Whether it is sugarcane jaggery or palm jaggery, if you cannot source it from the corner store, don’t stop baking or making that amazing curry your kid loves to hog on. Find the appropriate jaggery substitute from the list below and rustle up an aromatic brew.
Best Jaggery Substitute
Dark brown sugar is the closest jaggery substitute. Other healthy alternatives include molasses, muscovado sugar, demerara sugar, honey, piloncillo, agave nectar, and maple syrup. [1]
Dark Brown Sugar
Dark brown sugar is the first option you want to look for if you require a substitute for jaggery. It is the same in color as jaggery and is healthier than many types of sugar. 1 cup of jaggery can be substituted with 1 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar.
If you’re a fan of the flavor of molasses or caramel, you’ll love jaggery, a staple of South Asian cooking. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Muscovado Sugar
Muscovado sugar is a sweet jaggery substitute as it is made from refined or unrefined sugar containing molasses. Available in dark and light forms, muscovado can be used as a jaggery substitute in making beverages and curries.
Demerara Sugar
Demerara sugar is a dark variety and is found in the form of crystals, which give your recipe a crunchy texture. You can use it in place of jaggery while making beverages like tea and coffee or even baking.
Piloncillo
Also known as panela, piloncillo sugar is made from minimal or no additives. It is a healthy substitute for jaggery in your morning cup of joe!
Molasses
Molasses is a great jaggery substitute if your recipe calls for a dark color. It is rich in flavor and therefore, should be used in lesser quantities than jaggery.
Honey is a great substitute for jaggery. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is your rescue ingredient when you cannot find that lump of jaggery for your iced tea. Moreover, it can be used in preparing many exotic cocktails without compromising the taste.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup can also be used as an alternative to jaggery in many preparations like oatmeal cookies, coffee, or tea to give the special menu a yummy twist in taste.
Honey
Adding honey to your java will not only act as a jaggery substitute but may also give you a great boost for the day.
Other Substitutes
Aside from the alternatives given, the following are also good options to replace jaggery and sweeten up your dishes.
- Golden castor sugar
- Turbinado
- Palm sugar
- Regular white sugar
- Caramel
- Date sugar
