Sweet Talking: The Sugar Basics

If you’ve wandered through the Bulk department or the baking section in Aisle 1, you know there are a plethora of sweet, sugary options to choose from. So many options, it may seem, that it can get difficult to choose! From white sugar to confectioners’ to turbinado, what’s the difference between them all?

White sugar/Granulated sugar –

What is it?

White or granulated sugar is sugar that has been processed and refined from the raw sugar of sugar cane or sugar beets. When raw sugar is refined, the brown molasses is removed, leaving the sugar a white crystal.

What do I use it for?

Any recipe that calls for standard sugar would refer to white sugar (although you can choose to make substitutions based on your taste preferences.) It dissolves quite easily and has a mild, sweet taste, so it is great for delicate flavors in baking.

Light brown sugar –

What is it?

Brown sugar is refined white sugar that has molasses re-added to it. Because of this, brown sugar is actually the most processed type of sugar. Light brown sugar has less molasses added than dark brown sugar.

What do I use it for?

Brown sugar is a great in baked goods for a slight caramel-y flavor and moist texture. When substituting half the sugar that a recipe calls for with brown sugar, the result will be softer, chewier, and slightly darker. Because brown sugar has more moisture than white, be careful with changing a baked good recipe. Usually when a recipe calls for brown sugar, it should be “packed” into the measuring spoon for accurate measurement.

Dark brown sugar –

What is it?

Like light brown sugar, dark brown sugar is refined white sugar that has molasses re-added to it. Dark brown sugar has more molasses added than light brown.

What do I use it for?

Dark brown sugar, like light, will add flavor and moisture to a recipe. It can be used in baked goods, and is especially delicious in pork rub or a homemade barbeque sauce, where smoky flavors pair nicely with the dark, rich flavor of this sugar. Usually when a recipe calls for brown sugar, it should be “packed” into the measuring spoon for accurate measurement.

Powdered sugar/Confectioners’ sugar –

What is it?

Powdered sugar may also be known as icing sugar or confectioner’s sugar. It is white sugar that has been super-finely ground and contains a small amount of cornstarch.

What do I use it for?

This is the sugar to use when making frosting or glazes, for dusting over delicate confections, or for sweetening whipped cream. It tastes sweeter than more coarsely milled sugar because more surface area on the granules touch your taste buds. In a pinch and don’t have this item in your pantry? You can put granulated sugar with a pinch of cornstarch in a food processer until you get the right consistency. Confectioners’ sugar tends to clump, so you may want to use a sifter to make it easier to work with.

Raw cane sugar –

What is it?

The definition of raw cane sugar can vary. The general idea is that it is unrefined sugar, but can include turbinado, sucanat, and other varieties of minimally processed sugars.

What do I use it for?

It is an easy 1-for-1 substitution for white sugar. Depending on the type, it can add varying levels of flavor complexity to a recipe. Although the nutritional value is no different than white sugar, it is less impactful on the environment due to its minimal processing. Use it for baking, in coffee, or to make caramel.

Turbinado –

What is it?

Turbinado sugar is a raw sugar that comes from the first pressing of the sugar cane, so it contains some natural molasses, but not as much as sucanat. It is a lighter brown color and has a caramelized taste.

What do I use it for?

Turbinado sugar is a great substitution for granulated sugar. Because of its slightly bolder taste, it will add a warming richness to your recipe. Try it in your morning cup of Joe for a flavor boost!

Sucanat –

What is it?

This is crystalized pure cane sugar that has not been refined to remove any molasses. It is a medium dark brown and is one of the most flavorful raw sugars.

What do I use it for?

Its flavor can be quite intense, but is great for baking with spices or other recipes with a lot of depth. Try it instead of brown sugar in a pulled pork or barbeque recipe.