Different Types of Sugar

The most obvious difference between types of sugars used in the home is colour.

When sugar has been extracted from the juice of the beet or cane plant, a strong tasting black syrup (known as molasses) remains. When white sugar is made, the molasses are entirely removed, whereas brown sugars retain varying amounts of this natural syrup. The more molasses in brown sugar, the stickier the crystals, the darker the colour and the stronger the flavour. However, the presence of molasses does not change sugar's nutritional value.

A pinch of sugar on the tongue is a traditional remedy for hiccups

A grain of sugar under the microscope is a translucent crystal, reflecting light from its 14 facets like a jewel

Our great grandmothers used sugar to starch their petticoats

Sugar may help people stick to slimming diets

Despite the array of dietary regimes available, success in losing weight and maintaining weight loss is rarely achieved.

Aren't naturally occurring sugars healthier than added sugar?

There are many different types of sugar, including glucose (dextrose), fructose, sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar) and maltose. All these sugars occur naturally, and all are added to certain foods during manufacture. Most fruit and vegetables contain a mixture of glucose, fructose and sucrose: