1 Tsp Demerara Sugar, Washed, Raw contains about 15 calories. If you're looking for a natural sweetener to add to your coffee, tea or baked goods, demerara sugar might be the answer you're looking for. In this article, we'll explore the various aspects of demerara sugar, including its nutritional value, health benefits and more.

Demerara sugar is an unrefined sugar that originates from Guyana in South America. It's made from the first pressing of sugarcane, which retains more of the natural molasses than refined white sugar. This results in a slightly richer taste and darker color. Demerara sugar also has a coarser texture, making it a popular choice for topping baked goods like crumbles and pies.

If you're looking to switch out refined sugar for a more natural alternative, demerara sugar can be a great option. It's also a staple ingredient in many Caribbean and South American recipes.

Demerara Sugar Calories

1 Tsp Demerara Sugar, Washed, Raw contains about 15 calories. This amount may vary slightly depending on the brand, but it's generally a low-calorie option for a sweetener. Compared to table sugar, which has about 16 calories per teaspoon, demerara sugar is a slightly better option if you're watching your calorie intake. However, it's still important to use sweeteners in moderation in order to maintain a healthy diet.

Vitamins and Minerals in Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar contains small amounts of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and potassium. However, it's important to note that the amounts are not significant enough to make a substantial impact on your overall nutrient intake. While demerara sugar is not a significant source of nutrients, it does contain more trace minerals than refined white sugar, which is stripped of most of its natural vitamins and minerals during the refining process.

Health Benefits of Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar is a slightly more natural and less-processed option than refined white sugar. This means it contains more of the natural nutrients found in sugarcane, including molasses. Molasses is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to several potential health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, lower inflammation, and improved digestion. However, it's still important to use all sweeteners in moderation and as part of a balanced diet in order to achieve optimal health.

Demerara Sugar vs Refined Sugar

The main difference between demerara sugar and refined sugar is the level of processing. Demerara sugar is less processed than refined white sugar, which means it retains more of the natural molasses and minerals found in sugarcane. Refined white sugar has been stripped of most of its natural nutrients during the refining process, which results in a higher calorie content and a more uniform texture. While both types of sugar should be used in moderation, demerara sugar is generally considered to be a more natural and less-processed option.

Impact on Blood Sugar Levels

Demerara sugar has a slightly lower glycemic index than refined white sugar, which means it has a smaller impact on blood sugar levels. However, it's still important to use all sweeteners in moderation, especially if you have diabetes or are trying to manage your blood sugar levels.

Ways to Use Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar's coarse texture and rich flavor make it a great choice for topping baked goods like fruit crumbles and pies. It also adds a nice crunch and sweetness to granola and oatmeal. If you're a coffee or tea drinker, you can also use demerara sugar as a natural sweetener in place of regular sugar or artificial sweeteners. While demerara sugar is a versatile ingredient, it should still be used in moderation in order to maintain a healthy diet.

Alternatives to Demerara Sugar

If you're looking for a natural sweetener that's lower in calories and has more natural nutrients than table sugar, there are several alternatives to choose from. Some popular options include honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. These sweeteners have varying levels of sweetness and flavor profiles, so it's important to experiment and find the one that works best for you. Keep in mind that all sweeteners should be used in moderation in order to maintain a healthy diet.

Serving Size of Demerara Sugar

The recommended serving size for demerara sugar is 1 teaspoon. This will provide a slightly sweet taste to your coffee, tea or baked goods without adding too many calories. It's important to keep in mind that the total calorie content of a recipe or meal will depend on the serving size and other ingredients used. Always use sweeteners in moderation and as part of a healthy diet.

Ingredients in Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar is made from the first pressing of sugarcane, which retains more of the natural molasses and minerals found in the sugarcane plant. It's important to note that demerara sugar is still a form of added sugar and should be used in moderation.

Storage of Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This will help to prevent clumping and keep the sugar fresh for longer. If the sugar does become clumpy, you can try placing it in a food processor or blender to break up the clumps. However, this can also result in a finer texture, so it's important to be careful not to over-process the sugar.