Substitutions / granulated sugar
What to use instead of granulated sugar
Use coconut sugar in equal amounts. Slightly deeper, caramel-like flavor and a touch more moisture; works well in most baked goods.
Every option, best first
| Use instead | How much | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut sugar | 1:1 | Slightly deeper, caramel-like flavor and a touch more moisture; works well in most baked goods. |
| Honey | ¾ cup / 1 cup | Liquid sweetener, so reduce other liquids slightly and expect a moister, mildly floral result. |
| Maple syrup | ¾ cup / 1 cup | Adds a distinct maple flavor and extra moisture; reduce other liquids by about 3 tbsp per cup used. |
How much is a cup of granulated sugar?
Substituting by volume and weighing are different problems, and the second one has an exact answer. Weigh granulated sugar in grams →
A word on how to read these
A substitution is a trade, not an equivalence. The ratio gets the quantity right; the third column is the part worth reading, because it tells you what you are giving up. In a stew, most of these are invisible. In a cake — where flour, liquid, fat and leavening are in a fixed relationship — the same swap can change the crumb.
Why baking notices and stew doesn't →
Where these came from
These substitutions were written by Gather's own kitchen model — the same one the app uses when you tap an ingredient and ask what else would work — then checked and saved as a fixed list in July 2026. Nothing on this page is generated while you read it. They are a good starting point and not a substitute for tasting as you go.