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Substitute for Granulated sugar

What it does in a recipe: Bulk sweetener: tenderizes, holds moisture, caramelizes for browning, and builds structure in cakes and cookies.

4 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.

Brown sugar, packed

per 1 cup granulated sugar

US1 cup packed brown sugar
Metric220 g packed brown sugar
Pantry stapleBaking-safe ✓VeganDairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

Same sweetness, with molasses adding moisture and a hint of acid.

What changes: Moister crumb, caramel note, darker bake

Best for: Cookies, quick breads, crumbles and cobblers

Honey

per 1 cup granulated sugar

US3/4 cup honey; cut another liquid by 2-3 Tbsp, add 1/4 tsp baking soda, drop oven 25°F
Metric180 ml honey; cut liquid by 30-45 ml, add 1 g baking soda, drop oven 15°C
Pantry stapleBaking-safe ✓Dairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

Avoid in: Not for food served to babies under 1 year

Sweeter and hygroscopic; the soda offsets honey's acidity so batters still rise.

What changes: Browns faster, moister and denser crumb, floral flavor

Best for: Quick breads, muffins, granola bars, glazes

Pure maple syrup

per 1 cup granulated sugar

US3/4 cup maple syrup; cut another liquid by 3 Tbsp
Metric180 ml maple syrup; cut liquid by 45 ml
Pantry stapleBaking-safe ✓VeganDairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

Slightly less sweet than sugar; maple's mild acidity barely affects leavening.

What changes: Maple flavor, browns faster, a bit less sweet

Best for: Scones, muffins, pancake-adjacent bakes

Coconut sugar

per 1 cup granulated sugar

US1 cup coconut sugar
Metric200 g coconut sugar
CommonBaking-safe ✓VeganDairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

Granulates and caramelizes like sugar with a low-glycemic, caramel edge.

What changes: Less sweet, drier crumb, pricier

Best for: Cookies, energy balls, crumbles

Related swaps

Common questions

What can I use instead of Granulated sugar?
Brown sugar, packed: 1 cup packed brown sugar. Honey: 3/4 cup honey; cut another liquid by 2-3 Tbsp, add 1/4 tsp baking soda, drop oven 25°F.
What is the exact ratio to substitute Granulated sugar?
Brown sugar, packed (per 1 cup granulated sugar) — US: 1 cup packed brown sugar. Metric: 220 g packed brown sugar.
What changes when you substitute Granulated sugar?
Moister crumb, caramel note, darker bake. Browns faster, moister and denser crumb, floral flavor.

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