Sugar – Which Sugar Can I Use

Our energy cookie calls for a couple different sugars.

Raw Sugar aka Raw Cane Sugar – Raw sugars are produced directly from the cane juice in a sugar mill close to cane fields. After the juice is extracted and clarified, it undergoes a single-crystallization process. Crystals are then centrifuged to remove most of the cane molasses. Often raw cane sugar is organic. Costco sells this in a 10 lb bag.

What Is Demerara Sugar or Turbinado Sugar?

We use these sugars for the crunch and sparkle! Both are used as garnishing sugars in baking to add crunch to the tops of baked goods, and is also popular for sweetening coffee, tea, and other drinks. 

Demerara sugar is one of several types of sugar that are classified as “raw” sugars, along with turbinado sugar, as well as products described as raw cane sugar, washed sugar, evaporated cane juice, and others. Contrary to popular belief, raw sugars such as demerara do in fact undergo a high degree of refining. What the term “raw” indicates is that it has been crystallized only once, as opposed to twice for granulated white sugar. It’s named for the Dutch and then British colony in what is now Guyana where the sugar was first produced.

You can find Turbinado Sugar at Trader Joe’s and most stores. Demerara tends to be a little harder to find and a little more expensive. Either works beautifully sprinkled on our cookies.