Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago
Total Sources: 53
Verified Claims: 38
Scientific Sources: 23
Organic cane sugar is a sweetener derived from sugar cane that is grown and processed according to organic farming standards, which limit the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers [30]. It is chemically similar to refined white sugar, composed primarily of sucrose, and provides a quick source of energy [18], [39].
Organic cane sugar is a type of sugar made from sugar cane, but it is produced using organic farming methods, which means no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used during cultivation [30].
Sweetening foods and beverages
Ingredient in baked goods
Ingredient in processed foods
First indications of sugar cane domestication [24]
China developed sugar cane cultivation techniques using technology acquired from India [24]
Crusaders returned to Europe from the Holy Land with sugar, calling it 'sweet salt' [24]
Advanced sugar presses were developed, doubling the amount of juice obtained from sugar cane [24]
Sugar was cultivated for large-scale refinement for the first time in Madeira [24]
Venetian merchants dominated the sugar trade [26]
Sugar cane was brought to the Americas in the 15th century, arriving first in Brazil by way of Portuguese traders [24].
The first German sugar refinery was built in Augsburg [26].
Edward Charles Howard developed a more fuel-efficient method of refining sugar [24].
Whole-stalk harvesters were successfully used to harvest cane in Louisiana [24].
Organic cane sugar is chemically similar to refined white sugar, composed primarily of sucrose [18], [39].
It provides a quick source of energy [39].
Excessive sugar consumption, regardless of the source, can have negative health impacts [14], [38].
Unrefined sugarcane products may have a protective effect on inflammation [22].
Dietary Sugar Intake and Incident Type 2 Diabetes Risk: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Dietary sugar consumed as a beverage (SSB and fruit juice) is associated with incident T2D risk. The results do not support the common assumption that dietary sugar (i.e., total sugar and sucrose), irrespective of type and amount, is consistently associated with increased T2D risk [7].
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 via regulating some of the inflammatory pathways and a favorable impact on cytokines secretion according to the results of in vitro and animal model studies [22], [49], [51].
Dietary sugar consumption and health: umbrella review
High dietary sugar consumption is generally more harmful than beneficial for health, especially in cardiometabolic disease [14].
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) [18].
While organic cane sugar may be perceived as a 'natural' alternative to refined sugar, its health effects are largely similar due to its high sucrose content. Therefore, it should still be consumed in moderation [48].
Stevia
Stevia is a natural, non-nutritive sweetener that has little to no calories and may help lower blood pressure [33], [34].
Where to find: Grocery stores, health food stores
Monk Fruit Extract
Monk fruit extract is a natural sweetener with zero calories and may have antioxidant properties [33], [34].
Where to find: Grocery stores, health food stores
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol with very few calories and minimal impact on blood sugar levels [33].
Where to find: Grocery stores, health food stores
Honey
Honey has a lower glycemic index than sugar and may lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity [34].
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup may be perceived as a better option simply because it is more 'natural' than highly refined table sugar [19].
Agave syrup
Agave syrup is mostly fructose, which does not directly raise blood sugar (glucose) levels [19].
Read nutrition labels to identify added sugars [37], [38], [39].
Be aware of the many names for added sugars, such as corn syrup, fructose, sucrose, and dextrose [38], [39].
Limit sugar-sweetened beverages, processed foods, and baked goods [14], [23], [38].
Opt for whole, unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables, which contain naturally occurring sugars along with beneficial nutrients [38], [47].
Gradually reduce the amount of sugar you add to foods and beverages to adjust your taste preferences [23].