10 Best Palm Sugar Substitutes
Here are the ten best palm sugar substitutes for any situation! I will walk you through the options to help you find the best one for your recipe.
What is Palm Sugar?
Palm sugar, derived from palm tree sap, is a natural sweetener. Its flavor is complex and caramel-like, and its texture is slightly grainy. This unrefined sugar retains its nutritional value. Palm sugar is used in desserts, stir-fries, and sauces. It is a common ingredient in Thai and Asian foods.
Even though it adds a complex flavor to a dish, it can be challenging to find. If the recipe calls for a caramel-like flavor with a hint of nuttiness, try substituting it with one of the following palm sugar replacements.
Ten Best Palm Sugar Substitutes
1. Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is similar to palm sugar in sweetness, flavor, and texture. It is a natural sugar derived from the sap of coconut palms. The flavor is delicately sweet with hints of caramel.
This palm sugar substitute is best for drinks, pancakes, waffles, or other baked goods. Coconut sugar has fewer calories and carbohydrates. Moreover, this nutrient-packed substitute is sustainable as coconut trees yield higher yields. It has quickly become my go-to sweetener while cooking and baking, offering a similar caramel-like texture and taste.
Substitute at a 1:1 ratio – Example: 1 cup of coconut sugar = 1 cup of palm sugar
2. Maple sugar/syrup
Like palm sugar, natural maple sugar has no additives or unnatural flavorings. Pure maple syrup has a distinctly rich and warm flavor. The texture can vary depending on which maple syrup you use.
Maple syrup is a natural and popular sugar substitute among vegans. It can be added to any recipe. I love using maple syrup as a sweetener in vegan blended oats.
Substitute at a 1:1 ratio – Example: 1 cup of maple syrup = 1 cup of palm sugar
3. Honey
Honey is a versatile natural sweetener and a popular substitute option. That is because honey has a similar flavor profile: mildly sweet but slightly warm natural. In some recipes, vegans can use homemade vegan apple honey.
Honey can sweeten tea and spreads on pancakes, crackers, or oats. It is also a popular palm sugar baking substitute.
Honey has textural differences. As a result, you will probably need to adjust your wet ingredients when using them as a substitute for baking. Getting the ratio right is the key to avoiding a kitchen disaster!
Substitute at a 1:2 ratio – For example, 1/2 cup of honey equals 1 cup of palm sugar.
4. Monk fruit sweetener
Native to Southern China, the Golden monk fruit is also known as Lo Han Guo. This natural palm sugar substitute has zero calories. It adds sweetness while reducing calorie intake. For this reason, I suggest adding it to morning smoothies. It makes the smoothie sweet without the sugar rush/crash.
Monk fruit sweetener is also heat stable. It is perfect for baking and cooking without worrying about a drastic flavor change.
Substitute at a 1:1 ratio – For example, 1 cup of monk fruit sweetener = 1 cup of palm sugar.
5. Molasses
Molasses is a byproduct of sugar production. It has a deep, rich flavor and a moist texture. Because of this, molasses is often found in gingerbread, cookies, and holiday cakes. The warm color and flavor enrich the warm holiday feel.
If you use molasses as a substitute but do not want the holiday feel, combine the white sugar and molasses to replicate the palm sugar flavor.
Substitute at a 3:4 ratio – For example, ¾ cup of molasses for every 1 cup of palm sugar.
6. Date Sugar
Date sugar is an excellent alternative to palm sugar, but it might be difficult to find. However, you can produce date sugar at home by dehydrating dates or roasting them in the oven. The roasted dates are ground in a coffee grinder or food processor till they reach a sugar-like consistency. It is important to note that Date sugar is fibrous and will take longer to dissolve than other sugars.
Substitute at a 2:3 ratio – For example, 2/3 cup of date sugar for every 1 cup of palm sugar.
7. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar, readily available in most grocery stores, has a distinctive caramel-like flavor, scent, and color. It is made by mixing white granulated sugar with molasses. The difference between light and dark brown sugar is the amount of molasses added to the white sugar.
Brown sugar adds moisture to recipes. While that sounds good, it can also ruin baked goods. To compensate for the additional moisture, reduce the liquid in the recipe by one tablespoon per cup of brown sugar. Typically, only baked goods require brown sugar.
Vegans typically use organic or vegan brown sugar to avoid using sugar made with bone char, an animal byproduct.
Substitute at a 1:1 ratio – For example, 1 cup of agave nectar for every 1 cup of palm sugar.
8. Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup, or malt syrup, is a sweetener from fermented brown rice. Once cooked down, it becomes a light brown syrup. This sugar contains no fructose or gluten and has a low glucose level with a high glycemic index.
Brown rice syrup has a mild, nutty flavor and is marked as a natural sugar. It works well in recipes that require a liquid sweetener.
Substitute at a 1:1 ratio – For example, 1 cup of brown rice syrup for every 1 cup of palm sugar.
9. Muscovado Sugar
Muscovado sugar is a partially refined cane sugar with a rich, caramel-like flavor and a moist texture. It has an intense, rich molasses taste, making it perfect for adding to chocolate desserts, gingerbread, and other baked goods.
The swap can be tricky, as it has a smoky aftertaste. You should start by adding a small portion of muscovado sugar and increase it if necessary.
These are just a few substitutes for palm sugar that are tested. Experiment with different options to find the best one for your needs and tastes.
Substitute at a 1:1 ratio – For example, 1 cup of muscovado for every 1 cup of palm sugar.
10. Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is another natural liquid sweetener, similar to honey, that can be used as a substitute for palm sugar. It is made from the agave plant. Agave nectar is lower on this list because, while being sweet, it does not have the same warm caramel flavors as palm sugar or maple syrup.
Agave nectar is also a popular choice for vegans over honey. It has the same sweet properties and is also a liquid. However, agave nectar is much more liquid than honey.
Substitute at a 1:2 ratio – For example, 1/2 cup of agave nectar for every 1 cup of palm sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you use white sugar as a palm sugar substitute. Palm sugar has a warmer caramel-type flavor and a grainy texture. White sugar has a neutral flavor and no texture. While the differences may seem large, they are small when used in cooking.
Yes, palm sugar substitutes can be used in savory and sweet dishes. They can add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to sauces, marinades, and stir-fries.
Choosing the best alternative to palm sugar depends on your preference, the recipe, and the availability of natural sweeteners in your region. Some substitutes may have a stronger flavor or different texture, so it is always best to experiment and find the best one for your needs.
Palm Sugar Substitute Comparison Table
| Palm Sugar Substitute | Uses | Taste | Texture | Ratio |
| Coconut Sugar | Baked goods, sweet sauces, and marinades | Similar to brown | Granulated, like sugar | 1:1 |
| Maple Syrup | Pancakes, waffles, and desserts | Sweet, earthy | Liquid, thick | 3/4 cup for every 1 cup of palm sugar |
| Honey | Baked goods, teas, and marinades | Sweet, floral | Liquid, thick and sticky | ½ cup for every 1 cup of palm sugar |
| Monk Fruit Sweetener | Baked goods, beverages, and sauces | Sweet, fruity | Granulated, like sugar | ? cup for 1 cup of palm sugar |
| Molasses | Baked goods, marinades, and BBQ sauce | Strong, bittersweet | Liquid, Very thick syrup | 1:1 |
| Date Sugar | Baked goods and hot cereals | Sweet, caramelized | Coarse, like sand | 2/3 cup for every 1 cup of palm sugar |
| Brown Sugar | Baked goods and sauces | Sweet, caramelized | Moist, like sand | 1:1 |
| Brown Rice Syrup | Baked goods, sauces and caramels | Mild, slightly nutty | Liquid, thick | 1:1 |
| Muscovado Sugar | Baked goods, marinades, and BBQ sauce | Strong, molasses | Moist, like wet sand | Start with a small portion |
| Agave Syrup | Baked goods, teas, and marinades | Slightly sweet | Liquid, thin and runny | ½ cup for every 1 cup of palm sugar |
