
Coconut Sugar vs. Sugar: Which Sweetener is Healthier?
In the quest for healthier dietary choices, coconut sugar has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional table sugar. Touted for its perceived health benefits and lower glycemic index, many people are curious about how it truly compares to regular sugar. In this article, we will explore the differences between coconut sugar and table sugar, including their nutritional profiles, glycemic indexes, and overall health implications.
Coconut sugar, also known as coconut palm sugar, is derived from the sap of the coconut palm tree. The sap is collected and then heated to evaporate most of its moisture, resulting in a granulated sugar that resembles brown sugar. Unlike table sugar, which is refined from sugarcane or sugar beets, coconut sugar undergoes minimal processing, allowing it to retain some of the nutrients found in its source, such as iron, zinc, and potassium (Healthline).
When comparing coconut sugar to table sugar, it is essential to consider their nutritional content:
Coconut Sugar (per 2 teaspoons or 8 grams):
Table Sugar (per teaspoon or 4 grams):
While coconut sugar does provide some micronutrients, it's important to note that you would need to consume a large quantity to gain significant health benefits (Verywell Health).
The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, which is particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes.
This lower GI value suggests that coconut sugar may be a better option for blood sugar management, as it is less likely to cause rapid spikes compared to table sugar (The Globe and Mail).
Despite its benefits, coconut sugar is still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation:
Coconut sugar presents itself as a more nutritious and lower-GI alternative to traditional table sugar, making it an appealing option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. However, it's important to remember that it is still sugar and should be consumed in moderation. While it offers some advantages, the best approach to a healthy diet is to minimize all types of added sugars and focus on whole foods that provide a broader range of nutrients. Ultimately, whether you choose coconut sugar or stick to table sugar, moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet.
Coconut sugar, also known as coconut palm sugar, is derived from the sap of the coconut palm tree. The sap is collected and heated to evaporate moisture, resulting in a granulated sugar that resembles brown sugar. It undergoes minimal processing, retaining some nutrients.
Coconut sugar contains more calories and carbohydrates than table sugar but offers trace amounts of minerals like iron and potassium. For example, 2 teaspoons of coconut sugar have 30 calories and 8 grams of carbohydrates, while 1 teaspoon of table sugar has 16 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates.
Coconut sugar has a glycemic index (GI) of around 35, while table sugar has a GI ranging from 60 to 65. This lower GI indicates that coconut sugar may be a better option for managing blood sugar levels, causing less rapid spikes.
Coconut sugar offers potential benefits like a lower glycemic impact and some nutrient retention. However, it is still high in calories and should be consumed in moderation to avoid weight gain and excessive sugar intake. It’s best to focus on whole foods for essential nutrients.

Can You Substitute Coconut Sugar for Regular Sugar?
Coconut sugar has gained popularity as a natural sweetener and is often touted as a healthier alternative to white sugar. But can you really use coconut sugar in place of regular sugar? In this article, we will explore the similar...

How Much Sugar is in a Coconut?
Coconuts are a tropical delight that many enjoy for their unique flavor and versatility. However, when it comes to health, many people are concerned about the sugar content in coconuts. This article will explore how much sugar is ...

Coconut Sugar vs. Palm Sugar: Understanding the Differences
In the realm of natural sweeteners, coconut sugar and palm sugar have gained considerable popularity due to their unique flavors and purported health benefits. However, many people often confuse these two sugars, leading to questi...

Coconut Sugar: A Natural Alternative for Sugar Scrubs Without Coconut Oil
Coconut sugar is a popular natural sweetener derived from the sap of coconut palm trees. While commonly used in cooking and baking, it can also serve as a fantastic ingredient in homemade beauty products, including sugar scrubs. I...
Ready to source an ingredient?
Whether you’re struggling to find the perfect ingredient, racing against the clock, or simply don’t have the bandwidth to manage sourcing — we’ve got your back.
Get a Free Sourcing Audit

Savings is BIG but the relationship value is MASSIVE! Glad we met when we did. Looking forward to building this partnership with you and David.
Yohan, here to say you’re one of my favorite suppliers. Aside from your high quality ingredients, you’re so great to work with. Thanks for all the help you’ve given us this year.
Working with Global Savors and Yohan has been very smooth when sourcing ingredients. They offer a great selection and and cost savings! Yohan has been awesome to work with and we look forward to continuing business together.






Global Savors is your trusted partner for seamless ingredient sourcing, offering end-to-end solutions that streamline procurement, simplify logistics, and elevate your supply chain efficiency.
View More News
© 2025 Copyrights by Global Savors. All Rights Reserved