Sucanat is a natural, unrefined cane sugar that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its perceived health benefits and unique taste.
However, it can be difficult to find in stores and can be on the pricier side. But don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutes that can give you similar results in your recipes.
1. Rapadura Sugar
Rapadura sugar is a type of unrefined cane sugar that is minimally processed, retaining many of the natural nutrients found in sugar cane. Unlike refined white sugar, rapadura sugar is made by simply evaporating the juice from freshly harvested sugar cane, then grinding the resulting solid into a granulated sugar.
This process results in a sugar with a rich, caramel-like flavor that is slightly less sweet than refined white sugar. Rapadura sugar is often used as a healthier alternative to refined white sugar in cooking and baking, as it contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals that are typically lost during the refining process.
Rapadura sugar can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sucanat in most recipes.
2. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is often used as a substitute for sucanat (a type of whole cane sugar) because it has a similar texture and slightly similar flavor profile. However, brown sugar is made from refined white sugar with added molasses, while sucanat is made from pure dried sugar cane juice, retaining more of the natural molasses flavor. Substituting light or dark brown sugar is a great way to keep that same profile of texture and taste.
The difference in processing affects the nutritional value and overall taste, with sucanat being a more unrefined and healthier option.
Brown sugar is a commonly available sugar that is made by mixing white sugar with molasses. It has a similar taste to sucanat, though it is slightly sweeter and less complex.
The molasses in brown sugar gives it a warm, slightly bitter flavor that works well in many baked goods and recipes.
3. Raw Honey
Raw honey is used as a substitute for sucanat because both are natural sweeteners with a unique flavor profile. Raw honey is made by bees from nectar collected from flowers and has a variety of health benefits, including antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and a lower glycemic index compared to sucanat.
Like sucanat, raw honey is minimally processed and retains some of the natural nutrients present in the original nectar. Additionally, raw honey can be used in a wide range of recipes, including baking, cooking, and as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
4. Maple Syrup
We like using maple syrup is often used as a substitute for sucanat because both are natural sweeteners with a distinct, rich flavor. Maple syrup is made by boiling the sap of maple trees and reducing it to a syrup, while sucanat is made from pure dried sugar cane juice.
Maple syrup has a lower glycemic index compared to sucanat, meaning it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Additionally, maple syrup is a more versatile sweetener than sucanat and can be used in a wider range of recipes, including baking, cooking, and as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
However, it is important to note that maple syrup has a distinct flavor that may not work as a 1:1 substitute for sucanat in all recipes, and it is also generally sweeter, so less may be required in recipes calling for sucanat.
5. Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is often used as a substitute for sucanat because both are unrefined sweeteners with a slightly caramel-like flavor. Coconut sugar is made from the sap of the coconut palm tree and is minimally processed, retaining many of the nutrients found in the sap.
This makes it a healthier alternative to refined sugars like white sugar and brown sugar. Additionally, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to sucanat, meaning it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
6. Date Sugar
Date sugar is typically used as a substitute for sucanat because both are minimally processed sweeteners with a rich, caramel-like flavor. Date sugar is made from ground dried dates, making it a natural and unrefined alternative to other sweeteners like white sugar and brown sugar.
Like sucanat, date sugar retains some of the nutrients present in the original fruit. Additionally, date sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to sucanat, meaning it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
However, because date sugar is made from dried dates, it has a slightly different flavor profile compared to sucanat and may not work as a 1:1 substitute in all recipes.
So go ahead and experiment with these substitutes and see which one you like best!
