If you’ve ever read the label on one of those solid brown sugar cones at a Latin grocery store and wondered, “What is piloncillo?”, you’re in the right place. This iconic sweetener is one of the most versatile, traditional ingredients in Southwestern cooking, and it’s delicious!

At Loma Vista Products, we honor Southwestern culinary traditions with premium pantry ingredients that bring regional flavor to your everyday cooking. Our piloncillo sugar is rich, unrefined, and packed with deep molasses flavor—perfect for adding unique depth and complexity to your favorite recipes.

There’s a reason this sweet staple has stood the test of time. Below, we’ll explore what piloncillo is, how it compares to brown sugar, how to use it in cooking, and what to look for when buying this beloved Mexican ingredient.

What is piloncillo and what is it made of?

Piloncillo (pronounced pee-lohn-see-yoh) is a traditional Mexican unrefined sugar made from pure cane juice. It’s boiled down, poured into cone molds, and left to harden into its distinctive solid shape. In Latin markets, it’s often labeled as Mexican sugar cones or Mexican brown sugar cones.

Unlike refined white or brown sugar, piloncillo is not centrifuged, meaning it retains its natural molasses and nutrients. The result is a deeply flavorful sweetener with earthy caramel notes. It’s often compared to molasses or dark brown sugar, but more robust and complex.

The name piloncillo comes from the Spanish word pilón, meaning “cone,” a reference to its iconic shape.

In other parts of the world, similar unrefined sugars go by different names: panela in Colombia, jaggery in India, and rapadura in Brazil. While the basic process is similar, each has its own unique flavor depending on local cane varieties and traditional methods.

Next, let’s explore how piloncillo stacks up against other sweeteners.

What’s the difference between piloncillo and other sugars?

Piloncillo may share traits with other traditional sweeteners, but its texture, depth, and flavor complexity set it apart. 

Here’s how it compares to some of the most common unrefined sugars around the world.

Piloncillo vs. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is processed white sugar with molasses added back in, while piloncillo is a naturally unrefined sweetener that retains its original molasses content and flavor.

Here are some of the key differences:

For recipes that need bold, layered sweetness, piloncillo cones deliver flavor brown sugar can’t match.

Piloncillo vs. Panela

Panela is nearly identical to piloncillo in composition, but is more common in Central and South America. It’s often shaped into discs or bricks.

Here are some of the key differences:

Piloncillo is the go-to sugar for traditional Southwestern and Mexican recipes while panela is typically used in South American cooking.

Piloncillo vs. Jaggery

Jaggery is widely used in South Asian cuisines and can be made from sugarcane or palm sap. While it shares piloncillo’s rich sweetness, the source and texture often differ.

Here are some of the key differences:

Piloncillo offers consistent texture and bold, rich flavor ideal for Mexican and Southwestern recipes while jaggery compliments lighter recipes.

Piloncillo vs. Rapadura

Rapadura, common in Brazil, is another unrefined cane sugar similar to piloncillo. The key differences are mostly geographic and in the format it’s sold.

Here are some of the key differences:

Piloncillo delivers the same natural sweetness with the shape and quality familiar to Mexican cooking.

Now that you know how this Mexican unrefined sugar stacks up against other sweeteners, let’s look at how to actually use it in the kitchen. Its rich flavor deserves a spot in more than just desserts.

How to use piloncillo in cooking?

Piloncillo is one of those rare ingredients that works just as well in savory dishes as it does in sweet ones. Once softened or grated, it’s easy to stir into drinks, melt into sauces, or bake into your favorite classics.

Because piloncillo comes in solid cones, you’ll want to break it down before cooking. Here’s how to prep it:

• Grate it with a box grater
• Chop it with a sturdy knife
• Dissolve it in warm water
• Simmer it directly into your dish

Once your Mexican cone sugar is ready, the possibilities for piloncillo recipes are wide open. Here are some of the most delicious ways to use piloncillo:

• Sweeten traditional drinks like blue corn atole, café de olla, or champurrado
• Simmer into syrups for pancakes, roasted fruits, or drizzling over ice cream
• Bake into desserts like flan, sweet empanadas, or Mexican bread puddings
• Add to savory dishes like mole, pork marinades, or beans for caramelized depth
• Blend into sauces for a richer twist on BBQ, enchilada, or adobo-style recipes

At Loma Vista Products, we love how piloncillo adds unexpected depth to everyday meals. Use it anywhere you’d use brown sugar or molasses, and taste the difference.

Ready to try piloncillo for yourself? Whether you’re browsing a local market or shopping online, here’s how to spot the good stuff—and why sourcing matters.

Where to buy piloncillo and what to look for?

You can find piloncillo at Latin grocery stores, international markets, and on the shelves of major retailers. It’s often labeled as piloncillo, Mexican sugar cones, or sometimes even panela, depending on the region or supplier.

At Loma Vista Products, our piloncillo is made from pure cane juice with no additives or preservatives. With over 30 years of wholesale and retail experience, we’re proud to offer consistently high-quality cones that capture the bold, authentic taste of the Southwest.

When shopping for piloncillo, here’s what to look for:

• A deep, rich brown with a slight natural sheen
• Solid and dense, not brittle or chalky
• Just cane juice, no artificial fillers or preservatives

Avoid cones that are overly pale, crumbly, powdery, or overly dry. These qualities indicate over-processing or poor storage conditions.

Piloncillo isn’t just a sweetener. It’s a cultural staple with deep roots in Latin American cooking and a powerful way to bring tradition into your kitchen.

Want To Know What Piloncillo Is? Try This Sweet Staple Today!

At Loma Vista Products, we’re proud to offer pantry staples that celebrate the deep flavors and rich traditions of Southwestern and Mexican cooking. Our piloncillo is made to preserve that bold, unrefined flavor of pure cane sugar with no additives or shortcuts.

Whether you’re sweetening your morning coffee, simmering a pot of mole, or baking up a traditional dessert, piloncillo adds complexity and character you won’t get from refined sugars. It’s a flavor you experience, rooted in history and made to share.

Order our authentic Mexican piloncillo cones today and discover why it’s a pantry staple!