What is Organic Cane Sugar


Kitchen Knowledge Lifestyle | Published August 11, 2022 by Mimi Council

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If you have been following along with me for a while, then you know all of my recipes will note to use organic cane sugar. But, if you don't know what cane sugar is, that may be confusing. Organic cane sugar is the sugar I choose to use for all of my baking recipes because I think it's the best. So, I'm going to explain why.

If you're looking for more kitchen knowledge, check out some of my other posts like Easy Egg Replacers for Baking, How to Freeze Cookies Properly, or What is Kamut Flour?

sugar in a bowl

What is cane sugar?

Cane sugar is sugar made from sugarcane. Organic cane sugar is made from sugarcane that has been harvested using organic practices. Now, sometimes you will even see the Fair Trade logo on cane sugar, and this means that it is also fair trade. If you aren't familiar with this label, read my post Food Labels and What They Mean to learn more.

What is the difference between organic cane sugar and granulated sugar?

White granulated sugar comes from either sugarcane or sugar beets. While, organic cane sugar is made specifically from sugarcane harvested organically. Sugarcane is a crop, so unless you’re buying organic it is most likely being sprayed with chemicals or grown using GMOs, or both.

Granulated white sugar comes from either sugarcane or sugar beets. After it’s harvested, it is processed though a chemical and filtration process that strips it of all its natural vitamins and minerals. What you are left with is just carbs!

With organic cane sugar, after it is harvested it’s crushed to extract the cane juice. This juice is boiled, spun, and dried — which leaves sugar crystals. The processing is minimal leaving those natural vitamins in tact and leaving the sugar in a more pure form. Hence, the larger crystals and color difference in organic cane sugar versus granulated white sugar.

So, when you bake with organic cane sugar versus white granulated sugar, your baked goods will differ in color because of this. But, they are interchangeable with a 1 to 1 ratio. So, it's very easy to make the switch. I prefer to use organic cane sugar as I think it's a more pure form of sugar. Not only that, but I also think it tastes better!

What is the benefit of using organic cane sugar?

Organic cane sugar has a different taste and flavor that I believe is better than the traditional granulated white sugar. This is the reason I started using it so long ago. But, I believe there is always a health benefit to eating a more pure food, versus one that has been processed more. So, this is also why I continue to only use organic cane sugar.

Also, according to WebMD – organic cane sugar can help you have more energy as well as store energy as healthy fats. It can do this even above brown sugar, molasses, and honey! So, yeah… I love organic cane sugar!

Tips for Using Organic Cane Sugar in Recipes

You may be timid to switch to an organic cane sugar because you are just so familiar with your granulated white sugar, and it's what you know. However, I am going to try to sway you to make the switch because I am confident you'll like it even more if you just give it a try!

1 to 1 Ratio: I have heard people complain saying that “their recipe didn't workout”. Now, organic cane sugar can be substituted in a 1 to 1 ratio for granulated white sugar. That means if your recipe calls for 1 cup or granulated white sugar, you can simply use 1 cup of organic cane sugar in its place. So, there is no reason why your recipe “won't workout” simply by switching to this sugar. Something else must have gone wrong if that is the case! So, I'll put your mind at ease with that one right there.

Slightly Darker in Color: I have also heard people say “my recipe looks different than normal”. Yes, this is true because organic cane sugar looks different than granulated white sugar. So, your final recipe will also reflect that difference in its looks. That difference will most likely be a little bit darker color (and better flavor!).

Meringue: If making meringue or whipped creams, I highly recommend adding the organic cane sugar into your egg whites or heavy whipping cream at the beginning and not gradually over time. I say this because with organic cane sugar, the crystals are larger, so it can take a little more time to dissolve in these types of recipes. And, I do this in my Strawberry French Macarons and my Homemade Whipped Cream and have no issues! So, you can too!

sugar in a bowl on the counter

The Best Organic Cane Sugar to Buy

If you are ready to make the switch from granulated white sugar to organic cane sugar – yay! I'm so excited for you to eat a better for you sugar that will also enhance the flavor of your baked goods. So, now which one do you buy?

There are many organic cane sugars on the market that I think are great and work amazing. So, I'm listing my favorites here. So, look for these in your grocery store the next time you're shopping or buy them online (like I do most of the time!). Florida Crystals Organic Cane Sugar

Costco Kirkland Organic Cane Sugar: This one is the best if you're a frequent baker. Their 10-pound bag size gives you more organic cane sugar than you'd find at the grocery store – and the price is always the best! I buy this sugar all the time!

Florida Crystals Organic Cane Sugar: I love Florida Crystals, and they make amazing organic sugar harvested right here in the USA on their Florida farm. They are also carbon free, which I love!

Wholesome Organic Cane Sugar: Wholesome Sweeteners makes so many amazing products – sugar included. This is the brand I used in my bake shop when I had it! So, their organic cane sugar is amazing.

O Organics Organic Cane Sugar: If you don't see any of these at your local grocery store or don't want to shop online then try going to Vons and checking out their organic cane sugar. We have Vons here, and I use this one whenever I run out of organic cane sugar at home. Also, this one is the most fine of all the brands – so if you are timid about switching start here as you'll have a finer organic cane sugar with this option!

eggless chocolate chocolate chip cookies

The Takeaway

Organic cane sugar is the organic version of traditional granulated sugar. The sugar is not as processed as granulated sugar, making it more pure, and a little bit healthier (or as healthy as sugar can be!). So, I hope I have swayed you to think about making the switch from white granulated sugar to organic cane sugar. This is a simple switch you can do to start eating and living more organically as all it is is purchasing a different ingredient. Your recipes and baking all stays the time, but you're making a better choice for your health and the environment!

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2 responses to “What is Organic Cane Sugar”

  1. Lori Schumacher says:

    Great info! I started using organic cane sugar (as well as brown and powdered versions) when I started baking with your cookie recipes. Never looked back and good to know the overall health benefits!

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