MEET THE SUGARS
On my quest to discover all sugars sold in stores from coast to coast, I found thousands of products and present them in groups based on their source material: sap, starch, fruit, and milk.
SUGARS BY THE SOURCE
There is A LOT to see here. Scroll down to explore it all or, if you are short on time, make your choice below:
What is Sugar, Anyway?

Chemically Speaking
Sugars are the smallest and simplest type of carbohydrates. They are easily digested and absorbed by the body. There are two types of sugar.
Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose) are small enough to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Double Sugars (sucrose, maltose, lactose), as the name implies, contain 2 simple sugars linked together; they are broken down in the body into simple sugars.
Caloric Sweeteners are made up of simple and/or double sugars in concentrated form.
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The term "sugar" encompasses a wide array of caloric sweeteners from many different sources, not only from cane and beet: Sucrose from cane and beet is what we most often refer to as "sugar". However, chemically speaking, "sugar" means a simple carbohydrate from any source and, from a food science perspective, it is used to indicate caloric sweeteners.
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Sources are saps, starches, fruits, and milk: Sugars may be concentrated saps (fluid, nectar) from plants such as sugarcane, sugarbeet, agave, maple trees, coconut palm tree, sorghum, and flowers. In addition, they may be produced by breaking down starches --- from corn, brown rice, barley, or tapioca. They may also be extracted from fruits and milk.
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No matter where those sweeteners come from, they contain two major portions—sugar and water. Honey is about 80 percent sugar, maple syrup is 66 percent, agave is 69 to 77 percent, and table sugar is 99.9 percent. The remaining is mostly water --- liquid sweeteners contain from about 20 to 35 percent water and granulated sweeteners from 0.03 to 7 percent water. They do differ in how they affect the taste and the texture of foods.
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Most sweeteners contain sucrose, glucose, and fructose in various proportions: Sucrose is a double sugar made up of two single sugars --- glucose and fructose --- stuck together. Because sucrose is split by digestive enzymes into glucose and fructose, our body recognizes those sweeteners as a blend of glucose and fructose. In most varieties of honey and agave nectar, fructose is present in higher amounts than glucose. Maple syrup, coconut sugar, cane and beet sweeteners have about the same amount of fructose and glucose. Starch-derived sweeteners such as barley malt, brown rice, tapioca, and corn syrups are fructose-free.
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We can buy sugar in a variety of forms such as granulated, cubes, tablets, liquids, and syrups. Sweeteners in solid or crystallized form, such as coconut, date, and table sugar, have over 90 percent sugars and provide about 15 calories per teaspoon. Sweeteners in liquid forms, such as in maple syrup, agave, and honey, have over 50 percent sugars and provide approximately 20 calories per teaspoon.
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The sweeteners I call "sugars" are referred to as "added sugars" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), American Heart Association, and in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020. The World Health Organization calls them "free sugars". The FDA defines those sweeteners (except blends) as "single-ingredient sugars" which are 'intended to be consumed alone or added to foods by consumers, and thus will be an added sugar to the diet when consumed'.
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This definition excludes intrinsic and intact sugars—also known as "naturally occurring"—found in whole foods like milk and fruits. Be aware that "naturally occurring" is not the same as "natural." Let's take fructose to draw a comparison. Fructose sold in the store is a natural sugar; it is a synthetic sweetener made from corn or table sugar. The fructose in an apple is a naturally occurring sugar. Read two of my blog posts to learn exactly what a natural sweetener means:
White Sugars
'White sugars' are refined sugars made from cane or beet. They are produced in several crystal sizes, such as granulated sugar, fine granulated, extra fine granulated, superfine sugar, ultrafine sugar, powdered sugar, fondant sugar, sanding sugar, sparkling sugar. They contain over 99.95 percent sucrose.Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar is a refined sugar with 99.95 percent sucrose (water being the main remainder). Also known as table sugar or simply 'sugar'. What most sugar manufacturers call granulated sugar is the white sugar with crystal size ranging from 0.3 to 0.55mm.Superfine Sugar
Superfine sugar is a refined sugar with crystal sizes from about 0.2 to 0.3mm. Also known as quick dissolve sugar. Contains 99.95 percent sucrose.Ultrafine Sugar
Ultrafine sugar is a refined sugar that typically has crystal sizes from 0.1 to 0.2mm. Contains 99.95 percent sucrose. Also called baker's special sugar, baker's sugar, or caster sugar.Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar typically has crystal sizes smaller than 0.1mm. Is also known as confectioners sugar. Due to its fineness nature, starch is added to powdered sugar to absorb moisture and let it free flowing. They contain 97 percent sucrose and 3 percent starch. Powdered sugars are produced in various crystal sizes determined by a 'X' factor. The higher the number prior to 'X', the finer it is.Fondant Sugar
Also known as icing sugar or frosting sugar. May be a cane or beet sugar. Due to its fineness nature, starch is added to absorb moisture and let it free flowing. They contain 97 percent sucrose and 3 percent starch.Sanding Sugar
Coarse sugars have larger crystals than granulated sugar. Coarse sugars are the purest of all refined sugars. Over 99.96 percent sucrose!Light Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is a refined sugar. Three types of brown sugar may be produced in a sugar refinery: light or golden brown, dark brown and free-flowing brown sugar.Light and dark brown sugars may be brown on the outside only or all the way though.
Dark Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is a refined sugar. Three types of brown sugar may be produced in a sugar refinery: light or golden brown, dark brown and free-flowing brown sugar.Light and dark brown sugars may be brown on the outside only or all the way though.
Pourable Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is a refined sugar. Three types of brown sugar may be produced in a sugar refinery: light or golden brown, dark brown and free-flowing brown sugar.Light and dark brown sugars may be brown on the outside only or all the way though.
Sugar Cubes & Tablets
Sugar cubes & tablets is granulated sugar that is moist with water and then compressed or molded into a particular shape.Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is simply a solution of sucrose in water. Simple syrups often contain about 50% sugar (sucrose) and 50% water; or 1 part of sugar for 1 part of water by weight.Commercial simple syrups may have additional ingredients that act as a preservative and help prevent crystallization (in cases where the syrup is more concentrated)
Invert Syrup
Invert cane syrup is a syrup containing mainly cane sugar and 'invert sugar' in water.To produce 'Invert sugar', an acid or the enzyme invertase is added to a syrup made with refined cane or beet sugar and water. The sucrose molecule (from the refined sugar) then breaks down into its component parts, glucose and fructose. The resulting syrup is called 'full invert' if about 90% of the sucrose is broken down or 'medium invert' if about 50% of the sucrose splits.
Mild Molasses
Mild molasses comes from the first boiling toward the production of sugar crystals. They are mildly bitter and sweet. They are also referred to as first-boil, light, golden, barbados or robust molasses.Dark Molasses
Dark Molasses is a by-product syrup remaining after the crystallization of Sucrose from cane in Sugar Mills. It is referred to as 'second molasses' because it comes from the second boiling toward the production of sugar crystals. It is also known as medium or full (flavored) molasses. It is darker in color, has more pronounced flavor, slightly more bitter taste and is slightly less sweet than the first molasses.Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap Molasses is a by-product of the refining process of cane sugar. It is the syrup left when no more sucrose can be crystallized. Also known as third or final molasses as it comes from the third and last boiling carried out in a Sugar Mill or a Sugar Refinery. Blackstrap molassesis the least sweet, the most bitter, and the darkest of all the cane molasses.
Beet Sugar
The most common beet sugars found on the market are (fine or extra fine) granulated sugar, (light or dark) brown sugar and confectioners sugarNon-GMO Beet Sugar
Non-GMO beet sugars & syrups are usually imported from Europe where genetically modified sugar beets are not grown. In the U.S., bioengineered sugar beets are grown and sent to sugar factories to be processed into refined sugar.Cane & Beet Sugar Blended
Some sugar marketers, such as United Sugars Corporation and Cargill, may combine cane and beet sugar. Some granulated, brown and confectioners sugars available on the market might be cane sugar mixed with beet sugar. Most store brands are a blend of both, unless the label states it is 'cane sugar'. By law, the use of the term 'sugar' in food labels is for cane or beet sugar only. Sugar manufacturers and distributors are not required to mention the source - if from beet or cane.Decorative Sugars
Decorative sugars, such as pearl sugars, are made by crushing blocks of white refined sugar or by pushing sugar through an extrusion die. Shaped like irregular little balls, these sugars are typically used to decorate the tops of baked goods as they do not melt during the baking process.Raw Cane Sugar
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Raw Sugar | Coarse Brown Crystals
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Demerara | Coarse Blonde Crystals
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Turbinado Sugar
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Turbinado Sugar | Coarse
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Evaporated Cane Juice
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Dried Cane Syrup
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Dehydrated Cane Juice
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Washed Sugar
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Natural Cane Sugar
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Natural Cane Sugar | Coarse
Raw cane sugar is any type of cane sugar refined through one cycle of crystallization and centrifugation, retaining trace amounts of the original cane molasses. They generally contain less than 2% molasses and 97 to 99% sucrose.They are also known and labeled as:
Evaporated cane sugar,
Raw sugar,
Washed sugar,
Turbinado sugar,
Demerara sugar,
Natural cane sugar,
Dried cane syrup,
Dehydrated cane juice, &
Less processed cane sugar.
Demerara Sugar Cubes
Cubes & Tablets from Raw Cane Sugar. Are obtained from raw sugar that is moist with water and then compressed or molded into a particular shape such as Cubes & Tablets. Contain over 95% sucrose. Commonly used to sweeten hot drinks.Organic Sugar
Organic sugar is a raw cane sugar with medium size crystals made from organic sugarcane and processed according USDA's Organic Standards. They retain trace amounts of the original cane molasses, consequently having blond color and a delicate molasses flavor. They contain 99.5% sucrose.Organic Sugar | Coarse
Organic cane sugars are raw sugars made from organic sugarcane and processed according USDA's Organic Standards. Are slightly less refined than table sugar but are much less processed. Retain small amounts of the original cane molasses (typically < 2%) consequently having blond color and a hint of molasses flavor. TYoically contain 97 to 99.5% sucrose.Organic Light Brown Sugar
Organic brown sugars are produced by adding organic cane molasses to organic sugar.Organic Dark Brown Sugar
Organic brown sugars are produced by adding organic cane molasses to organic sugar.Cane Syrup from Raw Sugar
Invert syrup may be produced from raw sugar. It is mainly raw cane sugar blended with 'invert sugar' and water. To produce 'Invert sugar', an acid or the enzyme invertase is added to a syrup made with raw cane sugar and water. The sucrose molecule (from the raw sugar) then breaks down into its component parts, glucose and fructose. The resulting syrup is called 'full invert' if about 90% of the sucrose is broken down or 'medium invert' if about 50% of the sucrose splits.Organic Blackstrap Molasses
Organic blackstrap molasses is a by-product of the refining process of organic raw cane sugars. It is produced in a Sugar Mill, which is always located close to cane plantations. Organic blackstrap molasses is slightly sweeter and less bitter than regular blackstrap molasses (produced in a Sugar Refinery). It is made from organic sugarcane and is processed according USDA's Organic Standards.Organic Molasses
Organic blackstrap molasses is a by-product of the refining process of organic raw cane sugars. It is produced in a Sugar Mill, which is always located close to cane plantations. Organic blackstrap molasses is slightly sweeter and less bitter than regular blackstrap molasses (produced in a Sugar Refinery). It is made from organic sugarcane and is processed according USDA's Organic Standards.Whole Cane Sugar
Whole cane sugar refining process involves collecting the cane juice, clarifying it and boiling its water off through slow simmering in open kettles.As cane juice is concentrated, a sticky dark syrup, called cane molasses, surrounds the pure sugar (sucrose) crystals. The color of the resulting brown sugars depends on the amount of the molasses they retain.
Unrefined Cane Sugar
Three types of cane sugar are produced: unrefined, raw and refined sugar. The least refined are the so-called 'unrefined', such as muscovado and Sucanat.Sucanat
Sucanat, which stands for Sugar Cane Natural, is not a traditional brown sugar, but it is an unrefined cane sugar produced by a drying process developed by the Swiss company Pronatec.Sucanat is a registered trademark of Wholesome Sweeteners Inc, from Sugar Land, TX.
Dark Muscovado
Traditional artisan brown sugars are produced in small batches for local markets with simple equipment and little capital using hundreds of years old know-how.Put simply, their refining process involves collecting the cane juice, clarifying it and boiling its water off through slow simmering in open kettles.
Light Muscovado
Traditional artisan brown sugars are produced in small batches for local markets with simple equipment and little capital using hundreds of years old know-how.Put simply, their refining process involves collecting the cane juice, clarifying it and boiling its water off through slow simmering in open kettles.
Jaggery
Sugars manufacturers & suppliers call 'unrefined cane sugar', any type of cane sugar that retains most of the original cane molasses around the sucrose crystals.But be aware: All cane sugars available to consumers are refined and processed. The so-called 'Unrefined cane sugars' go through a great deal of processing and are refined, but less than white sugars.
Panela
Traditional artisan brown sugars are produced in small batches for local markets with simple equipment and little capital using hundreds of years old know-how.Put simply, their refining process involves collecting the cane juice, clarifying it and boiling its water off through slow simmering in open kettles.
Panela | Ground
Traditional artisan brown sugars are produced in small batches for local markets with simple equipment and little capital using hundreds of years old know-how.Put simply, their refining process involves collecting the cane juice, clarifying it and boiling its water off through slow simmering in open kettles.
Piloncillo
Traditional artisan brown sugars are produced in small batches for local markets with simple equipment and little capital using hundreds of years old know-how.Put simply, their refining process involves collecting the cane juice, clarifying it and boiling its water off through slow simmering in open kettles.
Organic Evaporated Cane Juice
Traditional artisan brown sugars are produced in small batches for local markets with simple equipment and little capital using hundreds of years old know-how.Put simply, their refining process involves collecting the cane juice, clarifying it and boiling its water off through slow simmering in open kettles.
Okinawa Kokuto
Traditional artisan brown sugars are produced in small batches for local markets with simple equipment and little capital using hundreds of years old know-how.Put simply, their refining process involves collecting the cane juice, clarifying it and boiling its water off through slow simmering in open kettles.
Rapadura
Traditional artisan brown sugars are produced in small batches for local markets with simple equipment and little capital using hundreds of years old know-how.Put simply, their refining process involves collecting the cane juice, clarifying it and boiling its water off through slow simmering in open kettles.