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I see two types of sugar in the baking aisle that I can't differentiate: "granulated sugar" and "granulated cane sugar". The latter is considerably more expensive. So, what is the difference between granulated cane sugar and this (unspecified) granulated sugar, and why would I want to choose one over the other?

As I understand it, cane sugar is extracted exclusively from sugar cane, while the other kind (the one that is not labeled as cane) can be a mixture of sucrose from several sources. Is this difference enough to make one a better candidate when cooking? baking? sweetening tea/coffee?

Austin D
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5 Answers5

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There is no real difference between types of granulated, white sugar. The options you are likely to see are cane sugar and beet sugar. Granulated sugar from sugarcane is often considered "superior" to beet sugar by Americans, but the idea that cane sugar is in any way superior to beet sugar has no basis. Granulated beet sugar and granulated cane sugar are completely interchangeable and indistinguishable. Swapping them will cause no issue.

By the way - this is sugarcane:

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These are sugar beets:

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I'd post a picture of the granulated sugar made from each, but it seems kind of pointless as they look the same.

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On this question (almost an exact duplicate), some posters see a small difference. I never have. The difference between beet sugar and cane sugar

Community
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Jolenealaska
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In some regions, processing methods for commonly marketed sugar types are known to use or not use refining techniques using animal-derived ingredients. Some vegetarians will prefer the types not using such technique, or even avoid those that do.

rackandboneman
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Cane sugar does not contain galactose which is in beet sugar. This is of important consequence to people who are galactosemic. Beet sugar has also been processed using sodium bisulfite, and the residue may bother those allergic to sulfites.

Prairie Rose
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Beet sugar is made from sugar beets, which in the US are often treated with pesticide that cane sugar is not. Traces of said pesticides, minute though they may be are found in cane sugar.

This is why beekeepers will only use Cane Sugar to supplement their bees over the winter. Beet sugar can contaminate the honey.

Additionally, many beets are now GMO crops, while sugar cane is non-modified. https://www.gardenfork.tv/honeybee-sugar-syrup-why-use-only-cane-sugar/

Moz Empire
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Yes BUT i do not believe that beet sugar has the same setting property when it comes to jam making.

rumtscho
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Pepita
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