Tag: Whole cane sugar

Unlike refined white sugar which offers empty calories, panela retains more of the sugarcane's natural nutrients, including minerals. But is panela good for you as a healthier alternative or is it just sugar in a different form that should be used in moderation?

With annual consumption per capita in Colombia exceeding 34 kilograms, panela is a deeply ingrained part of Central and South American culture. Panela is a traditional, unrefined whole cane sugar known for its rich flavor and minimal processing. Unlike refined white or brown sugar, it retains the natural molasses from the sugarcane juice, giving it a distinctive caramel taste and color.

Sucanat was first introduced to the market in 1978 by the Swiss company Pronatec as a natural, healthy alternative to refined sugar. This unrefined whole cane sugar, whose name is a contraction of 'Sucre de Canne Naturel' (French for 'natural cane sugar'), has since gained popularity among health-conscious consumers for its minimal processing and robust flavor.

Minimally processed sugars have become a popular choice among health-conscious consumers, with unrefined options retaining more of their natural characteristics than their refined counterparts. Learning how do you know if sugar is unrefined is essential for anyone seeking more complex flavors and less-processed ingredients in their diet.