What you should know: Coconut sugar has long been a staple in East Asia where it is extracted from the sap of coconut flower buds. It is recognized as the most sustainable sweetener in the world, with the coconut tree producing an average of 50 to 75 percent more sugar per acre than sugar cane, while using only a fifth of the resources. Other than its eco-friendly advantage, coconut sugar is also a low-glycemic sweetener, making it the perfect alternative for those with blood sugar issues, including diabetes.

Why you should try it: While coconut sugar is not as sweet as cane sugar, it offers a caramel-like flavor, making it an ideal alternative sweetener. When compared to brown cane sugar, coconut sugar contains more than 26 times the amount of phosphorus, nearly 16 times the amount of potassium, 4 times the amount of magnesium, and nearly twice the amount of iron. In addition, it is rich in B vitamins, thereby supporting adrenal, gallbladder and liver functions.

Let’s get together: The culinary uses for coconut sugar are endless, since it can be seamlessly substituted regular, white or brown cane sugar. Add it to your morning tea or coffee, or even sprinkle it on your evening popcorn. Here at The Chalkboard, we love using coconut sugar by Navitas Naturals – it’s organic, kosher, and vegan – especially in healthy vegan baked goods such as our Blueberry Granola Crisp!