Does Shakkar Contain Sugar? Unpacking the Truth

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

While often marketed as a healthier alternative, the primary component of shakkar is, in fact, sugar, specifically sucrose. This unrefined product, also known as jaggery powder, retains minerals from the sugarcane juice, unlike heavily processed white sugar, but it is not sugar-free.

Quick Summary

Shakkar, or jaggery powder, is an unrefined sweetener made from concentrated sugarcane juice and primarily consists of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. It offers slightly more nutrients than white sugar but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and glycemic index levels.

Key Points

Shakkar is unrefined sugar: Shakkar, also known as jaggery powder, is made from concentrated and solidified sugarcane juice or palm sap.
Contains significant sugar: The product is primarily composed of sucrose, glucose, and fructose, so it is not sugar-free.
Retains trace minerals: Unlike refined white sugar, shakkar keeps some minerals and molasses, which gives it a richer flavor and slight nutritional edge.
Still high in calories: Despite the trace nutrients, shakkar is still energy-dense and high in calories, similar to refined sugar.
High glycemic index: Its high glycemic index means it can cause blood sugar spikes, and it is not suitable for diabetics or those seeking weight loss in large quantities.
Moderation is key: Health experts stress that both shakkar and refined sugar should be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar content.
Not a health food: It's better to get nutrients from whole foods rather than relying on any type of sugar substitute for nutritional benefits.

Understanding What Shakkar Is

Shakkar is a form of unrefined sugar commonly used in the Indian subcontinent, often referred to as jaggery powder. Unlike highly processed white sugar, shakkar is made by boiling concentrated sugarcane or palm sap and allowing it to solidify without separating the molasses and crystals. This traditional, less-processed method is the reason it retains some trace minerals, giving it a characteristic golden-brown color and a rich, caramel-like flavor.

The Production Process of Shakkar

The traditional process of making shakkar involves several key steps:

Extraction: Juice is pressed from harvested sugarcane stalks or sap is collected from palms.
Clarification: The raw juice is heated to remove impurities. Clarifying agents like lime may be used to settle unwanted particles.
Boiling and Concentration: The clarified juice is boiled down in large, shallow pans to evaporate the water and concentrate the sugar.
Solidification: The thickened mixture is allowed to cool and solidify, often in molds, before being processed into a powdered form (shakkar) or blocks (jaggery).

The Sugar Content of Shakkar

Despite being unrefined, shakkar is not sugar-free. Its composition is primarily sugar, a combination of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. According to a study cited by Medical News Today, 100 grams of jaggery contains between 65–85 grams of sucrose and 10–15 grams of fructose and glucose. This demonstrates that while it is less concentrated in sucrose than refined sugar, it remains a product whose core component is sugar.

Shakkar vs. Refined Sugar: A Comparison

The key difference lies in the level of processing and the presence of molasses. Refined white sugar is stripped of all molasses and impurities through chemical processing, leaving behind almost pure sucrose (99.7%). Shakkar retains the molasses, which is the source of its trace minerals and distinctive flavor.


Feature	Shakkar (Jaggery Powder)	Refined White Sugar
Processing	Unrefined, traditional boiling process	Heavily refined, multi-stage chemical process
Nutritional Value	Contains trace minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium) and antioxidants	Provides 'empty calories' with no significant nutrients
Sugar Composition	65-85% sucrose, 10-15% glucose and fructose	Almost 100% sucrose
Energy Release	Provides a slower, more sustained release of energy	Causes rapid blood sugar spikes
Taste	Rich, deep caramel or molasses flavor	Neutrally sweet

Health Considerations and Moderation

While the trace minerals found in shakkar offer some nutritional advantages over white sugar, it is not a health food and should still be consumed in moderation. The high calorie and sugar content can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar issues, particularly for individuals with diabetes. The high glycemic index of jaggery means it can still cause significant blood sugar increases, especially in large amounts.

This is why, despite containing minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium, it is recommended to get these nutrients from less calorific sources like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Substituting refined sugar with shakkar in recipes might add a small nutritional boost and a richer flavor, but it does not remove the health concerns associated with high sugar intake.

For those seeking healthier sweeteners, options with a genuinely low glycemic impact are better, but consultation with a healthcare professional is always recommended, especially for individuals managing conditions like diabetes. Excessive consumption of any sweetener, including shakkar, can have negative health consequences.

The Final Verdict

In summary, the answer to "does shakkar contain sugar?" is an unequivocal yes. Shakkar is a form of unrefined sugar, primarily composed of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. While it is a less processed alternative to refined white sugar and contains trace minerals, it is not a sugar-free product and carries the same health considerations regarding moderation. The perception that it is an entirely healthy substitute can be misleading, and it should be treated as any other sweetener in a balanced diet. Ultimately, for health-conscious individuals, reducing overall sugar intake—regardless of the source—is the most beneficial approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shakkar is a less refined alternative to white sugar, retaining some trace minerals like iron and calcium. However, it is still mostly sugar and provides a similar number of calories, meaning it should not be considered a 'health food' and should be used in moderation.

The primary ingredient in shakkar is sucrose, the same compound found in refined white sugar. In addition, it also contains glucose and fructose.

Diabetics should be cautious with shakkar. Its high glycemic index and sugar content can cause blood sugar spikes, so it is generally not recommended as a sugar substitute for those with diabetes.

The main difference is processing. Shakkar is unrefined, meaning it retains molasses and trace minerals. Refined white sugar undergoes extensive chemical processing that strips it of all nutrients, resulting in 'empty calories'.

The distinct, rich caramel-like flavor of shakkar comes from the molasses that is retained during its unrefined production process. This molasses is removed from refined white sugar.

Shakkar is essentially the powdered form of jaggery. Both are unrefined sweeteners made from sugarcane or palm sap, but they differ in their final texture.

While some sources may indicate a slight caloric difference, shakkar has a comparable calorie count to refined sugar (approximately 380 kcal vs 390 kcal per 100g). The focus should be on overall consumption rather than marginal differences.