Maple Syrup vs Palm Sugar
Density, calorie, and weight differences — and whether they can substitute for each other.
Substitution Verdict
Density difference: 34.7%. Significant difference — not a 1:1 substitute, recipe may need rebalancing.
Calories per 100 g: Maple Syrup 260 kcal vs Palm Sugar 380 kcal. Difference: 120 kcal — Palm Sugar is higher.
Weight Conversions (per Spoon and Cup)
| Measure | Maple Syrup | Palm Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 20 g | 14 g |
| 1 teaspoon | 6.6 g | 4.7 g |
| 1 cup | 322 g | 220 g |
| Density | 1.32 g/ml | 0.93 g/ml |
Measuring Tips
Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup (which is corn syrup with flavoring). Density differs significantly.
Sold in solid blocks (60 g each typically). For measuring: shave, grate, or melt with a splash of water first. Different from Western brown sugar — palm sugar comes from coconut/palm tree sap, not refined sugar with molasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Maple Syrup be substituted for Palm Sugar?▾
Significant difference — not a 1:1 substitute, recipe may need rebalancing. Density of Maple Syrup is 1.32 g/ml; Palm Sugar is 0.93 g/ml — a 34.7% difference. But flavor, moisture, and chemistry can still differ — verify suitability for the specific recipe.
How many grams in 1 tablespoon of Maple Syrup vs Palm Sugar?▾
1 tbsp Maple Syrup ≈ 20 g. 1 tbsp Palm Sugar ≈ 14 g. By weight: 1 tbsp Maple Syrup = 1.43 tbsp Palm Sugar.
Which has more calories, Maple Syrup or Palm Sugar?▾
Per 100 g: Maple Syrup 260 kcal, Palm Sugar 380 kcal. Palm Sugar has 120 more kcal.
What is Maple Syrup typically used for?▾
Maple Syrup is commonly used in: pancakes, waffles, baking, glazes. Source: usda-fdc.
What is Palm Sugar typically used for?▾
Palm Sugar is commonly used in: kolak, rendang, peanut sauce, Southeast Asian desserts. Source: usda-fdc.