Coconut Sugar vs Brown sugar

A side-by-side guide to substituting Brown sugar for Coconut Sugar (or vice versa).

Quick answer

Use 0.9 tbsp of Brown sugar for every 1 tbsp of Coconut Sugar.

Side-by-side

Coconut Sugar

Base unit: tbsp

Read the full guide: Coconut Sugar

Brown sugar

Conversion: Use 90% as much (0.9 tbsp per 1 tbsp)

Tags: commonbudget

Notes: Slightly sweeter and more molassy; different mineral profile. Use a bit less; works in most baking and cooking.

Read the full guide: Brown sugar

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When to use Brown sugar instead of Coconut Sugar

Slightly sweeter and more molassy; different mineral profile. Use a bit less; works in most baking and cooking. The conversion is use 90% as much (0.9 tbsp per 1 tbsp).

Common questions

Can I substitute Brown sugar for Coconut Sugar?

Yes — Slightly sweeter and more molassy; different mineral profile. Use a bit less; works in most baking and cooking. Ratio: Use 90% as much (0.9 tbsp per 1 tbsp).

What's the conversion ratio for Coconut Sugar to Brown sugar?

Use 90% as much (0.9 tbsp per 1 tbsp). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Coconut Sugar and Brown sugar interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Slightly sweeter and more molassy; different mineral profile..

Is Brown sugar a better substitute than other options for Coconut Sugar?

Brown sugar is one of the options SubSwap lists for Coconut Sugar. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Coconut Sugar substitutes.

Looking for more Coconut Sugar substitutes beyond Brown sugar?

See all Coconut Sugar swaps →