Can rock sugar be used as a substitute for white granulated sugar?

Aug 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, whether rock sugar can be used as a substitute for white granulated sugar depends on the specific application and requirements. When using rock sugar as a replacement, the quantity should be appropriately adjusted according to the desired sweetness; generally, a slightly larger amount of rock sugar is needed compared to white granulated sugar. Rock sugar should be stored sealed in a dry place to prevent moisture absorption and clumping. When purchasing, choose products from reputable sources to ensure quality.

Generally speaking, whether rock sugar can replace white granulated sugar depends on the specific usage scenario and requirements. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If used for stewing sweet soups, desserts, or marinating meat, and a fine texture is not a primary concern, rock sugar can substitute for white granulated sugar. Rock sugar has a slightly lower sweetness level and a smooth texture; it gradually dissolves during slow cooking, releasing its sweetness and adding a mild flavor to the dish. It pairs especially well with ingredients such as tremella fungus and pear, enhancing sweetness without overpowering the natural aroma of the ingredients. In such cases, there is little difference in seasoning effects between the two sugars.

However, if used for baking pastries, making syrups, or any scenario requiring rapid dissolution, rock sugar is not suitable as a substitute for white granulated sugar. Rock sugar has larger crystals and dissolves slowly, making it difficult to mix evenly with other ingredients quickly, which may lead to a coarse texture or uneven sweetness in the final product. When making syrups, rock sugar may also fail to achieve the desired viscosity, thus affecting the texture and mouthfeel. In such cases, substituting rock sugar for granulated sugar can significantly impact the outcome.

When substituting rock sugar for white granulated sugar, the quantity should be appropriately adjusted according to the desired sweetness level—usually a slightly larger amount of rock sugar is needed. Rock sugar should be stored sealed in a dry place to prevent moisture absorption and clumping. When purchasing, choose products from reputable sources to ensure quality. If the texture and quality of the final product are critical, it is recommended to follow the original recipe and avoid potential issues caused by substitution.

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What are the effects and benefits of stewed pear with rock sugar?

Generally, rock sugar stewed pear is a common dietary remedy whose effects and benefits mainly include moistening the throat, relieving dry cough, hydrating the body, stimulating appetite, and soothing irritability. It should be noted that rock sugar stewed pear has a relatively cooling nature; therefore, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold or those prone to diarrhea should avoid excessive consumption to prevent worsening of symptoms. Consumption should be moderate according to individual conditions.

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What are the functions and benefits of rock sugar?

Under normal circumstances, as a common seasoning and ingredient, rock sugar has functions and effects including energy supplementation, moistening the lungs and promoting saliva production, harmonizing flavors, relieving dry mouth, and assisting in improving cough symptoms. When using rock sugar, attention should be paid to controlling the amount consumed to avoid excessive intake leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Additionally, long-term and excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent an increased risk of dental caries.

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What are the functions and benefits of rock sugar?

Under normal circumstances, the main functions and benefits of rock sugar include providing energy, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, harmonizing flavors, nourishing the throat, and assisting in stewing or cooking. When consuming rock sugar, it is important to control the amount, as it contains a high level of sugar; excessive intake may lead to excessive sugar consumption and increase the burden on the body. Diabetic patients should consume it under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist to avoid affecting blood sugar stability.

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What are the functions and benefits of stewed pear with rock sugar?

Under normal circumstances, as a traditional food therapy, stewed pear with rock sugar mainly functions to soothe the throat, relieve coughing, hydrate the body, nourish the skin, and alleviate dry mouth. When consuming stewed pear with rock sugar, attention should be paid to the amount of rock sugar used in order to avoid excessive sugar intake. Patients with diabetes should adjust their consumption according to their individual conditions, and it should be noted that this is merely a food therapy remedy.