Tag: Plant based sugar

According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, a significant portion of sugar in the United States is refined using bone char, a substance made from animal bones. This fact complicates the seemingly simple question: is sugar considered plant-based?

According to the World Health Organization, limiting free sugar intake is vital for long-term health, but what about 'natural' alternatives? Many health-conscious individuals wonder, is plant-based sugar better for you, and does it provide a healthier way to satisfy a sweet craving? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, depending on the type and processing involved.

Every green plant in existence produces its own sugar through a natural process called photosynthesis. So, what plants have sugar in concentrations high enough to be commercially harvested or enjoyed as sweeteners? While the process is universal, certain species are exceptionally efficient at producing and storing these carbohydrates.

Over 2 billion tons of sugarcane and sugar beets are produced annually, with these two plants serving as the primary source for the world's table sugar. This means that the sugar you sprinkle on your food is almost exclusively derived from plants, but the refining process is where the story can get more complex, sometimes involving animal products.

According to a report by food consultants Baum + Whiteman, 83% of US consumers are incorporating plant-based foods into their diets to improve their health and nutrition. This shift has put a spotlight on plant-based sugar alternatives, prompting a crucial question: **is plant-based sugar healthier** than its refined counterpart? The answer is more complex than a simple 'yes' or 'no.'

According to a 2025 study, the global palm sap sugar industry, a major source of plant-based sweeteners, is projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2027. While these alternatives are gaining popularity, the real question remains: how healthy is plant-based sugar compared to its conventional counterpart? This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the most common plant-derived sweeteners and their health implications.

Over 79 million people globally now follow a vegan or plant-based diet, necessitating a deeper look into all food sources, including sweeteners. Choosing the right vegan sugar is not always straightforward, as many commercially refined white and brown sugars are processed using animal bone char.