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    Home » My Kitchen & Garden

    Updated: Sep 1, 2023 · Published: Oct 29, 2022 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Substitutes for Brown Sugar

    Jump to Recipe

    Ready to bake and no brown sugar? No worries, here are the best substitutes for brown sugar. No need to drive to the store if you already have any of these replacements already in your pantry. These alternatives for brown sugar work great for cooking or baking.

    When you have a recipe that lists brown sugar as an ingredient and you do not have it, using a substitute or an alternate is easy.  For a homemade alternative, try the recipe below for making brown sugar in a pinch. It works great, just like my recipe for a muscovado sugar substitute.

    White bowl filled with a brown sugar substitute recipe.

    Using any type of brown sugar, dark, light, or even muscovado sugar, in baking makes everything taste so much better. The color and moisture that brown sugar lends to baked goods are lovely. Brown sugar ensures Homemade Applesauce Muffins are moist and golden.

    What is Brown Sugar?

    Brown sugar is a sucralose sugar product made with the presence of molasses. The combination of sugar and molasses gives brown sugar its distinct color. It also makes brown sugar a bit sticky and moist. It has a different taste than white sugar as well for that reason.

    Brown sugar is made by adding sugarcane molasses to refined white sugar crystals. It can be made from sugarcane or sugar beets. The amount of molasses added is what makes light and dark brown sugar varieties.

    What Does Brown Sugar Taste Like?

    Since it is sugar, brown sugar tastes sweet. The deep color and richness of brown sugar may taste like toffee with a hint of bitterness. This is due to the molasses in the product.

    Some may describe it as having a buttery caramel flavor. It is also known to have a slight bitterness to it. For a combination of sweet, smoky, bitter, and buttery. This sugar sure sounds tasty to me.

    Brown sugar and white sugar in separate bowls.

    Is Brown Sugar the Same as White Sugar?

    There are similarities and differences between brown and white sugar. Both are typically refined and processed. They are nutritionally similar and the biggest difference is their taste and colors. White sugar is not vegan due to the processing step that includes bone char. Some brown sugars may be vegan.

    In the simplest context, brown and white sugar can be used interchangeably for one another when baking with a 1:1 ratio. Just keep in mind that the color and texture may be a bit different. The recipe may come out lighter in color and be not as moist when using white sugar instead of brown sugar.

    Best Substitutes for Brown Sugar

    Ever wondered if you can use white sugar instead of brown sugar when baking? I have many times and have tried it. My gooey, chewy, & soft chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar recipe are amazing. You won't miss the brown sugar.

    But if you still want something close to brown sugar as a replacement, these options are all great. The recipe below for the perfect combination of sugar and molasses is my recommendation. But here are some other quick alternate ingredients for brown sugar:

    • Demerara sugar - a larger grain of dark brown sugar. It has a lower molasses content than muscovado but is a great substitute.
    • Coconut palm sugar - an unrefined substitute for sugar. It is a good low-glycemic substitute for muscovado.
    • Honey - this sweet ingredient has a lower glycemic index & calorie count than brown sugar. It is a good substitute that adds Vitamin C as well.
    • Jaggery - this is the closest alternative to muscovado. It is an unrefined brown sugar that is dark and rich.
    • Maple Syrup - a natural sweetener that is great for baking or in marinade & sauces.
    • Molasses or Molasses Sugar - do not like to use molasses alone as a substitute for muscovado. See the recipe card for the best replacement recipe. It is better combined with brown sugar for the best alternative.
    • Muscovado Sugar -
    • Raw sugar - same as turbinado sugar, see below. Sugar in the raw is a great vegan muscovado substitute.
    • Sucanat - a brown sugar with large crystals that is unrefined and made by dehydrating cane juice vs boiling it.
    • Turbinado sugar - this sugar has large crystals and does not pack like brown or muscovado sugars but can be used in a pinch.
    • White Sugar - good old granulated white sugar is a 1:1 replacement for brown sugar.
    Different types of sugars and sweeteners on a table.

    What's the Best Brown Sugar for Baking?

    Brown sugar is easily found in most commercial grocery and convenience stores. You can order it online and here are some good quality brands. Bake something new with one of these brown sugar brands that have great reviews.

    Billington's Natural Dark Brown Molasses Sugar, 1 LB (Pack of 10)
    $49.90
    Billington's Natural Dark Brown Molasses Sugar, 1 LB (Pack of 10)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/13/2025 04:51 pm GMT
    India Tree Dark Muscovado Sugar, 1 Pound
    $9.24
    India Tree Dark Muscovado Sugar, 1 Pound
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/13/2025 05:51 pm GMT
    Jiva Organic Jaggery Whole (Gur, Panela) 2.2 LB (1000g) - Raw Wholesome Sugar/Organic Sugarcane - Product of India
    $9.99
    Jiva Organic Jaggery Whole (Gur, Panela) 2.2 LB (1000g) - Raw Wholesome Sugar/Organic Sugarcane - Product of India
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/17/2025 06:46 pm GMT
    BetterBody Foods Organic Coconut Palm Sugar, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Low Glycemic Sugar Substitute, 1.5 lbs,24 Ounce
    $7.44
    BetterBody Foods Organic Coconut Palm Sugar, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Low Glycemic Sugar Substitute, 1.5 lbs,24 Ounce
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/15/2025 04:51 am GMT
    OXO Good Grips POP Container - Airtight Food Storage - Small Square Short 1.1 Qt Ideal for 1 lb of brown sugar or confectioner's sugar
    $11.58
    OXO Good Grips POP Container - Airtight Food Storage - Small Square Short 1.1 Qt Ideal for 1 lb of brown sugar or confectioner's sugar
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/16/2025 02:56 am GMT
    Glass Jars with Bamboo Lids and Spoon Airtight, 18.5Oz Food Storage Containers for Sugar Coffee Nuts, Glass Kitchen Canisters for Flour, Cookie, Candy, Matcha Tea, Oats and Spice Jars
    $8.98
    Glass Jars with Bamboo Lids and Spoon Airtight, 18.5Oz Food Storage Containers for Sugar Coffee Nuts, Glass Kitchen Canisters for Flour, Cookie, Candy, Matcha Tea, Oats and Spice Jars
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/17/2025 06:17 am GMT

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you!  

    Best Way to Store Brown Sugar

    Whether you have store-bought or homemade brown sugar, here is the best way to store it. This works for the substitute recipe below as well.

    Store brown sugar in an air-tight container or ziplock bag. Try to keep any moisture from penetrating the container. Store in a cool, dry, and dark. You do not want heat, sun, or humidity to ruin your muscovado sugar.

    Brown sugar and a serving spoon.

    FAQ

    Brown sugar is used around the world in millions of homes every day. This cooking staple has a lot to offer. It may seem like a simple ingredient but I get frequent questions about it. Here are some quick answers all about sweet brown sugar.

    What is a natural substitute for brown sugar?

    Honey is a great natural substitute for light brown sugar. Straight molasses is also a natural alternative to dark brown sugar.

    What is a healthy low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly substitute for brown sugar?

    If you need a sugar-free replacement for brown sugar, there are several great products you can use.

    Is brown sugar healthier than white sugar?

    Both are high in carbs and sugars, obviously. Brown sugar contains more calcium than white sugar, with 83 mg per 100 g compared to 1 mg per 100 g of white sugar. Brown sugar also has traces of iron, copper, and potassium, and is considered anti-inflammatory compared to white sugar.

    Neither is considered healthy. Sugar should be enjoyed in moderation. If you are on a diabetic diet, see the sugar-free substitutes shared above.

    Brown Sugar in a glass bowl.

    Homemade Substitute for Brown Sugar

    Angela
    Learn how to make a homemade substitute for brown sugar. This alternative is the best when cooking or baking and you do not have any light or brown sugar. The molasses in this recipe helps give the deep color and stickiness that brown sugar has.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup granulated white sugar
    • 2-3 tablespoons molasses
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • In a small mixing bowl add the two ingredients.
    • Using a whisk, whisk the white sugar and molasses together.
      Use 2 tablespoons to make light brown sugar. Use 3 tablespoons to make dark brown sugar.
    • Use as a substitute for light or dark brown sugar.
    • Store the mixture in an air-tight container. Place in a cool dry place and store for up to a week.
      Like brown sugar, it will be a bit stickier than regular white sugar and that is ok.
    • This makes 1.25 cups of brown sugar.
    Keyword 2-ingredient, easy, quick
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

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