Palm Sugar vs Brown Sugar
Density, calorie, and weight differences — and whether they can substitute for each other.
Substitution Verdict
Density difference: 4.4%. Very similar — 1:1 substitution is usually safe.
Calories per 100 g: Palm Sugar 380 kcal vs Brown Sugar 380 kcal. Same.
Weight Conversions (per Spoon and Cup)
| Measure | Palm Sugar | Brown Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 14 g | 13.3 g |
| 1 teaspoon | 4.7 g | 4.4 g |
| 1 cup | 220 g | 213 g |
| Density | 0.93 g/ml | 0.89 g/ml |
Measuring Tips
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.
Brown sugar should be FIRMLY PACKED into the measuring cup. Loose-packed brown sugar weighs 25-30% less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Palm Sugar be substituted for Brown Sugar?▾
Very similar — 1:1 substitution is usually safe. Density of Palm Sugar is 0.93 g/ml; Brown Sugar is 0.89 g/ml — a 4.4% difference. But flavor, moisture, and chemistry can still differ — verify suitability for the specific recipe.
How many grams in 1 tablespoon of Palm Sugar vs Brown Sugar?▾
1 tbsp Palm Sugar ≈ 14 g. 1 tbsp Brown Sugar ≈ 13.3 g. By weight: 1 tbsp Palm Sugar = 1.05 tbsp Brown Sugar.
Which has more calories, Palm Sugar or Brown Sugar?▾
Per 100 g: Palm Sugar 380 kcal, Brown Sugar 380 kcal. Same calorie content.
What is Palm Sugar typically used for?▾
Palm Sugar is commonly used in: kolak, rendang, peanut sauce, Southeast Asian desserts. Source: usda-fdc.
What is Brown Sugar typically used for?▾
Brown Sugar is commonly used in: chocolate chip cookies, BBQ rubs, banana bread, marinades. Source: king-arthur, usda-fdc.