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Cane Juice Crystals

Summary

What it is

Common uses

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Cultural claims

Source sentiment

History

Timeline

Origin

Science

Key findings

Studies

Safety status

Nuance

Alternatives

Swaps

Avoidance tips

References

Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago

Cane Juice Crystals

ingredientAdded Sugars

Total Sources: 54

Verified Claims: 25

Scientific Sources: 18

Also known as: Crystallized Cane Juice

Summary

Cane juice crystals are a type of sweetener derived from sugarcane juice. They are produced by evaporating the water content of the juice, leaving behind crystallized sugar [21].

What it is

Cane juice crystals, also known as non-centrifugal sugar (NCS), whole cane sugar, or evaporated cane juice, are a minimally processed sweetener made by evaporating water from sugarcane juice [6], [21]. This process retains more of the sugarcane's natural components compared to refined sugars [6].

Common uses

Sweetening beverages
Baking
Used as a general-purpose sweetener in food products

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Moderate. There is anxiety stemming from potential misleading labeling and the health effects of consuming added sugars [13], [14], [19].

Cultural claims

Some marketers promote cane juice crystals as a 'natural' or healthier alternative to refined sugar [19], [20].
Non-centrifugal sugar (NCS) is known by different names in the world, such as panela (Latin America), jaggery (South Asia) and kokuto (Japan) [21].

Source sentiment

The sources show a mixed sentiment. Some sources highlight potential benefits of less processed cane juice crystals, while others, including the FDA, emphasize that it is essentially sugar and should be labeled as such [14], [20].

History

Timeline

8000

First probable domestication of sugar cane by the indigenous people of New Guinea, who chewed it raw [48]

1544

The British refining industry began with two refineries established in London [48].

2016

The FDA issued guidance stating that 'evaporated cane juice' is a misleading term and should be labeled as 'sugar' [13], [14], [20], [53], [54].

Origin

The first chemically refined sugar was produced in India around 2,500 years ago [48].

First appeared: 2500

Science

Key findings

Non-centrifugal sugar (NCS) retains more minerals and antioxidants compared to refined sugar [6], [21].
Excessive sugar consumption, including cane juice crystals, is associated with negative health outcomes such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes [15], [17], [27].

Studies

Relationship between the mineral content of sugarcane and its genuine derivative, non-centrifugal raw cane sugar

Non-centrifugal raw cane sugar (NRCS) contains minerals and phytochemicals that may benefit human health, with its mineral composition influenced by soil fertilization [6].

Health Effects of Non-Centrifugal Sugar (NCS): A Review

Non-centrifugal sugar (NCS) may have immunological, anti-toxicity, cytoprotective, and anti-cariogenic effects, potentially due to the presence of iron, chromium, and antioxidants [21].

The Effect of Unrefined Sugar on Inflammation: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies

Unrefined sugarcane products, including jaggery, may have a protective effect on inflammation by regulating inflammatory pathways and impacting cytokine secretion based on in vitro and animal studies [22], [52].

Safety status

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as sucrose, but should be consumed in moderation [25].

Nuance

While cane juice crystals may retain some nutrients, they are still a form of sugar, and their consumption should be limited as part of a healthy diet [15], [17], [28].

Alternatives

Honey
Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and has a lower glycemic index than sugar [30].
Where to find: Grocery stores

Stevia
May help lower blood pressure and improve blood sugar levels [30].
Where to find: Grocery stores, health food stores

Molasses
Contains iron and may have positive effects on glucose regulation [23], [28].

Avoidance tips

Read food labels carefully to identify added sugars, including cane juice crystals [15], [17], [32].
Be aware of the many different names for sugar on ingredient lists [32], [36].
Choose whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible to minimize added sugar intake [16], [32].