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White Sugar Substitutes

Sweeteners

Refined granulated sugar, the most common sweetener in baking and cooking. Also known as table sugar or granulated sugar.

6 listed substitutes

First listed swap: Coconut Sugar

First listed White Sugar substitute option: Coconut Sugar

In the current curated data, Coconut Sugar is listed first at 1:1. Its listed uses include cookies, cakes, sauces and beverages. Compare the notes below before using it in white frosting, meringue, candy making and vegan recipes.

How to choose a White Sugar swap

Coconut Sugar

Ratio: 1:1

Listed for cookies, cakes, sauces and beverages. Avoid for white frosting and meringue.

Honey

Ratio: 3/4 cup honey per 1 cup sugar, reduce other liquids by 2 tbsp

Listed for quick breads, muffins, marinades and dressings. Avoid for candy making and vegan recipes.

Maple Syrup

Ratio: 3/4 cup per 1 cup sugar, reduce other liquids by 3 tbsp

Listed for pancakes, oatmeal, glazes and muffins. Avoid for candy making and delicate pastries.

White Sugar substitute ratios and notes

Coconut Sugar

1:1

Direct 1:1 swap. Has a caramel-like flavor and slightly lower glycemic index. Darker color will affect appearance of light-colored baked goods.

✅Listed for: cookies, cakes, sauces, beverages

⚠️Not for: white frosting, meringue

vegan natural unrefined

Honey

3/4 cup honey per 1 cup sugar, reduce other liquids by 2 tbsp

Sweeter than sugar so use less. Reduce oven temp by 25°F to prevent over-browning. Adds moisture and distinct flavor.

✅Listed for: quick breads, muffins, marinades, dressings

⚠️Not for: candy making, vegan recipes

natural vegetarian gluten-free

Maple Syrup

3/4 cup per 1 cup sugar, reduce other liquids by 3 tbsp

Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Adds distinct maple flavor. Reduce oven temp by 25°F. Works better in moist recipes.

✅Listed for: pancakes, oatmeal, glazes, muffins

⚠️Not for: candy making, delicate pastries

vegan natural gluten-free

Stevia

1 tsp stevia extract per 1 cup sugar

Zero calories but much sweeter — a little goes a long way. Can have a bitter aftertaste in large amounts. Won't caramelize or add bulk.

✅Listed for: beverages, smoothies, yogurt, light baking

⚠️Not for: caramel, meringue, recipes needing bulk from sugar

vegan keto low-carb low-calorie natural

Brown Sugar

1:1

Direct 1:1 swap. Adds moisture and butterscotch flavor due to molasses content. Will make baked goods chewier and darker.

✅Listed for: cookies, cakes, sauces, crumble toppings

⚠️Not for: white frosting, angel food cake

vegetarian common

Applesauce (Unsweetened)

1/2 cup per 1 cup sugar

Reduces sugar and adds moisture. Best when replacing only half the sugar in a recipe. Will make baked goods denser.

✅Listed for: muffins, quick breads, pancakes

⚠️Not for: cookies, candy, frosting

vegan low-fat low-calorie natural

White Sugar substitute FAQs

Which White Sugar substitute is listed first?

Coconut Sugar is the first listed White Sugar substitute in SwapChef's curated data. The listed ratio is 1:1.

Can I use Coconut Sugar instead of White Sugar?

The curated notes list Coconut Sugar for cookies, cakes, sauces and beverages. Direct 1:1 swap. Has a caramel-like flavor and slightly lower glycemic index. Darker color will affect appearance of light-colored baked goods.

What is another White Sugar substitute?

Honey is another listed option at 3/4 cup honey per 1 cup sugar, reduce other liquids by 2 tbsp. The data lists it for quick breads, muffins, marinades and dressings.