There are two main types of sugar: natural and processed. Natural sugars are found in fruits and vegetables, while processed sugars are found in things like candy, cookies, and soft drinks.

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People have been eating natural sugars for centuries, but processed sugars have only become widely available in the last few hundred years.

There are four main types of sugar: white, brown, raw, and molasses.

Types of Sugar (A to Z)

Agave Nectar

Agave nectar, or agave syrup, is derived from the agave plant. It has a sweet, mild flavor and is often used as a substitute for honey or sugar in recipes.

The processing involves extracting the sap from the agave plant, filtering it, and heating it to convert carbohydrates into sugars. Agave nectar has a lower glycemic index compared to other sweeteners. Store it in a cool, dry place. It is available in health food stores and online.

Beet Sugar

Extracted from sugar beets, beet sugar is a popular alternative to cane sugar. It has a sweet flavor with a subtle earthy undertone. The extraction process includes slicing the beets, extracting the juice, purifying it, and crystallizing it.

During this process, sugar crystals are separated and dried to produce chemically pure sucrose, ensuring the removal of molasses and other impurities. Like cane sugar, it provides a quick source of energy and contains essential minerals.

Store beet sugar in a sealed container in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh. It is available in health food stores and online.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is granulated sugar with added molasses, giving it a rich flavor and color. Dark brown sugar has a stronger, more intense molasses flavor compared to light brown sugar, which has a milder flavor and less moisture.

It is used in both sweet and savory dishes. To make it at home, combine sugar and molasses to the desired consistency. Store in an airtight container with a sugar saver to maintain moisture. Brown sugar is available in most supermarkets.

Cane Sugar

Cane sugar, derived from sugarcane, is one of the most commonly used sweeteners worldwide. Unrefined cane sugar, known for its natural molasses content and rich flavor, is often used in barbecue sauces, marinades, and desserts.

It offers a clean, sweet taste with a slight hint of caramel. The process involves extracting juice from the sugarcane, boiling it to form a thick syrup, and then crystallizing the syrup into sugar granules.

Nutritionally, it serves as a quick energy source and contains trace amounts of minerals like calcium and iron. To maintain its quality, store it in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping. Cane sugar can be purchased at most supermarkets and online grocery stores.

Caster Sugar

Superfine sugar, also known as caster sugar, is a finely ground granulated sugar that dissolves quickly. It is perfect for baking light and airy desserts like meringues and mousse and for mixing into beverages.

It is made by grinding granulated sugar into a finer texture. Caster sugar provides a smooth texture in cakes and meringues. To keep it fresh, store in an airtight container. It is widely available in supermarkets and online.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is made from the sap of coconut palm flower buds. It has a caramel-like taste and contains about 17% sucrose. The production involves boiling the sap into a thick syrup and then crystallizing it.

This is considered a healthier alternative due to its low glycemic index. Store in a cool, dry place. It is available in health food stores and online.

fork and spoon tracing with confectioners sugar on blue background

Confectioner Sugar

Confectioners sugar, also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar, is made from granulated sugar and cornstarch. It is commonly used in baking, making frosting, dusting baked goods, and coating doughnuts. The sugar is finely ground to a powdery consistency. Store in a sealed container to avoid clumping. It is available in most supermarkets.

Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar originates from Guyana and is known for its large, light brown crystals and sweet, nutty flavor. It is an unrefined sugar that retains some of the natural molasses.

The processing involves minimal refinement, preserving its distinctive taste. Demerara sugar adds a rich caramel flavor to recipes and is often used in baking and as a topping for oatmeal and desserts.

Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption. Demerara sugar can be purchased at grocery stores and online.

Evaporated Cane Juice

Evaporated cane juice is a less refined form of cane sugar, retaining more of the natural nutrients and flavors. It has a mild, sweet taste and is used as a natural sweetener in various foods.

The production involves extracting and evaporating the juice from sugarcane. Store in a cool, dry place. It is available in health food stores and online.

Free-Flowing Brown Sugar

Free-flowing brown sugar is a type of brown sugar that has been treated to prevent clumping, making it easy to pour. It retains the rich flavor of traditional brown sugar but is more convenient for baking and cooking. Store it in a cool, dry place. Free-flowing brown sugar is available in supermarkets.

Golden Syrup

Golden syrup is a thick, amber-colored syrup made from sugar cane or sugar beet juice. It has a rich, sweet flavor with a slight buttery taste. The production involves refining the sugarcane or sugar beet juice and reducing it to syrup. Store in a cool, dry place. Golden syrup is available in supermarkets and online.

Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees using nectar from flowers. It has a distinct, rich flavor that varies depending on the floral source.

Honey is often used as a natural substitute for processed sugars and is known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It does not require processing and is consumed in its natural state.

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. It is widely available in supermarkets and health food stores.

Invert Sugar

Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose created by splitting sucrose. It is sweeter than regular sugar and is often used in baking to retain moisture and improve texture.

The production involves hydrolyzing sucrose. Store in an airtight container. Invert sugar can be found in specialty baking stores and online.

Lactose

Lactose is a disaccharide sugar found primarily in milk and dairy products. It consists of glucose and galactose molecules. Common sources include milk, cheese, yogurt, and various dairy products. It is also used in some processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and as a stabilizer in numerous products.

Lactose enhances the texture and consistency of dairy products. It provides energy and contributes to the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for browning and flavor development in foods.

The body breaks down lactose using the enzyme lactase, converting it into glucose and galactose for absorption. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body produces insufficient lactase, leading to digestive issues.

Store lactose-containing products in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality. Lactose and lactose-containing products can be purchased at grocery stores and online.

Liquid Sugar (Simple Syrup)

Liquid sugar is a syrup made by dissolving granulated sugar in water. It is commonly used in beverages and baking for easy mixing. The processing involves heating and dissolving sugar in water to create a liquid form. Store it in a cool, dark place. Liquid sugar is available in supermarkets and online.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of sugar maple trees. It has a unique, rich flavor with hints of caramel and vanilla. The production involves collecting the sap, boiling it to evaporate water, and concentrating the sugars.

This sugar is rich in antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc. Store it in a cool, dark place, and refrigerate after opening. Maple syrup can be found in supermarkets and specialty food stores.

Molasses

Molasses is a thick, dark syrup produced as a byproduct of refining sugarcane or sugar beets into sugar. It has a robust, rich flavor and is used in baking and cooking for its unique taste.

It retains many of the vitamins and minerals from the sugarcane plant. Store in a cool, dark place. It is available in supermarkets and health food stores.

Muscovado Sugar

Muscovado sugar, also known as Barbados sugar, is an unrefined sugar made from pure cane sugar. Its rich, molasses-like flavor and dark color characterize it, making it ideal for barbecue sauces, marinades, and desserts.

The processing method includes evaporating cane juice until it crystallizes without removing the molasses content. This sugar is high in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc, providing more nutritional benefits than other refined sugars.

Store muscovado sugar in a cool, moist place, or use a sugar saver to prevent it from hardening. It is typically available in specialty food stores and online.

Palm Cane Sugar

Palm cane sugar is derived from the sap of palm trees. It has a distinct caramel-like flavor and is low in calories. The extraction involves boiling the sap until it crystallizes.

This sugar is rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Store palm cane sugar in a cool, dry place. It can be purchased in health food stores and online.

Pearl Sugar

Pearl sugar is created by dissolving cane sugar in water and molding it into smooth, pearl-like granules. It has a sweet, slightly caramelized flavor and is commonly used in baking, especially for making Belgian waffles and European pastries. The production process involves boiling sugar syrup and molding

Sanding Sugar

Sanding sugar is a refined sugar with large, coarse crystals that are often used for decorating baked goods. It is made by refining raw sugar until it achieves a high degree of purity.

This sugar doesn't dissolve easily, making it ideal for adding a crunchy texture and shine to cookies and cakes. Store it in a sealed container to maintain its quality. Sanding sugar can be found in baking supply stores and online.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane is a natural source of sugar, consumed directly by chewing on the stalks or processed to extract juice. The juice can be used fresh or boiled to make syrups.

It is rich in natural sugars and provides a quick energy boost. Store sugarcane in a cool, moist place. Fresh sugarcane is available in some supermarkets and specialty stores.

Trehalose

Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide sugar found in various organisms, including mushrooms, seaweeds, algae, and some insects. It is composed of two glucose molecules. Natural sources of trehalose include mushrooms, seaweeds, yeast, and honey. It is also used in processed foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Trehalose acts as a stabilizer, preservative, and sweetener. It helps maintain the texture, freshness, and flavor of foods. Trehalose is known for its moisture-retaining properties and protects biological structures from damage during freezing and dehydration.

The enzyme trehalase breaks down trehalose into two glucose molecules, which are then absorbed by the body. Trehalose has a lower glycemic index compared to other sugars, making it a preferred choice for certain dietary needs.

Store trehalose in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption. Trehalose can be purchased at grocery stores and online.

Turbinado Sugar

Turbinado sugar, also known as raw sugar, is minimally processed and retains more nutrients from the sugarcane juice. It boasts a light brown color and a mild molasses flavor that pairs well with baked goods and coffee.

The production process involves boiling the cane juice and spinning it in a turbine to remove molasses. Nutritionally, turbinado sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to refined white sugar, making it a better option for those managing blood sugar levels.

Store it in an airtight container to maintain its texture. You can find turbinado sugar in organic food stores and online retailers.

White Granulated Sugar

Table sugar, also known as white granulated sugar, is a refined sugar made from cane or beet sugar. It is the most common type of sugar used in households. Excessive consumption of table sugar is associated with health issues such as obesity and diabetes. White sugar is 100% carbohydrates and provides quick energy. Store in a cool, dry place. It is widely available in supermarkets and online.

FAQs

What Is the Healthiest Sugar

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people have different opinions on the healthiest sugar. Some people believe natural sugars, such as those found in fruits and honey, are the healthiest option.

Others believe added sugars, such as those found in processed foods, are the better choice. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of sugar they want to consume.

Is Stevia a Type of Sugar

Stevia is a type of sugar that is often used as a sweetener. It is natural sugar, and it is much sweeter than regular sugar. Stevia is often used in place of sugar in recipes and can be used to sweeten coffee or tea.

Stevia is a type of sugar that is derived from the stevia plant. It is a natural sweetener used for centuries in South America. Stevia is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, so it can be used in small amounts to sweeten foods and beverages.

23 Types of Sugar: Overview