Best Sugar Substitutes
Out of sugar? These are the best sugar substitutes you can use in cooking and baking — ranked by how well they work in most recipes. Whether you need a dairy-free swap, a pantry staple alternative, or just ran out mid-recipe, one of these 6 options will have you covered.
Sugar Substitution Options
¾ cup Honey
Use instead of Sugar
Honey is sweeter than sugar so use ¾ cup per 1 cup sugar. Also reduce other liquids in the recipe by 3–4 tbsp and add ¼ tsp baking soda to neutralize honey's acidity. Adds floral notes — best in muffins, cakes, and glazes.
¾ cup Maple Syrup
Use instead of Sugar
Use ¾ cup maple syrup for every 1 cup sugar and reduce other liquids by 3 tbsp. Adds a warm, distinct maple flavor that works beautifully in baked goods, oatmeal, and sauces.
Coconut Sugar
Use instead of Sugar
A 1:1 substitute with a lower glycemic index. Coconut sugar has a subtle caramel-like flavor and slightly less sweetness. It works in virtually any recipe — cookies, cakes, and sauces included.
¾ cup Agave Nectar
Use instead of Sugar
Agave is sweeter than sugar, so use ¾ cup and reduce other liquids by about 2 tbsp. It has a neutral flavor, making it one of the most seamless swaps in beverages, dressings, and baked goods.
Date Sugar
Use instead of Sugar
Date sugar is simply ground dried dates — it adds sweetness along with fiber, caramel-like richness, and trace minerals. It doesn't dissolve perfectly in liquids but is excellent in baked goods.
½ tsp Stevia Powder (pure)
Use instead of Sugar
Stevia is intensely sweet — pure powder is typically 200–300x sweeter than sugar. Use just ½ tsp for 1 cup sugar. Best for beverages and no-bake recipes, as it doesn't caramelize or provide structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for sugar?
The best substitutes for sugar are ¾ cup Honey, ¾ cup Maple Syrup, Coconut Sugar. Honey is sweeter than sugar so use ¾ cup per 1 cup sugar. Also reduce other liquids in the recipe by 3–4 tbsp and add ¼ tsp baking soda to neutralize honey's acidity. Adds floral notes — best in muffins, cakes, and glazes.
Can I use ¾ cup Maple Syrup instead of sugar?
Use ¾ cup maple syrup for every 1 cup sugar and reduce other liquids by 3 tbsp. Adds a warm, distinct maple flavor that works beautifully in baked goods, oatmeal, and sauces.
How do I substitute sugar in baking?
When substituting sugar in baking, it's important to match the ratio carefully. Check the individual substitution notes above for exact measurements and tips for each swap.