3 min read
Brown sugar is not exclusively cane-derived
Emilia Szymańska
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Diets Premium Expert • 24.09.2026
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Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian:
This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.
| Diets Premium Expert Emilia Szymańska | min read 3 min | Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 24.09.2026 |
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Key Takeaways
Brown sugar may be derived from sugar cane, but not all brown sugar is necessarily cane sugar. Are brown sugar and cane sugar the same? It is advisable to check the ingredients before purchasing. Under the label "brown sugar," one may find ordinary white sugar from sugar beets that has been artificially colored with caramel.
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Brown sugar and cane sugar
Brown sugar is a brown sugar, but it is not always brown. Not necessarily! Brown sugar and cane sugar are they the same products? Before buying it is worth checking the composition of the product. Under the name brown sugar you can find ordinary white sugar produced from sugar beet which has been coloured with caramel.
Nutritional properties of brown sugar vitamins and minerals
The other one percent is minerals. These are iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, but these amounts are small enough that they have no dietary significance. The myth is that brown sugar is healthier than white. Research by scientists has clearly shown that there is a link between excessive sugar consumption and type 2 diabetes. It also affects the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Brown sugar is calories
The calorie content of brown sugar is only slightly lower than that of white, and it's about 396 calories per 100 grams.
Does it even matter how many calories a tablespoon of brown sugar has?
Usually, a teaspoon contains about 14 grams of sugar, so how many calories does a tablespoon of brown sugar have?
The use of brown sugar
Brown sugar produced from sugar beets owes its brown colour to molasses. Brown sugar, i.e. cane sugar, is much more expensive than its white cousin, and this does not lead to an increase in its nutritional value. It is used interchangeably basically only because of its attractive appearance, which suits drinks and beverages.
How do you make brown sugar?
But if you need to use brown sugar for decorative purposes, like pouring sweet pastries or pouring the edges of glasses, you can dye white sugar into brown molasses.
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