What can I substitute for raw sugar?
Running low on raw sugar? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About raw sugar
Raw sugar is a minimally processed cane sugar that retains a thin coating of molasses, giving it a light golden colour and a subtle caramel-like flavour. It is coarser in texture than white sugar and dissolves slightly more slowly, making it popular for beverages, baking, and as a finishing sugar. Its mild molasses content adds a gentle depth of flavour without the intensity of brown or dark muscovado sugar.
Best substitute
white sugar
White sugar is the closest direct substitute, providing the same sweetness and similar baking behaviour. It lacks the subtle caramel notes of raw sugar but will not noticeably affect most recipes.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of raw sugar
bakingbeveragessaucescooking
Alternative
light brown sugar
Light brown sugar has a similar molasses flavour profile to raw sugar and works well as a substitute in baking. It is slightly more moist and will produce a marginally denser, chewier texture in baked goods.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of raw sugar; pack lightly when measuring
bakingsaucesmarinadesNot suitable for: finishing sugarNot suitable for: beverages
Alternative
demerara sugar
Demerara sugar is also a raw cane sugar with large golden crystals and a mild toffee flavour, making it an excellent flavour match for raw sugar. It is coarser and slower to dissolve, so it is best used where raw sugar would be used as a topping or in recipes with sufficient liquid.
What is raw sugar called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | raw sugar |
| Canada | raw cane sugar |
| New Zealand | raw sugar |
| United Kingdom | golden granulated sugar |
| United States | turbinado sugar |
Common names for raw sugar
turbinado sugargolden sugarnatural cane sugarunrefined cane sugarraw cane sugar