Both demerara and turbinado are known as “raw” sugars because they’re only crystallized once from sugarcane. [2] X Research source Depending on the brand, turbinado is slightly darker in color than demerara (due to its molasses content). [3] X Research source
Plain white sugar is extremely refined, so it’s 100% sucrose, making it significantly sweeter than demerara and turbinado. [5] X Research source Demerara and turbinado are minimally processed, so they’re composed of sucrose and minerals: demerara is 88-93% sucrose, while turbinado is 96-99% sucrose. [6] X Research source
Store both sugars in air-tight containers to maintain their freshness and texture. Make a sugar scrub with demerara sugar if you want extra exfoliation; the granules are excellent at sloughing off dead skin cells.
Sugar became a staple in Britain during the late 19th century, when the working class incorporated tea and sugar into their regular diet. [9] X Research source
Sprinkle demerara sugar on top of crème brulee for a crispy, caramelized finish. When making chocolate muffins, add coarse sea salt and demerara sugar on top for more depth and crunch.
Swap turbinado sugar for plain white sugar when making banana bread; it creates a moister, denser texture. For bourbon or rum cocktails, make a sugar syrup with turbinado sugar to add a smoky molasses taste.
Either sugar works, but demerara has a more subtle flavor that may suit more beverages. If you want to reduce sugar in your diet, only add 1 teaspoon (4. 9 g) of sugar to your drink. [11] X Trustworthy Source Health. gov Online collection of health and fitness standards set by the U. S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Go to source For cold drinks, make a simple syrup with demerara or turbinado to avoid any annoying grains.
There’s no such thing as a “healthy” added sweetener, so use sugar sparingly and choose the right type based on your preferred flavor and texture. [13] X Research source
