Most of the sugar that is widely available is produced from sugar cane. It is crushed to extract the sweet juice, which is then heated and clarified.
Once the moisture has evaporated, it is known as raw sugar. The crystals in raw sugar are coarse and covered in a brown liquid coating called molasses. The raw sugar is refined to remove the molasses.
The crystals that remain behind are refined further to produce a pure white crystal. Brown sugar is not as refined as white sugar, and a small amount of molasses is left behind.
Different types of sugar
white sugar is versatile and can be used to sweeten
almost anything – from baking, jam and sweets to tea and coffee.
crystals. It is fine and light, and ideal for baking and making desserts. It is easy to work with as the finer crystals dissolve quickly and more easily than
ordinary granulated white sugar.
granulated sugar that has had an anti-caking ingredient (cornflour) added to it. It is mostly used to make
icing with which to decorate bakes.
It can also be used to make smooth, creamy desserts or in recipes for biscuits that require a fine crumb.
originates from the date palm. It has a delicate flavour and can be used in desserts and savoury dishes. It
is widely used in Asian and Indian cuisine.
been coloured with approved food colouring. It is used for making jams, cakes, preserves and home-brewed drinks, such as ginger beer.
from the Caribbean.
brown sugar where most of the molasses has been left behind. It is available as light or dark muscovado
sugar, depending on the amount of molasses it contains.
larger crystals that dissolve easily, making the jam less likely to burn. Some also contain pectin to help
ensure that the jam sets after cooking.
that has been formed into cubes which dissolve as soon as they are added to tea or coffee.
white or brown sugar crystals, with added flavourings such as coffee or strawberry. Use it for baking or as an
alternative to ordinary sugar at a tea party or in after-dinner coffee.
are coloured with approved food colourings. These sugars can be used for decorating bakes. They do not melt
when baked so they give a crunchy texture and attractive appearance to the final product.
Sugar tips