Palm Sugar vs Confectioners' Sugar
Density, calorie, and weight differences — and whether they can substitute for each other.
Substitution Verdict
Density difference: 60.1%. Significant difference — not a 1:1 substitute, recipe may need rebalancing.
Calories per 100 g: Palm Sugar 380 kcal vs Confectioners' Sugar 389 kcal. Difference: 9 kcal — Confectioners' Sugar is higher.
Weight Conversions (per Spoon and Cup)
| Measure | Palm Sugar | Confectioners' Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 14 g | 7.5 g |
| 1 teaspoon | 4.7 g | 2.5 g |
| 1 cup | 220 g | 120 g |
| Density | 0.93 g/ml | 0.5 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.
Always sift confectioners' sugar before measuring — it cakes up and clumps. Spoon and level after sifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Palm Sugar be substituted for Confectioners' Sugar?▾
Significant difference — not a 1:1 substitute, recipe may need rebalancing. Density of Palm Sugar is 0.93 g/ml; Confectioners' Sugar is 0.5 g/ml — a 60.1% 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 Confectioners' Sugar?▾
1 tbsp Palm Sugar ≈ 14 g. 1 tbsp Confectioners' Sugar ≈ 7.5 g. By weight: 1 tbsp Palm Sugar = 1.87 tbsp Confectioners' Sugar.
Which has more calories, Palm Sugar or Confectioners' Sugar?▾
Per 100 g: Palm Sugar 380 kcal, Confectioners' Sugar 389 kcal. Confectioners' Sugar has 9 more kcal.
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 Confectioners' Sugar typically used for?▾
Confectioners' Sugar is commonly used in: frosting, icing, dusting cakes, no-bake desserts. Source: king-arthur.