How to Tell Real vs Fake Gula Melaka & Tips to Choose the Right One (2026)
- Abby Kuntum
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever bought Gula Melaka, but when you cook with it, the taste is strange and overly sweet? That might be a fake version mixed with white sugar!
Gula Melaka — also known as palm sugar, "gula kabung", or coconut sugar — is an essential ingredient in many traditional Malaysian desserts like onde-onde, sago pudding, pengat, and bubur.
Today, many types of Gula Melaka sold in the market are mixed with white sugar, artificial coloring, and preservatives. This article will help you differentiate between the real and fake stuff — and how to choose a high-quality one.
1. What Is Real Gula Melaka?
Authentic Gula Melaka is made from:
Coconut or aren tree sap
Traditionally cooked down until thick
Molded into bamboo or plastic tubes
✔️ No added sugar, colorings, or chemicals
2. Features of Authentic vs Fake Gula Melaka
Feature | Real Gula Melaka | Fake Gula Melaka |
Color | Dark brown | Light yellowish brown |
Texture | Dense, easy to grate | Too hard or too soft |
Taste | Rich, slightly burnt sweet | Very sweet like white sugar |
Smell | Naturally fragrant sap | Artificial or no smell |
Foam when cooking | Minimal foam | Lots of foam, boils quickly |
3. Why Choosing Pure Gula Melaka Matters
⚠️ Fake Gula Melaka may contain:
Cheap white sugar
Artificial coloring
Unsafe preservatives
👎 This not only affects food taste, but can also:
Increase diabetes risk
Trigger allergic reactions (for some individuals)
Ruin the authenticity of traditional desserts
✅ Authentic Gula Melaka contains:
B-complex vitamins
Antioxidants
Lower glycemic index than white sugar
4. How to Test Gula Melaka at Home
🧪 3 simple tests:
Dissolve in hot water: Real sugar dissolves slowly and doesn't leave a white residue.
Watch for bubbles when cooking: Minimal bubbles = natural content.
Taste a slice directly: Rich sweet taste, not sharp like refined sugar.
5. Tips to Buy High-Quality Gula Melaka
✅ Read product labels carefully – Avoid additives
✅ Buy from village suppliers or trusted local brands – Often more authentic
✅ Choose small or large cylindrical shapes wrapped in nipah leaves or thin plastic – A sign of traditional processing
✅ Avoid sugar that is extremely hard or unusually glossy – Could contain added sugar
📍 Many suppliers in Melaka, Johor, Kelantan, and Sarawak offer wholesale authentic Gula Melaka.
Conclusion
Gula Melaka may look the same on the outside — but the difference in quality, taste, and health impact is huge. As a smart consumer, it's important to know how to identify real Gula Melaka and avoid fakes.
For better, healthier, and more authentic-tasting food — always use pure Gula Melaka from trusted suppliers.
FAQs
Q: Is Gula Melaka suitable for diabetics?
A: It’s better than white sugar due to its lower glycemic index, but still needs moderation.
Q: Can I store Gula Melaka in the fridge?
A: You can, but it's better to store it in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture.
Q: Is Gula Apong the same as Gula Melaka?
A: No. Gula Apong is made from nipa palm sap, while Gula Melaka comes from coconut or aren sap.
Q: How long does authentic Gula Melaka last?
A: 6–12 months if stored properly.
Q: Where can I buy authentic Gula Melaka in bulk?
A: From village suppliers or producers who declare 100% pure, additive-free Gula Melaka.
Looking for real Gula Melaka for cooking, dessert sales, or F&B packaging? We’ve been a trusted village supplier since 1947, offering wholesale prices and delivery across Malaysia.
🍯 100% pure – no white sugar or preservatives
🧾 Suitable for sellers, bakeries, wholesalers, and home use
📦 Minimum order: 1kg to 50kg
📍 Direct from the village – more fragrant, richer & longer-lasting
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