Published September 15, 2026
What the research says about coconut sugar's glycemic index compared to cane sugar, and how buyers should approach GI-related marketing claims.
Glycemic index numbers for coconut sugar vary by source
Coconut sugar is frequently marketed as lower-glycemic than cane sugar, and published glycemic index (GI) figures do generally support a difference — but the exact numbers vary between sources and testing methods. Some references cite coconut sugar around GI 35 versus cane sugar around GI 60-65 or higher, while other sources report a narrower range for coconut sugar (roughly 35-54). Buyers making label claims should rely on a specific, citable study rather than a single marketing figure.
See a peer-reviewed overview of coconut sugar's composition and health claims in this nutritional profile and food industry applications review.
Clinical studies add an important caveat
A 2022 controlled study in adults with type 2 diabetes, comparing blood glucose response to coconut sugar versus cane sugar, found no statistically significant difference in peak or total post-meal blood sugar response between the two — despite the difference in laboratory-measured GI values. See the published study for the full methodology and results.
This doesn't mean the GI difference isn't real — it means real-world blood sugar response can differ from what a lab GI test predicts, and buyers should be cautious about overstating health benefits based on GI alone.
What this means for a purchasing or labeling decision
If your product's marketing or label will reference glycemic index or a health claim, confirm the specific figure and study with your own regulatory or nutrition team for your destination market's requirements — claims accepted in one market may not be substantiated to the standard required in another.
- Don't rely on a single unsourced GI figure for label claims.
- Check destination-market rules on health and nutrient-content claims before finalizing packaging copy.
- Evaluate coconut sugar on taste, format, and sourcing story alongside — not only instead of — GI positioning.
See our coconut sugar range
Whatever your positioning, Cocopany supplies organic and conventional coconut sugar in granulated and powder formats. See our private label OEM guide if you're planning your own branded product, or our granulated vs powder format guide to choose the right form.