Yes, There's a Sugar Shortage—Here's How to Adjust Your Holiday Baking Plans

It’s the season of sweet treats, from classic fruitcake and Christmas cookies to fresh takes on hot chocolate. But one of the most important ingredients you may need for these desserts could be hard to find—or its price might have skyrocketed.

If you’ve been hearing whispers about a sugar shortage, we’re here to answer your questions. Here’s what to know and ways to adjust your holiday baking plans without putting the cookies on hold.

Is There a Sugar Shortage?

The short answer is yes. In a recent report by AP News, sugar prices are expected to rise due to a shortage of sugar crops. This is primarily because of dry weather damaging crops in India and Thailand, both of which are major suppliers of sugar and the world’s second and third largest exporters, respectively.

“The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is predicting a 2% decline in global sugar production in the 2023-24 season, compared with the previous year, translating to a loss of about 3.8 million U.S. tons,” AP News states with information provided by Fabio Palmeri, an FAO global commodities market researcher.

If you’re already starting to feel the effects of the shortage, whether it be rising prices or empty shelves, we’re here to help. Here are three ways to combat the shortage.

3 Ways to Adjust Your Holiday Baking Plans

Check Your Pantry

If you’re buying sugar for holiday baking, look through your pantry first before assuming you’re out. You may be surprised to find some hidden ingredients you haven’t used in some time, and that can include sugar! Unlike your other typical baking ingredients, granulated sugar and brown sugar don’t spoil, so as long as it’s looking right, you should be good to go! Plus, it will give you an excuse to clean out your pantry while you’re at it.

Use Alternatives

While it may be hard to find a bag of sugar to buy, alternatives like artificial sweeteners, simple syrups and honey may be easier to come by. At EatingWell, we believe that any food or ingredient can be included in a healthy eating pattern. Moderation is key, especially during the holidays, so find a recipe that uses one of these alternatives if you’re low on sugar. This Flourless Honey-Almond Cake is the perfect example!

Try No-Added-Sugar Desserts

If you’re looking for ways to opt out of the sugar in your seasonal treats, you have definitely come to the right place. We have a whole slew of desserts without any added sugar, from these No-Sugar-Added Mini Apple Pies to No-Sugar-Added Oatmeal Cookies. They maintain a sweet flavor thanks to ingredients like apples, bananas and dates. For more recipes, check out these No-Added-Sugar Desserts in Three Steps or Less.