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Shopping for sugar and sweeteners sounds simple until you stand in front of a shelf packed with tins, bags, sachets and bottles and wonder which one will be best for your coffee, baking or pantry. I’ve been there — torn between brown sugar that promises moisture for cakes and a bulk bag that screams value. Picking the right sugar affects texture, sweetness and even oven times, so a little know‑how goes a long way.
In this guide I’ll walk you through where to buy, what to buy, smart swaps and how to save money. I’ll highlight the store named in the data — Coffee Friend — and other major UK retailers where you can pick up everything from single‑serve sachets to 5 lb baking bags. Expect practical tips, handy conversions in imperial units and real shopping strategies you can use right away.
Not all stores are the same when it comes to sugar. Some excel in value packs, others specialise in premium or ethical options, and a few are perfect for last‑minute coffee sachets. Below are places worth checking depending on what you need.
Coffee Friend is a great stop if you need single‑serve sugar sachets for offices, cafés or events. The HTML data highlights products like White Sugar Coffee Mate — 500 pcs and Brown Sugar Coffee Mate — 500 pcs, which are ideal when you want neat portions and minimal waste. Sachet packs like these save space, reduce spillage and are easy to store in a drawer or dispenser.
If you host meetings or run a small catering setup, a large box of 500 sachets can be more economical than dozens of small packets. Plus, sachets dissolve quickly in hot drinks and avoid the clumping that sometimes happens with open jars in busy environments.
Tesco is your all‑rounder: solid own‑brand granulated sugar in 2 lb or 4 lb bags, caster sugar for baking, and occasional offers on larger bulk bags. Tesco often balances price and quality, so it’s a reliable option for weekly top‑ups or stocking up before a baking weekend.
If you use sugar frequently, look for Tesco value packs or club card promotions to shave cost per ounce. Their range usually includes both cane and beet sugar options and a selection of sweeteners for hot drinks.
Sainsbury’s tends to offer a good mix of mainstream and specialty sugars: fairtrade granulated, organic caster sugar and branded alternatives. Their premium range is useful if you want muscovado or demerara for flavour‑forward recipes like sticky toffee pudding or crunchy toppings.
They also run seasonal promotions on bulk packs around baking holidays, which is a good time to buy several 4 lb or 5 lb bags if you bake often.
Both Asda and Morrisons are strong on value, often selling larger bags at competitively low prices. If you’re hunting for bulk white sugar for jam making, or a big bag of demerara for crumbles, these supermarkets are worth a look.
Asda and Morrisons also stock a range of sweeteners and liquid sugars, and you can often find reduced prices on multipacks — handy when you’re planning a big baking session.
For premium, organic and ethically sourced sugar, Waitrose and Ocado are go‑to stores. They carry boutique items like raw cane sugars, unrefined muscovado and specialty sweeteners that are harder to find elsewhere. Yes, you’ll pay a bit more, but the flavour and provenance can make a difference in delicate desserts.
Ocado is particularly useful if you prefer shopping online and want access to a wide range of brands in one place — ideal for comparing per‑unit costs before you click buy.
If your goal is low cost without sacrificing basics, discount supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl often undercut the big players on staple items. You’ll find solid value on granulated and brown sugar, and occasional deals on baking supplies and sweeteners.
These stores are perfect for stocking up if you’re baking in volume, but selection for specialty sugars may be limited compared with premium supermarkets.
Understanding sugar types helps you pick the right one for texture and taste. Below are the common types and what they’re best for.
Granulated (white) sugar: the everyday classic, great for sweetening drinks, creaming with butter for cakes and making syrups. One cup of granulated sugar weighs about 7 oz by volume — useful to know when converting recipes.
Caster sugar: finer than granulated, it dissolves faster and is the baker’s friend for meringues, sponge cakes and fine cookies. One cup of caster sugar weighs roughly 6 oz.
Powdered/icing sugar: used for frostings and dusting. It’s much lighter: one cup of powdered sugar comes in at about 4 oz. It’s often blended with a little cornstarch; keep that in mind if a no‑starch result is needed.
Brown sugar (light/dark): adds moisture and a caramel note to cakes, cookies and sauces. Packed brown sugar is denser — one cup packed tends to weigh around 7.5 oz. Darker brown sugars bring more molasses flavour.
Demerara and muscovado: coarse, amber sugars with rich flavours ideal for toppings, crunchy finishes and flavouring drinks.
Not everyone wants granulated sugar, and thankfully there are many alternatives. Each has pros and cons, especially in baking where liquid sweeteners change texture and moisture.
Stevia and sucralose are calorie‑free options that work well in drinks and some baking mixes designed for them. Honey and maple syrup are natural liquid sweeteners with distinct flavours; if you swap one cup of granulated sugar for honey, use about 3/4 cup honey and reduce other liquids slightly, then lower oven temperature by about 25 F to prevent overbrowning.
Remember: liquid sweeteners add moisture, so you’ll often need to tweak baking times and liquid ratios when substituting. Try small test bakes before committing a big batch.
For coffee, convenience and fast dissolution matter. Sachets from Coffee Friend or small granulated jars dissolve quickly in hot drinks — and if you offer guests, single‑serve sachets look neat and hygenic.
For baking, texture is the driver. If you need a crisp cookie, granulated sugar helps. If you want a chewier cookie, brown sugar adds moisture. For light sponges, caster sugar is usually the winner. When in doubt, match the sugar to the function called for in the recipe rather than swapping blindly.
If you bake a lot, buying in bulk reduces cost per ounce. Compare price per ounce rather than price per package — a 5 lb bag might look more expensive until you break it down. Retailers like Asda, Morrisons and discount supermarkets often win on cost, while Waitrose and Ocado may be pricier but offer specialty options.
Sachet packs like Coffee Friend 500 pcs excel for hospitality where portion control matters and waste is reduced. For home bakers, consider 4 lb or 5 lb bags and store in airtight containers to keep them fresh for months.
Sugar stores very well if it stays dry and clean. Keep granulated and caster sugar in airtight containers in a cool, dry cupboard away from strong odours. A sealed container also helps you stack and organise your pantry with confidence.
Brown sugar tends to dry out and harden. To soften it, tuck a slice of apple or a piece of bread into the container for a day or two; the moisture will rehydrate the sugar. For quicker results, use a microwave in short 10‑second bursts on a small bowl, but don’t overdo it — molten sugar burns badly and can turn sticky.
If you’re storing large bulk bags, decant a manageable portion into a usable jar and keep the rest sealed — this prevents constant exposure to air which causes clumping and flavour loss.
Converting between cup measures and weight helps when scaling recipes or swapping sugars. Here are practical approximations many bakers use:
- 1 cup granulated sugar ≈ 7 oz. - 1 cup brown sugar (packed) ≈ 7.5 oz. - 1 cup caster sugar ≈ 6 oz. - 1 cup powdered (icing) sugar ≈ 4 oz.
Liquid sweetener swap tip: to replace 1 cup of granulated sugar with honey, use about 3/4 cup honey, reduce other liquids by 2 tbsp and lower oven temperature by 25 F. For maple syrup, reduce liquids slightly and account for the maple flavour in your final dish.
Simple syrup for drinks: dissolve 1 cup granulated sugar (7 oz) in 1 cup water (8 fl oz) over low heat until clear. Use full syrup for cocktails and half syrup (1 part sugar to 2 parts water) when you want less sweetness.
If sustainability matters to you, look for fairtrade and organic options that retailers like Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado stock. Cane vs beet sugar can come down to regional farming practices and taste preferences; niche products like date sugar or coconut sugar add flavour and may fit certain diets, though they often cost more per ounce.
Packaging also matters: some stores offer larger refill packs or loose bulk sections where you can buy the exact amount you need, reducing waste and cost. If that’s important, plan visits to stores that support refill benefits.
Sugar isn’t just for cakes. Want a quick glaze? Make a simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water. Need a crunchy finish? Sprinkle demerara on muffins before baking to add a caramelised crunch. Making caramel? Heat dry sugar over medium heat until it liquefies, but be careful — caramel reaches skin‑scalding temperatures fast.
And don’t forget coffee and cocktails: small tweaks like a flavored simple syrup or a pinch of raw sugar can elevate your drink in seconds.
Before you buy, ask yourself: am I baking or sweetening drinks? Do I need bulk or single‑serve? Would a specialty sugar improve the recipe enough to justify the cost? Compare price per ounce, check for offers, and store smartly once you’re home. With the right buys from places like Coffee Friend, Tesco, Sainsbury’s or Waitrose, you’ll be ready for anything from weekday coffees to holiday bakes.
Choosing sugar and sweeteners doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Match the sugar type to the recipe or use case, check price per ounce for the best value, and store your purchases in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Coffee Friend sachet packs are excellent for hospitality and events, while supermarkets and online retailers cover everything from budget bulk to premium, ethical options. With a few conversions and swap tricks in your back pocket, you’ll shop smarter, bake better and enjoy more consistent results.
| Sugar & Sweeteners | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| White Sugar Coffee Mate - 500 Pcs. | £ 11,39 | |
| Brown Sugar Coffee Mate - 500 Pcs. | £ 14,99 |
