Best Panela of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Panela is a traditional Latin American sweetener that is gaining popularity worldwide due to its unique flavor and health benefits. Made from evaporated sugarcane juice, this unrefined sugar has a rich caramel-like taste and a grainy texture. It is commonly used in desserts, hot beverages, and savory dishes, adding a distinct sweetness and depth of flavor. Panela is also known for its high mineral content, including iron, calcium, and magnesium, making it a healthier alternative to processed sugars. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or simply looking to explore new flavors, panela is a must-try ingredient that will elevate your cooking and baking to a whole new level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Iberia Panela Fraccionada Cover #TOP 1
Iberia Panela Fraccionada
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Goya Foods Panela Brown Sugar Cane Cover #TOP 2
Goya Foods Panela Brown Sugar Cane
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Goya Panela Brown Sugar Cane Cover #TOP 3
Goya Panela Brown Sugar Cane
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Panela

#TOP 1

Iberia Panela Fraccionada

Panela
2 Pound (Pack of 1)
Iberia Panela Fraccionada Cover
Iberia Panela Fraccionada, 32 Ounce

Iberia Panela is a 32-ounce package of raw, unrefined cane sugar from Colombia. It has a lightly sweet molasses taste with warm, caramel undertones, making it a unique and flavorful ingredient. With its versatility, you can use Iberia Panela as a 1:1 replacement for almost any sugar. Whether you're adding it to your coffee, cocktails, baking, or cooking, it serves as a great substitute for both brown and white sugar. What sets Iberia Panela apart is its traditional handmade process that has been used for centuries. The raw sugarcane juice is dehydrated over low heat until it becomes a thick syrup, which is then cooled into bricks. This sustainable process is fueled by dried sugarcane stalks, making Iberia Panela an eco-friendly choice. Additionally, Iberia Panela contains naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, providing you with added health benefits.

What We Like
Flavorful and aromatic
Versatile 1:1 sugar replacement
Traditional handmade process
#TOP 2

Goya Foods Panela Brown Sugar Cane

Goya Foods Panela Brown Sugar Cane Cover
Goya Foods Panela Brown Sugar Cane, 16 Ounce (Pack of 24)

Goya Panela Brown Sugar is a delicious and nutritious 100% natural brown sugar cane that captures the unique flavor and essence of cane sugar. It retains its molasses content, providing wholesome flavor and superior cooking and baking results. This convenient and versatile sweetener, also known as Panella or Piloncillo, is perfect for preparing delicious desserts, marinades, and beverages. With Goya Panela Brown Sugar, you can sweeten your life and indulge in the authentic taste of Central and Latin America. Its commitment to quality ensures that if it's Goya, it has to be good! Available in a pack of 24, 16 oz round packs, you can easily find it on Amazon, Amazon Fresh, and Prime Pantry.

What We Like
Delicious and nutritious
Retains molasses content
Convenient and versatile sweetener
#TOP 3

Goya Panela Brown Sugar Cane

Goya Panela Brown Sugar Cane Cover
Goya Foods Panela Brown Sugar Cane, 16 Ounce

Goya Panela Brown Sugar Cane is a 100% natural sweetener made from brown sugar cane. It is a popular choice in central and Latin America, where it is known as panela or piloncillo. With its authentic flavor, Goya Panela Sugar can add a touch of sweetness to your life. It comes in three varieties: square, round, and cone. The square and round shapes make it easy to measure and use, while the cone shape is perfect for grating. Whether you're sweetening your morning coffee or adding a hint of sweetness to your favorite recipes, Goya Panela Sugar is a versatile and delicious choice. If you're looking for a high-quality brown granulated sugar, Goya Panela Brown Sugar Cane is the way to go.

What We Like
100% natural sweetener
Authentic flavor
Versatile and delicious
#TOP 4

Tamarin Fruits Panela

Tamarin Fruits
Tamarin Fruits Panela Cover
Panela - Unrefined Evaporated Sugar Cane, 1 pound (2 bags)

Tamarin Fruits Panela Sugar is an unrefined evaporated sugar cane juice that is artisanally made in Colombia. This organic, all-natural, vegan, and non-GMO sugar is perfect for sweetening coffee, adding to oatmeal, baking, and making treats and desserts. With Tamarin Fruits Panela Sugar, you can also make a delicious all-natural energy drink by diluting it in water and adding lime. This versatile sugar provides a convenient way to add a natural sweetness to your favorite beverages and dishes, while also enjoying the benefits of its organic and non-GMO qualities. Elevate your culinary creations with the rich flavor and unique characteristics of Tamarin Fruits Panela Sugar.

What We Like
Organic, All-Natural, Vegan
Unrefined Sweetness
Versatile and Convenient
#TOP 5

Fela Panela Brown Sugar Cane 32oz

Fela
Fela Panela Brown Sugar Cane 32oz Cover
Fela Panela Brown Sugar Cane 32oz - Pure Cane Sugar for Traditional Latin Cooking - Tejitos Panela Colombiana

Fela Panela Sugar is a delightful way to experience Colombian culture through its unique flavor. Made from high-quality sugarcane, these easy-to-use rounds dissolve quickly, making them perfect for adding a rich, caramel taste to your favorite recipes. You can enhance your beverages, like coffee or aguapanela, with a simple drop of a Tejito. Plus, this natural sweetener is packed with essential minerals, supporting your health while providing a quick energy boost. With Fela's dedication to traditional panela-making, you can trust that you're getting an authentic taste of Colombia in every use.

What We Like
Rich caramel flavor
Easy-to-use rounds
Natural source of minerals
Supports healthy immune system
#TOP 6

GUSTO LATINO Panela 16 Oz

GUSTO LATINO
brown
GUSTO LATINO Panela 16 Oz Cover
PANELA Redonda 16 Oz / 454g Imporatada de Colombia

GUSTO LATINO Panela is a natural sweetener derived from sugarcane, offering a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Unlike regular sugar, panela retains its natural nutrients, providing you with quick energy when you need it most. It's packed with vitamins and essential minerals, like iron and calcium, which are beneficial for your overall health. By incorporating this product into your diet, you can also support your immune system, giving you an extra boost to fend off illness. Enjoy the rich flavor and health benefits of this versatile sweetener.

What We Like
Natural sweetener alternative
Quick energy source
Rich in vitamins
High mineral content
Supports immune health
#TOP 7

Goya Panela Brown Sugar Cane 16oz

16 Ounce
Goya Panela Brown Sugar Cane 16oz Cover
Goya Foods Panela Brown Sugar Cane, 16 Ounce

Goya Panela Sugar is a completely natural brown sugar cane product, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your meals. This sugar is commonly used in Central and Latin America, making it an authentic choice for those looking to enhance their culinary creations. Available in various shapes such as square, round, and cone, it offers versatility in use. By choosing Goya, you are guaranteed quality and taste, ensuring that your dishes are flavorful and delightful.

What We Like
100% natural ingredients
Authentic Latin American flavor
Versatile shapes for convenience
High-quality assurance
#TOP 8

EL TRAPICHE Panela en Cubos - Maracuya

EL TRAPICHE
EL TRAPICHE Panela en Cubos - Maracuya Cover
PANELA en cubos Instantánea saborizada 48 cubos peso neto 320g para tomar en forma de TE, importada de Colombia (Maracuya - Passion Fruit)

EL TRAPICHE Panela Cubes offer a delightful way to enjoy a refreshing drink. You can easily prepare your beverage by dissolving one or two cubes in hot water, creating a flavorful tea. If you prefer something cold, it works well in iced drinks too. This product is user-friendly, making it simple for anyone to incorporate into their routine. Its versatility allows you to use it in various recipes without altering the original flavor or nutritional content. Enjoy the convenience of a tasty drink at any time!

What We Like
Easy to prepare
Versatile for recipes
Nutritious and flavorful
Suitable for all ages
#TOP 9

Fela Panela Brown Sugar by FOXCUP

FOXCUP
1 Count (Pack of 3)
Fela Panela Brown Sugar by FOXCUP Cover
Fela Panela Brown Sugar Cane (3 Pack, Total of 48oz)

FOXCUP Fela Panela Sugar offers a delightful and authentic taste that connects you to the rich flavors of Colombia. Being 100% natural, this brown sugar is a healthier choice for sweetening your favorite dishes and beverages. You can enjoy its unique flavor profile, which enhances both baked goods and savory recipes. The convenience of a three-pack ensures you have plenty on hand for all your culinary needs, making it an excellent staple for any kitchen. With Fela Panela Sugar, you can elevate your cooking and baking with ease.

What We Like
Natural ingredients
Authentic Colombian flavor
Versatile for cooking
Convenient three-pack
#TOP 10

EL TRAPICHE Panela en Polvo 500g

EL TRAPICHE
EL TRAPICHE Panela en Polvo 500g Cover
PANELA en polvo PACK 500g / 17.63 Oz instantánea 100% Natural importada de Colombia

EL TRAPICHE Panela Powder is a 100% natural sweetener that makes a great alternative to sugar. This product contains no chemicals or additives, ensuring you’re getting a pure and wholesome option for your recipes. You can easily enhance your favorite beverages or desserts by simply mixing two tablespoons of panela powder with hot water. Additionally, this panela is sourced from indigenous reserves in Colombia, giving you a taste of authentic, traditional sweetness. With a convenient 500g package, it's perfect for everyday use.

What We Like
100% natural ingredients
Easy to use
Great sugar substitute
Authentic Colombian source
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is panela just brown sugar?

No, panela is not just brown sugar. While brown sugar involves refining, panela does not. Panela retains its molasses, giving it a more complex caramel flavor compared to brown sugar.

2. Is panela healthier than sugar?

Panela is not healthier than regular sugar. It still contains the same number of calories as regular sugar and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess amounts.

3. What does panela taste like?

Panela has a lightly sweet molasses taste with warm caramel undertones. It is raw, unrefined cane sugar from Colombia and is known for its unique and flavorful characteristics.

4. Why is panela so expensive?

Panela can be more expensive due to the process of retaining its molasses, which gives it a more complex caramel flavor and makes it richer in minerals and vitamins. Additionally, factors such as production location and market demand can influence its price.

5. Is panela sugar OK for diabetics?

Panela, as a more complex carbohydrate, can be a good choice for diabetics and athletes. It can be used as a natural sweetener in various dishes and retains some nutrients.

6. Is panela the same as turbinado?

Panela can be used as a replacement for brown, white, and turbinado sugar in beverages, baking, and cooking. It offers a textural component with hints of caramel, molasses, raisin, and spice.

7. What is the unhealthiest sugar substitute?

Artificial sweeteners like sucralose, saccharin, and aspartame, as well as high fructose corn syrup, agave, and brown rice syrup, are considered some of the unhealthiest sugar substitutes. It is best to avoid these sweeteners when possible.

8. What is the unhealthiest sugar?

Processed high fructose corn syrup is considered one of the worst types of sugar due to its potential negative effects on health. Some experts compare the addictive effects of sugar to that of cocaine.

9. Is panela cheese healthier?

Panela cheese is a healthier option compared to other cheeses. It contains a higher percentage of water and a lower amount of fat, making it suitable for people with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

10. Can you eat panela raw?

Yes, panela is traditionally consumed raw. It is a raw sugar produced and consumed throughout Latin America.

11. How do you eat panela?

Panela can be enjoyed in various ways: - Crumbled: It can be used as a topping for dishes like huevos rancheros, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and nopal salads. - Sliced: Add sliced panela cheese on top of Mexican sandwiches like cemitas or tortas. - Fried: Panela cheese is also delicious when fried. - Baked: It can be used in baked goods.

Editor's Notes

During our panela research, we found 24 panela products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,263 customer reviews through our big data system to write the panela list. We found that most customers choose panela with an average price of $12.00.

The panela are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of panela, including Iberia, Goya, Tamarin Fruits, Fela, GUSTO LATINO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!