteners
- No additives
- Gluten free
- That's why our Grade A maple syrup is renowned for its wonderful flavor, color and consistency
- Most use it on pancakes, waffles or French toast, but the possibilities are endless
- Each serving of Maple Grove Farms Pure Maple Syrup contains no high fructose corn syrup, fat, sodium or cholesterol
- As the largest packer of pure maple syrup in the country, we go out of our way to provide you with the finest maple syrup possible
- There's nothing quite so good as pure maple syrup
- FLAVOR PROFILE: Our Grade A Amber Color Rich Taste syrup provides a naturally sweet, rich and smooth taste. A pronounced maple flavor makes Amber Rich maple syrup a favorite for table and all around use.
- SUSTAINABLY SOURCED: At Butternut Mountain Farm we are committed to giving you 100% pure Vermont maple syrup. The farmers with whom we work with understand maple and share our commitment to maintaining the health and sustainability of our forests.
- QUALITY STORY: Our pure maple syrup is carefully selected to ensure the product you receive is of the highest quality. With our strict quality standards, we can trace every drop of syrup from farm to table.
- PACKAGING BENEFITS: Easy-open, easy-pour, jugs are tamper-evident with an inner seal. They ship well, so they make excellent gifts. Syrup stored in BPA-free plastic jugs retains its natural flavor better than in traditional tin containers.
- OTHER USES: Use in coffee/tea, cocktails or over cereal, fruit, yogurt or pudding. Add to baked beans, apple pies, pickles and stir fries. Makes a delicious marinade or sauce. Great as a gift.
3. Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener widely used as a brown sugar substitute. It has a distinct flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio in most recipes. Honey is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and has antimicrobial properties that can boost your immune system.
However, it is essential to note that honey has a higher glycemic index than brown sugar and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
- Nate's 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey is a sweetener as nature intended, with one ingredient: Honey. All we add is the bottle.
- PURITY GUARANTEE: Every bottle of Nate's most-trusted honey has a purity guarantee to uphold strict testing standards that provide an unmatched level of care and precision that would make any honeybee proud.
- BEST TASTE: Our blend of honey varietals is crafted for exceptional taste, earning us an award-winning flavor through ChefsBestTM.
- RAW & UNFILTERED: Raw & Unfiltered means it is gently warmed for pourability and unfiltered to keep the natural goodness, like pollen, intact.
- DAILY DRIZZLE: Enjoy Nate's 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey on anything needing a little natural sweetness - morning coffee or tea, oatmeal, yogurt - or as a better-for-you sweetener in baked goods.
- HONEY WITH SUPERPOWERS: Our Multifloral, MGO 50+ Manuka Honey is packed with nutrients to support everyday wellness with a wide range of multi-functional uses
- BOOST YOUR WELLNESS: Our nutrient-rich Raw Manuka Honey is loaded with antioxidants to support promote daily vitality and offers longer-lasting, clean energy
- PREMIUM QUALITY: All of our raw Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand where we operate an industry-leading traceability system that allows you to trace your product from hive to hand
- ETHICAL BEEKEEPING: Manukora practices what we call The Art of Ethical Beekeeping, an old school beekeeping standard that prioritizes the health of the bees, their habitats, and our planet
- CERTIFIED B-CORPORATION: Manukora proudly holds B-Corp certification and actively promotes sustainability by sourcing its products responsibly and working to reduce their ecological footprint
- WHAT'S INSIDE: One 12 ounce bottle of Golden Honey
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- Nature Nate's 100% Pure Organic, Raw, & Unfiltered Honey is a sweetener as nature intended
- Only ingredient is honey; All we add is the bottle
- We partner closely with beekeepers from around the world to source the highest-quality and best-tasting USDA-certified organic honey
- Every bottle of Nature Nate's raw honey has a purity guarantee to uphold strict testing standards that provide an unmatched level of care and precision that would make any honeybee proud
- Our organic raw & unfiltered honey blend is crafted for exceptional taste
4. Molasses
Molasses is a dark, thick liquid that is a byproduct of sugar refining. It has a rich, robust flavor and is a perfect substitute for brown sugar. You can use it in a 1:1 ratio in most recipes.
Molasses is an excellent source of iron, calcium, and magnesium and has a low glycemic index, making it a healthier option than brown sugar.
- Made in Lancaster County, PA by the folks at Golden Barrel.
- One of nature's super foods
- Boasts a 3 plus year shelf-life with no preservatives added
- Sulfur-free and no preservatives.
- Sports strong, bitter flavor and a deep, dark color.
- Kosher & Gluten Free
- Certified Non-GMO
- Full Flavor Molasses is more concentrated and has a darker color
- Use in cookies, pies, cakes and glazes
- It makes your baked goods great!
- One 16 oz. Wide mouth easy pour plastic jar
- Case fresh from Lancaster county
- Perfect for your favorite recipes-adds color, sweetness and moisture
- All natural, unsulfured
- Ideal in cookies, muffins, pies, cakes and more
5. Dates
Dates are a sweet, chewy fruit that can be used as a brown sugar substitute in many recipes. They are an excellent fiber, potassium, and iron source and have a low glycemic index. To use dates as a brown sugar substitute, blend them into a paste and use them in a 1:1 ratio in your recipes.
- PREMIUM GOURMET DATES: A marriage of the fertile soils and unique Middle Eastern climate creates the most perfect, nutrient-rich, & VEGAN Dried Dates on earth.
- SUPER NUTRITION: Our Dates are meticulously sun-dried for ideal sweetness and nutrient rich in Fiber, Antioxidants, Potassium and Magnesium. NO added sulfurs, sugars or syrups.
- PORTION CONTROL PACKS: Our snack packs provide convenience, giving you a healthy on-the-go option to satisfy your sweet tooth! While kids don't normally read nutrition labels, they vote with their taste buds and these Dates are a true lunchbox winner!
- CREATIVE USES: Our delectable & pitted ONE-INGREDIENT Dates make for a delicious and nutritious addition to a cheese platter, gift baskets, mix with granola & yogurt, add to your smoothies, bake, or like us, eat them straight out of the bag!
- TURQUALITY PLEDGE: Packing at the source ensures the highest quality control and freshness. We enjoy making our Sunny Fruit dried fruits as much as you love eating them!
- Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Medjool Dates, 2 Pounds
- USDA Certified Organic, Earth Kosher, Non-GMO, Raw, Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Our Medjool dates are grown in California on organic farms and are an Extra Fancy grade
- Perfect for snacking and sweetening nut milks
- 100% Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee - We stand behind our products and offer a 30-day money back guarantee, backed by an outstanding customer service team.
- PREMIUM GOURMET DATES: A marriage of the fertile soils and unique climate in THE Middle East creates the most delectable, nutrient-rich, organic and vegan dates on earth. Sunny Fruit Dried Dates are also meticulously sun dried for ideal sweetness.
- SUPER NUTRITION: Dates are an excellent source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium all of which help boost your immunity, promote healthy nervous system and regulate your metabolism. Sunny Fruit Dried Deglet Nour Dates contain no gluten, dairy, eggs, added sugars, syrups, sulphite, sulfur, or soy.
- BULK BAG: Our organic dried fruits make for nutritious snacking. So grab a pack every day for anytime enjoyment. You’ll also find them an endlessly sweet source of culinary inspiration… from cookies to tortes, and everything in between.
- CREATIVE USES: Our one-ingredient dried dates also make for a delicious and nutritious addition to a cheese platter, gift baskets, mix with granola and yogurt, add to your smoothies, bake, or eat them straight out of the bag!
- TURQUALITY PLEDGE: Packing at the source in Turkey ensures the highest quality control and freshness, with nothing artificial added. We enjoy making our Sunny Fruit dried fruits as much as you love eating them!
- WHOLE PITTED DATES: Dried Pitted Deglet Noor Dates grown in ample sunlight and dried to perfection
- DRIED FRUIT SNACK: Dried fruit snack for kids and adults alike in a sharing sized bag; Great lunchbox snack, classroom snack, or after-school snack
- ADD TO RECIPES: Perfect natural sweetener for scones, muffins, and more
- SIMPLE, WHOLE FRUIT GOODNESS: 110 calories per serving (1/4 cup); Non-GMO Project Verified with zero grams of fat and no added sugar
- SUN-MAID DRIED FRUIT SNACKS: Also try Sun-Maid California Sun-Dried Raisins, Sun-Maid Dried Apricots, and other Sun-Maid Dried Fruit Snacks
6. Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener that is extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is a zero-calorie sweetener and has a sweetness that is up to 200 times greater than that of sugar.
Stevia has a zero glycemic index, making it an excellent option for people with diabetes. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio to replace brown sugar in your recipes.
- Extracted from the sweet leaves of the stevia plant
- Perfect for hot and cold beverages, cooking, & baking
- USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan and naturally gluten free
- Organic sugar substitute to refined sugars
- GUILT-FREE SWEETNESS: Stevia In The Raw is a zero–calorie* sweetener, which consists of stevia extract and a bulking agent (dextrose or maltodextrin). The delicious flavor comes without any calories. So go on, sweeten a tea, hot or cold, or sprinkle it on cereal. Bake and cook with it too. Whatever you do, just do it with Stevia In The Raw.
- US GROWN: Splenda is proud to announce our new stevia farm located in Central Florida. Splenda is dedicated to sustainable, natural, socially-responsible farming.
- BEST TASTING STEVIA: Unlike other stevia brands that can be bitter from Reb A, our unique sweetness comes from the tastiest part of the stevia leaf, rich in Reb D
- ALL-PURPOSE SWEETENER: Use anywhere you would use sugar including in baking, sauces and drinks
- ZERO CALORIES: Calorie-free, suitable for people with diabetes and a simple step for weight management
- SWEETEN YOUR LIFE: With no bitter aftertaste, using Splenda Stevia, you won't miss sugar!
- SWEETLEAF STEVIACLEAR: Bring delicious sweetness back into your life with stevia, a naturally sweet leaf native to South America.
- FOR KETO COFFEE & MORE: Naturally sweeten coffee, tea, oatmeal, baked goods, and more with our convenient liquid stevia drops in 4 oz recyclable glass bottles.
- AWARD-WINNING STEVIA DROPS: Winner of 36 taste awards, SweetLeaf makes the best-tasting stevia drops that leave no bitter aftertaste.
- KETO KIND STEVIA LEAF: Our stevia liquid is keto-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, zero calorie, non-glycemic response, and Kosher; we also make organic stevia liquid drops.
- WE MAKE LIFE NATURALLY SWEET: SweetLeaf was the company that first brought its non-GMO, natural, and organic stevia sweeteners to the United States over 40 years ago.
- Great-tasting sugar alternative from the stevia leaf
- 3/4 teaspoon of Truvia Natural Sweetener sweetens like 2 teaspoons of sug
- 0 calories per packet
- Gluten free
- Suitable for people with diabetes
7. Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in some fruits and fermented foods. It is a low calorie sweetener that has a taste similar to that of sugar.
Erythritol has a zero glycemic index, making it an excellent option for people with diabetes. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio to replace brown sugar in your recipes.
- Whole Earth Erythritol: Erythritol is a great alternative to sugar for those who want sugar-like sweetness and texture without the calories. Our erythritol is a sugar alcohol derived from non-GMO corn
- Plant Based Sweetener: Whole Earth 100% Erythritol can be used as a sugar substitute in cooking and baking or as a zero calorie, low carb sweetener for coffee, tea, smoothies, and other beverages
- Just Sweet Enough: Erythritol has a low glycemic index and can be used in place of sugar in recipes or beverages. It has about 70% of the sweetness of sugar without the calories. Kosher, gluten free
- Baking Sugar Substitute: Erythritol has a crystalline structure and great resistance to heat, making it a great sugar substitute for baking. This plant based sweetener is suitable for paleo, keto, and diabetic diets
- Whole Earth Plant Based Sweeteners: Our low and zero calorie plant based sugar substitutes are great for coffees, teas, cocktails, baked goods, and snacks. Available in packets, liquids, bulk pouches and jars
- Micro Ingredients Erythritol Sweetener (Granular), 6 Pounds, No After Taste, No GMOs and Vegan Friendly.
- 1:1 Sugar Substitute, Keto Friendly, Zero Calories and Zero Carb (It contains almost No Calorie), Natural Sweetener that Tastes and Bakes Like Sugar (It has 70% of the sweetness of sugar), Premium Erythritol for Baking, Natural White Sugar Alternative.
- No GMOs, No Additives, No Preservatives, No Artificial Colors, No Flavors, No Soy, No Fillers and Gluten-Free.
- Scoop included to get the measurement every time. Take it daily with or between meals by adding it to a shake or smoothie, see what the most nutrient dense food on the planet is all about.
- Powder lover? Take it naturally in powder for higher concentration, quicker absorption, easier on the stomach, and more ways to have fun!
- Premium Erythritol Granular Sweetener
- Batch tested and Verified Gluten Free
- Crystals that dissolve like table sugar, perfect for baking!
- 70% as Sweet as Table Sugar, Low Glycemic Impact, 0 Calorie Sugar Alternative
- Sulphur Dioxide Free, Non-GMO, Low Carb, Keto Friendly and Vegan
- USDA ORGANIC: Durelife organic Erythritol is certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as organic. This means that it is produced using organic methods and free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
- NON-GMO PROJECT VERIFIED: Erythritol is verified by the Non-GMO Project, meaning that it is produced without genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and meets strict standards for GMO avoidance.
- KETO APPROVED: Erythritol is a popular sweetener among people following a ketogenic (keto) diet because it is low in carbohydrates
- OU KOSHER: Erythritol is certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union (OU), meeting the dietary requirements of many Jewish consumers. The OU is a widely recognized and respected kosher certification agency.
- ZERO-CALORIE: Erythritol is a sweetener that contains no calories, making it an excellent option for people who want to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing the sweet taste.
8. Applesauce
Applesauce is a puree made from cooked apples. It can be used as a brown sugar substitute in some recipes. Applesauce adds sweetness and moisture to baked goods and can be used in a 1:1 ratio to replace brown sugar. It is a low-calorie option rich in fiber and nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
- 4 OZ CLEAR CUPS: Clear cups are a great addition to lunchboxes and a perfect snack on the go
- NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS: so you can feel good about making healthy choices
- NUTRITIOUS: Mott's is a fun options for your whole family
- PACKED WITH FLAVOR: There's ripe apple flavor in every serving
- START STRONG: Healthy decisions today lead to a healthy future tomorrow
- GoGo squeeZ Fruit on the Go fruit snacks for kids are made from fruit with no high fructose corn syrup, no added colors or flavors and no sugar added*
- Stock your pantry or fridge with this pack of 20, 3.2 ounce kid-approved snack pouches; GoGo squeeZ Fruit on the Go squeeze pouches are kitchen pantry safe (no refrigeration required)
- These fruit snack pouches are Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher certified, gluten free, nut free and dairy free; Our kids snacks are free from all 9 major allergens and BPA-free
- Pack these plant based snacks in a lunch box, backpack, beach bag or travel bag to make kids smile at lunch, after games or play time, during a car ride, trip to the airport, family road trip or on any adventure; Great after school snacks for kids
- GoGo squeeZ Fruit on the Go provides the nutrition kids need to help them explore, learn, play and just be kids; Adults can snack on these fruit snacks too, keep a pouch in the car, in a bag or at your desk for tasty snack on the go
- REAL FRUIT: Mott's No Sugar Added Applesauce Variety Pack pouches are made with 100% Real Fruit with no sugar added.
- GOOD FOR YOU: A good source of Vitamin C and free of cholesterol, Mott's No Sugar Added Applesauce Variety Pack brings the best of the orchard to your household to help families enjoy delicious fruit goodness every day.
- PACKED WITH FLAVOR: Mott's Applesauce comes in refreshing flavors like our appetizing Apple, sweet Strawberry, and tart Mixed Berry so you'll be sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds.
- NATURAL GOODNESS: Mott's No Sugar Added Applesauce Variety Pack pouches are glutenfree, certified Kosher, and contain no artificial flavors.
- TRUSTED BRAND: Since 1842, Mott's has committed to providing high-quality, nutritious juices and snacks, with the delicious taste of real fruit.
- 100% Fruit
- Fat Free Low Sodium Apples Are A Naturally Fat Free And Low Sodium Food
- Trust & Quality We Are Proud To Offer This Product To You Because It Meets Our Rigorous Quality Standards, Which Prohibit Over 100 Ingredients For Both Food And Supplements.
- 365 by Whole Foods Market products give you that dance-down-the-aisles feeling, virtual aisles too! Our huge range of choices with premium ingredients at prices you can get down with makes grocery shopping so much more than tossing the basics in your cart.
- An Amazon brand
9. Bananas
Bananas are a naturally sweet fruit that can be used as a brown sugar substitute in some recipes. Mashed bananas can add sweetness and moisture to baked goods.
Bananas are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals like potassium. They can be used in a 1:1 ratio to replace brown sugar in your recipes.
- Bunch of Bananas
- Good Source of Vitamin B-6 and Potassium
- Keep bananas at a cool room temperature and keep away from direct sunlight
- Selected and stored fresh
- Sourced with high quality standards
- Recommended to wash before consuming
- Delicious on their own as a healthy snack or as part of a recipe
- Bananas are sold individually, not by the bunch
- Selected and stored fresh
- Sourced with high quality standards
- Recommended to wash before consuming
- Delicious on their own as a healthy snack or as part of a recipe
- Bananas are sold individually, not by the bunch
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of substitutes for brown sugar that you can use in your cooking and baking. Whether looking for a healthier option or running low on brown sugar, many alternatives can still deliver the sweetness and moisture you need.
Each substitute brings a unique taste and benefits from honey and maple syrup to coconut sugar and molasses. The key is to experiment with different substitutes and find the best one for your recipe.
So don’t let a lack of brown sugar hold you back from enjoying your favorite treats. Try out these substitutes and discover new flavors in your cooking and baking!