What is Khandsari Called in English? Unpacking the Unrefined Sweetener

January 12, 2026 •

2 min read

With a rich history spanning over 2,000 years in India, khandsari is a traditional, unrefined sugar. For those unfamiliar with the term, the question of what is khandsari called in English is common, and the answer reveals its identity as a nutrient-rich alternative to processed white sugar.

Quick Summary

Khandsari is an unrefined, natural granulated sugar from India, known as muscovado sugar in English. It's produced using traditional, chemical-free methods that retain its natural molasses and minerals.

Key Points

English Name: Khandsari is most accurately known in English as muscovado sugar.
Unrefined Sweetener: It is a minimally processed, semi-crystalline cane sugar that retains its natural molasses.
Traditional Production: Made using a chemical-free, artisanal process of boiling sugarcane juice and centrifuging the crystals.
Rich in Minerals: Unlike white sugar, it contains trace minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium due to its minimal refining.
Healthier Alternative: Khandsari has a lower glycemic index and is often preferred for Ayurvedic preparations.
Distinct Flavor: It has a soft, moist texture and a rich, earthy, toffee-like flavor, making it excellent for baking and beverages.

The English Translation: Muscovado Sugar

In English, khandsari is most accurately referred to as muscovado sugar. It is also sometimes known by its Hindi name, 'desi khand'. This clarifies its identity as a minimally processed sweetener, distinguishing it from refined white sugar. The name muscovado is derived from a Portuguese term for unrefined sugar.

Understanding What Khandsari Is

Khandsari is a semi-crystalline, unrefined cane sugar from sugarcane juice. Unlike factory-produced sugars, its traditional preparation preserves natural molasses, giving it a soft, slightly gritty texture and an earthy, toffee-like flavor.

The Traditional Production Process

The production of khandsari is a traditional craft in India, avoiding harsh chemicals used in modern sugar refining. The process involves extracting sugarcane juice, boiling it into a thick syrup, allowing it to crystallize, and using a centrifuge to separate the crystals from molasses.

Khandsari's Health Profile

Khandsari is considered a healthier alternative to white sugar because it retains more nutrients and trace minerals.

Key Nutrients

Iron: Essential for blood health.
Calcium: Supports bone health.
Magnesium: Important for nerve and muscle function.
Potassium: Vital for regulating blood pressure.
Antioxidants: Help combat oxidative stress.

Lower Glycemic Index

Khandsari has a lower glycemic index (GI) than refined sugar, leading to a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, moderation is advised, especially for individuals with diabetes.

Khandsari vs. Other Common Sweeteners

A comparison helps highlight khandsari's unique properties:


Feature	Khandsari (Muscovado)	Refined White Sugar	Commercial Brown Sugar
Processing	Minimal, traditional process	Highly refined and bleached	Refined white sugar with added molasses
Color	Golden-brown to dark brown	Pure white	Light to dark brown
Texture	Soft, slightly gritty, and sticky	Fine, dry crystals	Moist and fine
Flavor	Rich, earthy, hint of toffee	Purely sweet	Caramel-like
Nutrients	Retains natural minerals	None	Minimal
Glycemic Index	Lower than refined sugar	High	High

Culinary Uses of Khandsari

Khandsari's rich flavor is versatile in cooking and baking. It's used in Indian sweets, beverages, and Ayurvedic preparations.

Conclusion: A Healthier, More Flavorful Choice

In English, khandsari is known as muscovado sugar. It is a natural, chemical-free sweetener with a rich history and superior flavor. Its minimal processing preserves minerals and provides a distinctive earthy caramel taste. Khandsari offers a wholesome alternative to refined sugars.

For more detailed information on muscovado sugar and its history, you can refer to the Wikipedia page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common and accurate English word for khandsari is muscovado sugar. It is also known as desi khand or unrefined cane sugar.

No, khandsari and commercial brown sugar are not the same. Khandsari is a genuinely unrefined, natural sugar, while most brown sugar on the market is simply refined white sugar with molasses added back in.

Khandsari is made by boiling sugarcane juice in open pans to form a thick syrup. This syrup is then left to crystallize naturally, and the crystals are separated from the molasses using a mechanical centrifuge.

Yes, khandsari is considered a healthier alternative because it is minimally processed, chemical-free, and retains natural minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. It also has a lower glycemic index.

While khandsari has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals with diabetes. Consulting a doctor is recommended for dietary changes.

Both are unrefined, but khandsari undergoes an extra step of crystallization and centrifugation, resulting in a granular texture. Jaggery (gur) is a less-processed, hardened block or paste made by simply concentrating the cane juice.

Yes, you can use khandsari as a replacement for regular sugar in most baking recipes. Its rich, toffee-like flavor can add extra depth to baked goods, though you may need to slightly adjust the liquid content due to its moist texture.