Nutrition Boomerang

brown sugar vs white sugar: which is better?

BROWN SUGAR VS WHITE SUGAR: WHICH IS BETTER?

White and brown, are the two most controversial colors of the food industry. We are always comparing the white and browns, before buying anything from the market. Most of the time, the food industry shows us that brown is better than white in terms of nutrients, calories, etc. We have been made to believe that brown sugar is better than white, brown rice is better than white rice, brown bread is better than white bread and the list goes on. People fall into these traps and end up choosing the wrong ones without really thinking about them. As I say don’t go after the front claims and spend some time reading the nutritional facts. Let’s begin: Brown sugar vs White sugar.

Know your food and think before you buy something. Obesity is one of the major health issues which different countries are facing. The marketing industry knows very well, how to put the stuff out on the shelf to boost sales. Front claims like lite, healthy, fat-free,0-sugar, etc are mostly used to fool the customers. It’s very easy to go to a supermarket and put anything in the market that claims to be healthy, but it takes little time and patience to read about the nutritional facts. That’s not a time waste, but an investment for the health.

Let’s not fall into this trap and compare the most commonly used brown and whites.

BROWN SUGAR VS WHITE SUGAR

Sugar is a natural ingredient that has been part of the human diet and is found in every kitchen. If you’re a health-conscious person, chances are that you take your diet very seriously. Chances are that you’ve built up healthy habits with time and follow them sincerely. Most of your life revolves around comparing the stuff: which is better, which is healthier, and the cycle continues.

Let’s compare the white sugar and brown sugar.

Brown sugar isn’t better than white sugar.

 Wooh, don’t panic.

This is true; they both are the same nutritionally and calorie-wise. The only difference between them is color, flavor and the process they both go through.

White and Brown sugar originates from the same crop i.e. Sugarcane or Sugar beet plant.

  • WHAT MAKES IT BROWN?: Brown sugar is just white sugar with molasses, which is sugar derived syrup. Molasses in brown sugar makes it brown and slightly increases its nutritional value. But, the amounts of these minerals are insignificant, so it is not any good source of vitamins or minerals.
  • A CALORIE COUNT: The calorie difference is insignificant, one teaspoon(4 grams) of brown sugar has 15 calories whereas white sugar has 16 calories. So, it doesn’t make a big exception when it comes to nutritional values and calorie content.
  • WHICH TASTES BETTER? : The major contrast lies in their taste and uses. Swapping the white sugar with brown gives a light caramel or brown color. Whereas, the while sugar gives the lighter color product.
  • A GOOD COOKING COMPANION?: Molasses in brown sugar retains moisture, which gives softer and denser baked goods. The baked goods made with white sugar will rise to a greater extent, allowing more air into dough and resulting in an airier texture. Because of these major differences, the white sugar is used in baked goods that require adequate rising, and brown sugar is used for dense baked goods. Both of them have a unique flavor profile, brown sugar has a deep, caramel or toffee-like flavor and white sugar is sweeter and has a neutral flavor.

TAKE AWAY:

  • Choosing between white sugar or brown sugar comes down to personal preferences. Select the one you like most, as they have almost the same amount of calories and nutrients.
  • All types of sugar should be consumed in moderation and let your personal preferences guide you as both of them have equal effects on health. Limit your sugar intake, as eating too much can create health problems.

Stay tuned for the next tussle between browns and whites of these food- industries.

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6 Comments

  • Reply
    Urvi Kunal Savla
    April 9, 2021 at 9:43 pm

    Its true that excess of sugar whether white or brown is not good for health. Well written and well explained article👍

    • Reply
      Kirti Sharma
      April 10, 2021 at 3:03 pm

      Yup I’m agree whether it’s white or brown sugar excessive use of anything is harmful. Thnx for sharing this amazing information 🙂

  • Reply
    Indiacafe24.com
    April 10, 2021 at 9:42 pm

    I am having a very bad sweet tooth. But yes using raw sugar daily is only 1/2 spoon a day for tea. Tasted both white sugar and brown sugar, but I am not addicted to raw sugar in any form, but yes, chocolates and sweets are my weakness

  • Reply
    Sweety Joshi
    April 11, 2021 at 12:48 pm

    Your comparison posts are really amazing! Informative as Always. Sugar is harmful wheather it’s white or brown. Thanks for this wonderful post.

  • Reply
    Blisslife
    April 11, 2021 at 4:51 pm

    Rightly said Vandana, it’s all about right way to take food. I am completely agree that moderation is key..If we know how to eat and how much eat than we can have anything..

  • Reply
    Shreya jain
    April 12, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    Such a informative article this is..and I totally agree on u in many terms. Thank for sharing.

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