Palm Sugar vs Granulated Sugar
Density, calorie, and weight differences — and whether they can substitute for each other.
Substitution Verdict
Density difference: 9%. Very similar — 1:1 substitution is usually safe.
Calories per 100 g: Palm Sugar 380 kcal vs Granulated Sugar 387 kcal. Difference: 7 kcal — Granulated Sugar is higher.
Weight Conversions (per Spoon and Cup)
| Measure | Palm Sugar | Granulated Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 14 g | 12.5 g |
| 1 teaspoon | 4.7 g | 4.2 g |
| 1 cup | 220 g | 200 g |
| Density | 0.93 g/ml | 0.85 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.
Granulated sugar packs slightly when scooped — spoon and level for accuracy in baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Palm Sugar be substituted for Granulated Sugar?▾
Very similar — 1:1 substitution is usually safe. Density of Palm Sugar is 0.93 g/ml; Granulated Sugar is 0.85 g/ml — a 9% 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 Granulated Sugar?▾
1 tbsp Palm Sugar ≈ 14 g. 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar ≈ 12.5 g. By weight: 1 tbsp Palm Sugar = 1.12 tbsp Granulated Sugar.
Which has more calories, Palm Sugar or Granulated Sugar?▾
Per 100 g: Palm Sugar 380 kcal, Granulated Sugar 387 kcal. Granulated Sugar has 7 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 Granulated Sugar typically used for?▾
Granulated Sugar is commonly used in: baking, sweetening drinks, caramel, meringues. Source: king-arthur, usda-fdc.