8 Types of Sugar — Their Differences and Benefits
Sugar is a common ingredient used in various food and beverage products. It is a type of carbohydrate that provides energy to the body. However, not all sugar types are created equal. There are different types of sugar with varying nutritional values and benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss the seven types of sugar and their benefits. As a restaurant, business owner or manufacturer, choosing the right type of sugar can significantly impact the quality of your products and the satisfaction of your customers.
Did you know? In Thailand sugar is 1st agricultural export worldwide, statistics in January-September 2023 around 102,912.96 million baht: Information from the Department of International Trade Promotion
- Mill White Sugar
This type of sugar is the most common and widely used. Mill white sugar is made from sugarcane, it undergoes heavy processing where molasses and impurities are removed, resulting in fine crystals that are white in color. Mill white sugar has no additional nutrients and is known for causing sugar spikes. However, its fine texture makes it perfect for baking recipes, used in the food industry, soft drinks, and for household use.
2. Refined Sugar
This type of sugar is similar to mill white sugar. However, it goes through more refinement processes to remove any remaining impurities, which makes it whiter. Refined sugar is often used in food manufacturing and for household use.
3. Natural Sugar
Natural sugar comes from plant sources and includes honey, maple syrup, fruits, and agave nectar. They are often considered healthier choices as they contain additional nutrients and offer a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar. Natural sugar has a lower glycemic index than refined white sugar, which makes it ideal for people with diabetes.
4. Soft Brown Sugar
Soft brown sugar is a type of cane sugar that has molasses added to it. It has a moist texture and a caramel-like flavor that makes it perfect for baking recipes that require a rich taste and texture, such as chocolate chip cookies, cakes, and brownies. Soft brown sugar has molasses, which gives it a distinct caramel or toffee flavor and a lovely golden-brown color.
5. Cane Sugar
Cane sugar is made from sugarcane juice and is less refined than other types of sugar. It still has a high sugar content, but it includes trace amounts of minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium, which makes it beneficial for the body. Perfect for a variety of recipes.
6. Coconut Sugar
This sugar is an excellent alternative to refined white sugar. It is made from the sap in cut flower buds of the coconut palm tree. It has a low glycemic index and contains nutrients like potassium, calcium, and iron. It has a unique taste that is similar to brown sugar, making it perfect for baking recipes that require a rich flavor such as Thai desserts.
7. Glucose
Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is a simple sugar that is essential for our body to function properly. It is the primary source of energy for our cells and is absorbed into the bloodstream after digestion of carbohydrates. Glucose is commonly used in sports drinks and energy bars.
8. Icing Sugar or Powdered Sugar
The manufacturing process for icing sugar is mashed sugar and then mixed with a small amount of cornstarch to prevent clumping. Icing sugar is a common ingredient in baking and dessert recipes. It is used to make frostings, glazes, and icing for cakes, cookies, and pastries. One of the benefits of using icing sugar is that it dissolves easily, making it ideal for use in recipes that require a smooth texture.
Sugars play a vital role in the food industry. Each type of sugar has its unique taste, color, and nutritional value. While mill white sugar and refined sugar may be the most commonly used sugars, there are healthier alternatives such as cane sugar, natural sugar, and coconut sugar. As a restaurant, business, or manufacturer, it is essential to understand the different types of sugars available and their benefits. Choosing the right sugar can make a significant difference in your baked goods, drinks, and other menu offerings.
Please visit us at Food Farm Hub, we are an online business-to-business (B2B) marketplace for food and agricultural products. We offer buyers a one-stop platform to source verified suppliers of food and agricultural products from around the world.
