All of us like sugar, whether we admit it or not! Demerara sugar is definitely no exception when we talk about liking sugar. But have you been in a fix where you are all out of this wonderful ingredient? For that, I have got a list of the best Demerara sugar substitutes. 

Demerara sugar not only gives your food the sweetness it needs, but it also gives baked recipes a lot of moisture. For this reason, it is preferred by many bakers.

But, when you are out of it, you really don’t need to worry. With this article, you will find all the best substitutes for the same. 

So, I know you must be wondering what you could use in place of Demerara sugar. The best Demerara sugar substitutes are light brown sugar, white sugar and molasses, muscovado sugar, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and sanding sugar. 

But, for those who are new to the concept of using Demerara sugar, let me do a little introduction for the same. Once you know more about the ingredient, it will help you better understand which substitute would work best for you. 

Quick Peek: Demerara Sugar

In this section, you will learn all about what Demerara sugar is. You will get to understand the flavor and texture of it, what it is used for, and also the nutritional values of this sugar. 

What Is Demerara Sugar?

Demerara sugar is raw sugar that is extracted from sugarcane, just like white sugar. It originated from the British colony of Demerara, which is now called Guyana. It gets its name from its place of origin. 

Today, Demerara sugar is usually produced in Mauritius, Malawi, and Jamaica. It has now gained a lot of popularity all across the world, and many other countries have also started producing it. As compared to white sugar, Demerara sugar is less processed. 

As compared to brown sugar, however, Demerara sugar is more processed. In the production of this sugar, most of the molasses are removed. However, it still does contain some molasses, which gives it its distinct toffee color. 

Describing Demerara Sugar: Flavor And Texture

The texture of Demerara sugar is crunchy, just like any other sugar. It has golden-toffee colored big crystals, as it contains some molasses in it. However, since it does not have as much molasses as brown sugar, Demerara sugar is not as moist. 

Being a type of sugar, the basic flavor of demerara sugar is sweet, of course. However, it does have a more complex flavor as compared to basic white sugar. Since it has some molasses left in it, demerara sugar has a subtle caramel-like flavor. 

Uses Of Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar is very often used in baking, as it not only provides a sweet flavor to baked goods but also adds some moisture to them. However, it is also very commonly added to various savory dishes and also to some drinks. 

Demerara sugar makes a great coffee or caramel since it already has a caramel flavor and the desired color too. It is a great addition to various sauces to add to their flavor and help with moisture. Other than that, it is, of course, used to sweeten cereals and drinks like. 

Demerara Sugar On The Health Radar | Looking Through The Wellness Telescope

As demerara sugar is a type of sugar, it is definitely high in calories and mainly only contains sugar in it. It has minute amounts of carbohydrates with absolutely no amount of fats, proteins, or dietary fibers. 

It does contain certain minerals such as potassium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and copper. It also has vitamins A and B. Demerara sugar is healthier as compared to plain white sugar as it is less refined. 

Refined sugar usually has all the macronutrients removed, but demerara sugar, since it is less processed, does have the above-mentioned macronutrients mentioned in it. It is supposed to help maintain metabolism and provides nourishment to the skin. 

Why Use A Substitute For Demerara Sugar?

Now that I have given you so much information about Demerara sugar, I am sure you must be highly inclined towards using it. Well, it is a great ingredient to use, especially in baking. But, there are some reasons why you can consider using a substitute for the same. 

Firstly, for baked products, if you require a lot of extra moisture in them, Demerara sugar might not be the perfect fit. It does provide moisture to baked goods, but not as much as brown sugar does. 

So, for reasons like this, you can consider using a Demerara sugar substitute. Moreover, a lot of people prefer not to use sugar or eat too much sugar. In this case, you can use a substitute that is more healthy and contains less sugar. 

Lastly, if you are simply out of this ingredient, there is no need to go running to the supermarket to buy some more. There are various substitutes that you will definitely have at home, and you can easily use them in place of Demerara sugar. 

Now that you know so much about Demerara sugar, I think it is now time for you to know the best substitutes for the same. So, the best substitutes you can use in place of demerara sugar are all given in the next section.

7 Best Demerara Sugar Substitutes

This section has the best substitutes you can use in place of demerara sugar. You will get to understand how the substitutes work, what recipe they work best in, and also the ratio of substitution for each ingredient. 

1. Light Brown Sugar

Light brown sugar is less refined, similar to Demerara sugar, and contains molasses which gives it a slight caramel flavor and color. Light brown sugar can be used as a substitute for Demerara sugar due to certain similarities. 

Light brown sugar actually contains fewer molasses than Demerara sugar. This gives it a lighter color as compared to Demerara, and it is less moist, too, as compared to Demerara. You might notice that this sugar actually gives more crunch. 

Usually, in baking recipes, these two ingredients are quite interchangeable. You can use light brown sugar in any recipe in place of Demerara. The texture will be slightly different, but it is usually barely noticeable. 

2. Muscovado Sugar

Muscovado sugar is another form of less refined sugar that contains molasses. It has a dark toffee color similar to Demerara sugar and also has a caramel-like flavor. So, it is a great substitute for Demerara sugar. 

The amount of molasses in muscovado sugar is actually higher as compared to Demerara sugar. This makes it darker in color, heavier on the caramel flavor, and gives it more moisture. 

As it contains more moisture, this sugar can get a little clumpy. However, if you sift it before adding it to any recipe, that will remove the clumps. Muscovado sugar will give you moister baked products, and you can do a substitution following a 1:1 ratio. 

3. Turbinado Sugar

Turbinado sugar is a less refined sugar that contains molasses. It has a slightly similar color, texture, and taste to Demerara sugar and can be used in place of it in various recipes. 

Turbinado sugar is again different as compared to Demerara sugar in terms of molasses content. While Demerara contains more molasses and has an intense flavor, turbinado is less intense in terms of both color and flavor. 

However, that means turbinado sugar is not as sticky as Demerara sugar. In recipes where you can work with a little less moisture content, such as savory recipes and various shortbreads, turbinado sugar can work well as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio. 

4. Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is made from the sap of coconut trees. Though it has an intense flavor of coconuts, it does have a color that is similar to that of demerara sugar and can work as its substitute in various recipes. 

Coconut sugar is also a healthier option of sugar for anyone that is looking for the same. Moreover, if you like the flavor of coconut in your food, coconut sugar is definitely your best pick for substitution. 

However, a downside of using coconut sugar is that it can make your baked goods a little too dry or dense. So, if you are looking to use it in baking recipes, try adding some extra fat to balance the moisture level. A 1:1 ratio of substitution works. 

5. White Sugar

White sugar is extremely refined and has no similarities with Demerara sugar in terms of color or texture. However, when combined with molasses, it will give a similar color, flavor, and texture, making it a good substitute for the same. 

White sugar alone will definitely not work in place of Demerara sugar. The only thing it will add is a sweet flavor. However, if you do want a caramel-like flavor and texture like that of Demerara sugar, adding molasses to white sugar will work. 

To make this combination, combine ½ a cup of white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses. This combination will give a similar effect as Demerara sugar does. You can use this combination as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio swap. 

6. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup alone has a slightly bitter but toffee-like flavor. As the texture or flavor of maple syrup is not exactly the same as Demerara sugar, you can combine maple syrup with white sugar, and that combination will work as a substitute. 

Demerara sugar is usually made with the addition of molasses. However, in case you do not have molasses with you but do have maple syrup, you can positively use it. This combination will give your white sugar a darker color and a moist texture. 

It will also add to the flavor of the sugar, giving it a slight caramel-like flavor. You can combine a tablespoon of maple syrup with ½ a cup of white sugar. Use this combination as a substitute, following a standard 1:1 ratio. 

7. Sanding Sugar

Sanding sugar is again a refined form of sugar. This sugar has large crystals, which are similar to that of Demerara sugar. Though it will not give the same caramel-like flavor, sanding sugar can work as a substitute. 

Sanding sugar is very dry as compared to Demerara sugar, as it does not contain molasses. It will, however, give a crunch factor to your recipes, especially baked goods. In case you are looking for that, sanding sugar is a good option to use. 

Moreover, sanding sugar comes in various colors. So, if the toffee-like color of Demerara sugar is important for your recipe, you can use sanding sugar of the same color as a substitute. For substitution, follow a standard 1:1 ratio. 

Short Recap For Best Demerara Sugar Substitutes

I am sure that by now, you must have gone through all the best substitutes you can use in place of Demerara sugar. Most of you may already have picked your favorite substitute. But, for those of you who still have not been able to decide, I have broken it down further. 

Best Demerara Sugar Substitutes In Terms Of Flavor:

1. Light Brown Sugar
2. Muscovado Sugar
3. Coconut Sugar

Best Demerara Sugar Substitutes In Term Of Texture:

1. Light Brown Sugar
2. White Sugar And Molasses

Substitutes You Should Consider Using Last:

1. Maple Syrup
2. Sanding Sugar

How To Substitute Demerara Sugar

Final Word

Now that we have come to the end of this article, I hope you were able to find the best substitute that works for your recipe. Demerara sugar is definitely a great ingredient to work with.

But, when you have trouble finding it, there are a lot of substitutes you can use in its place. In case you want to take a healthier alternative and cut down on sugar, you can consider using coconut sugar or maple syrup without the white sugar.

However, it is important to remember that Demerara sugar is more healthy as compared to white sugar. So, adding Demerara sugar to various recipes in place of white sugar will definitely be great for your overall health.

So, the next time you are out of Demerara, try using one of the substitutes and try using Demerara sugar in place of white sugar, and I am sure you will be happier with the results!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)