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Granulated sugar substitute

Sugar and sweeteners · Checked against 5 sources · Updated November 4, 2026

Quick answer

Brown sugar swaps 1 for 1, packed. Liquid sweeteners change the moisture: three-quarters cup of honey with a quarter cup less liquid, three-quarters cup of maple syrup with 3 tablespoons less, or 1 cup of corn syrup with a quarter cup less. Replace no more than half the sugar with a liquid.

How much do you need?

Fractions work: 1 1/2, ¾, 0.5. The amounts below update as you type.

Show only options that are

What to use

  1. Brown sugar, packed

    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • 1 cup 220 g brown sugar, firmly packed
    Best for
    Cookies, bars, quick breads.
    What changes
    Darker, with molasses flavor and more moisture.
    Skip it when
    Pale cakes and meringue.

  2. Honey

    • Dairy-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • ¾ cup 255 g honey
    • ⅜ tsp 2 ml baking soda
    How
    Cut the other liquid by about one-third of the honey amount, and lower the oven by 25°F in baked goods.
    Best for
    Muffins, quick breads, bars.
    What changes
    Browns faster and stays moister. Replace no more than half the sugar in cakes, cookies and brownies.
    Skip it when
    Anything meant for babies under 12 months.

  3. Maple syrup

    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • ¾ cup 235 g maple syrup
    How
    Cut the other liquid by 3 tablespoons per cup of sugar replaced.
    Best for
    Muffins, quick breads, sauces.
    What changes
    Maple flavor, softer texture.
    Skip it when
    Pale cakes.

  4. Corn syrup

    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • 1 cup 235 ml corn syrup
    How
    Cut the other liquid by a quarter cup. Never replace more than half the sugar.
    Best for
    Candy, caramel, pecan pie.
    What changes
    Less sweet, smooth, soft texture.
    Skip it when
    Cookies that need to crisp.

Diet labels describe the ingredients as normally made. Check packages for gluten and allergens. Some refined sugar is filtered with bone char, which matters if you eat vegan.

Which swap for which job

UsePickWhy
CookiesBrown sugar, packedKeeps dry and chewy.
Muffins and quick breadsHoney or maple syrupThey add moisture.
CandyCorn syrupStops sugar crystals.

Do not substitute here

  • Meringue and creamed cookies. Liquid sweeteners. You need crystals to whip and to cream.

Questions

Can I replace all the sugar with honey?

Not usually. Replace up to half in cakes, cookies and brownies, or two-thirds in fruit bars.

Why does honey need baking soda?

Honey is acidic. A small amount of soda balances it so the bake browns and rises.

Sources

Ratios come from these sources, in our words. Where they disagree, we say so or pick the amount that matches tested results. Ratios are a starting point. Taste and adjust.