FAQs
The two are mostly interchangeable in recipes, but dark brown sugar brings slightly more moisture and acidity to recipes, along with extra molasses flavor. Still, the difference largely comes down to taste and won't severely affect most baked goods.
Which is healthier, dark or light brown sugar? ›
Nutritionally, there's no significant difference between the two. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses than light brown sugar. It has a deeper color and stronger flavor. The two can be used interchangeably, depending on your taste.
Which brown sugar is best for baking? ›
The two types of brown sugar, light and dark, refer to the amount of molasses that is present. Light brown sugar is used more often in baking, while dark brown sugar, with a bolder molasses flavor, is delicious used as a rub for steaks. A lot of bakers, however, will use light and dark brown sugar interchangeably.
Is it okay to substitute light brown sugar for dark? ›
Can you substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar? In general, yes, the sugars are interchangeable in most recipes. Especially in most standard baking recipes that call for a mix of sugars like cookies and/or when brown sugar isn't the star ingredient for flavor, you can use one versus the other.
Do most recipes call for dark or light brown sugar? ›
In fact, many recipes don't even specify what shade of brown sugar to use, though it's best to assume that by "brown sugar" they mean light. That doesn't mean they're identical. Because dark brown sugar contains more molasses, it weighs more, contains more moisture, and is more acidic.
What is the healthiest sugar? ›
You can opt for coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar, which are some good and healthy options. Another good option is shakkar, an unprocessed sugar rich in nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium. You can also use jaggery to sweeten up your desserts and beverages.
Is light brown sugar better for diabetics? ›
For people with diabetes, the use of brown sugar has no healthier effects than white sugar. Users should note that any added sugars should be limited as part of a healthy, well-rounded diet. Excess sugar intake is strongly linked to the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease.
Should I use dark or light brown sugar for cookies? ›
The good news is that light and dark brown sugar are interchangeable: You're not going to ruin your cookies, your crumble, or your banana bread by swapping one for the other.
What to use dark brown sugar for? ›
Dark brown sugar is generally called for in recipes that have a pronounced caramel flavor, such as Brown-Sugar-and-Bacon-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Milk Tart with Brown Sugar Crust.
Does brown sugar expire? ›
Even though the shelf life of brown sugar is indefinite, it's best to use it within two years of purchase for maximum flavor. Don't store brown sugar in the refrigerator. However, if you are in a very dry area or are going to keep it for a long time, you may want to freeze it.
Dark brown sugar is a type of brown sugar with a higher ratio of molasses to refined cane sugar—about 6.5 percent molasses. The higher molasses content results in a final product that is a deep, warm brown color with a rich, almost bitter complex flavor similar to toffee.
Is light or dark brown sugar better for coffee? ›
Whether you use light or dark brown sugar in your coffee is up to you. In most recipes, they're more or less interchangeable because they differ in a small way. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses than light, giving it a more molasses-forward flavor, while light brown sugar is more subtly sweet.
When to use light vs dark brown sugar? ›
When a recipe calls for "brown sugar," it is usually referring to light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar should be used only when specified. This is important when baking recipes sensitive to moisture and density (such as cakes) because of the difference in moisture content between the two types of brown sugar.
Is turbinado sugar the same as brown sugar? ›
Since it is crafted differently, Turbinado contains less moisture and features larger crystals than typical Brown Sugar. These qualities make it better for use in beverages, as a garnish or as a substitute for typical granulated sugar in your favorite recipes.
Which brown sugar is best for coffee? ›
Each has pros and cons, but raw sugar (not actually raw, just slightly less refined) is probably the best bet because it's not as processed as its counterparts. Also known as Turbinado Sugar, this golden brown sugar comes from sugar cane juice, preferable to sugar beet products since it's marginally more sustainable.
Is dark brown sugar good or bad for you? ›
While brown sugar has many cooking and flavor benefits, it has very little nutritional value and should not be thought of as being better for you than table sugar. "Many people believe that brown sugar is a healthier option than white sugar, but this is a misconception," says Messer.
What is a healthier option than brown sugar? ›
Date Sugar
If you're avoiding refined sugars, date sugar may be a perfect brown sugar replacement. It's created from dehydrated dates and has a similarly sweet, more caramel-like flavor to brown sugar. Try ⅔ cup of date sugar for every cup of brown sugar for a healthy brown sugar substitute.
Is light or dark brown sugar better for chocolate chip cookies? ›
The Cookie Test
Using dark brown sugar, my cookies spread less in the oven and were denser, heavier, and quite moist. Using light brown sugar, my cookies spread a far bit more, were more airy, and had lighter flavors. Overall, I wouldn't say that the type of brown sugar significantly changed the outcome of the recipe.
