Tag: Crystal sugar

Historically, crystallized sugar lumps have been used in India and Persia for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. The other name of Khadi shakkar, a traditional Indian sweetener, is most commonly known as Mishri or rock sugar.

As a naturally carbohydrate-based product, pure sugar is inherently gluten-free. The question, "Is crystal sugar gluten-free?" is straightforward at its core, but the answer depends heavily on how the sugar was processed and handled, particularly concerning potential cross-contamination.

An interesting fact is that crystal sugar, also known as coarse or decorating sugar, is specifically engineered to have large, reflective crystals that do not melt easily during baking. This unique property makes crystal sugar a key ingredient for adding both visual sparkle and a satisfying crunch to various baked goods.

According to nutritional data, refined sugar provides approximately 387 calories per 100 grams. The same is true for crystal sugar, which is a form of refined sucrose, meaning it offers a concentrated source of energy with no other nutritional benefits.

Almost 80% of the world's sugar is derived from sugarcane, but surprisingly, not all cane sugar is vegan. This raises a critical question for plant-based consumers: is Crystal sugar brand vegan? The good news is that, because Crystal sugar is derived from sugar beets, its refining process is inherently free of animal byproducts.