4 best substitutes for coconut sugar
Okay. So you have found a delicious recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge. You are inspired and READY to sink your teeth into something totally delicious.
You head to your pantry and WHAT! There’s no coconut sugar and there is NO TIME to run back down to the shops….
4 best substitutes for coconut sugar
Well, never fear. In this article we have outlined 4 of the BEST substitutes for coconut sugar.
Firstly, what is coconut sugar?
Coconut sugar is sugar derived from the coconut palm tree. It is considered to be more ‘nutritious’ and have a lower GI than sugar. This is because coconut sugar contains a fiber called inulin, which can slow glucose absorption.
Unlike coconut sugar, regular sugar does not contain any vital nutrients and therefore is considered a supply of ’empty calories’. Coconut sugar, on the other hand, contains minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium and potassium.
It is important to note however that coconut sugar is still high in calories (same as regular sugar).
1. Raw honey
Raw honey is FAB for digestion, can soothe a sore throat and is loaded with antioxidants.
Raw honey is also a great substitute for coconut sugar.
Bear in mind however that honey is liquid (as opposed to granulated). When using honey to replace coconut sugar be sure to only use 1/4 the amount of honey. This will help to keep your recipe balanced.
Try this: Honey and Raspberry Muffins
2. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is loaded with magnesium, zinc, potassium as well as calcium. A 1/4 cup serving of maple syrup provides 41% of your daily requirement of zinc.
Again, similarly to honey, for every cup of sugar required, use 1/4 cup of maple syrup.
Try this: Gluten Free Cinnamon and Oat Pancakes
3. Dates or date sugar
Unlike white sugar, date sugar is loaded with vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and selenium.
Some research also suggests that date sugar can improve ones circulation and can help keep you feeling fuller for longer.
It does have a higher GI than coconut sugar however. You can also just use dates to sweeten your recipes!
Try this: Sticky Date Mug Cake, which uses dates for sweetness.
4. Stevia
Leaves of the stevia plant are used to make a sugar substitute. Unlike other sugar substitutes, stevia is derived from a plant.
Stevia also has no calories, and it is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It also has a lesser effect on your blood sugar.
You can use stevia to replace coconut sugar. It can also be used in a 1:1 ratio. You might see it for sale as Nativa (from Tesco).
Try this: Orange and Chia Muffins using Natvia.
While these choices are better for you than normal sugar – they should still be consumed in moderation.
Are you ready to kick-start your weight loss?
Want to shift your baby weight but feel like you have NO TIME in your day to exercise and eat healthily? That’s where the Healthy Mummy’s 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge can help.
Our Challenge entails:
- 28 days of at home exercise routines (no gym needed) – with video instruction
- Customisable and breastfeeding friendly meal plans
- Time-efficient exercises for busy mums – under 30 mins
- Challenge combines Pilates exercises with interval and circuit training (HIIT)
- Suitable for basic to advanced fitness levels.
- Home to thousands of EASY-TO-MAKE recipes.
To find out more about joining the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge for £1 click here.
PLUS – connect with THOUSANDS of other mums on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge by joining our free support community here.
