Introduction
Cane sugar is a type of sugar that is extracted from sugarcane plants. It is a natural sweetener composed of glucose and fructose and is used in a variety of food and beverage products. These are also known as sucrose. Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of the coconut palm tree. It is also known as coconut palm sugar. Let’s discuss in detail cane sugar vs coconut sugar (1).
Cane sugar
-
Production
The production of cane sugar involves several steps: cultivation of sugarcane, harvesting of the cane, extracting the juice, clarification, etc.
-
Processing
The processing of cane sugar involves stages that transform raw sugarcane into refined sugar products, with steps like extraction, clarification, evaporation of the clarified juice, separating the sugar crystals from liquid, packaging the dried sugar crystals, etc.
-
Refining
The refining process transforms raw sugar into pure white sugar products commonly used for cooking and baking.
Coconut sugar
-
Production
The production of coconut sugar involves steps like the collection of sap, filtering the sap of impurities, heating the evaporated sap, stirring, thickening of syrup, etc.
-
Processing
Processing of coconut sugar involves stages like filtering, heating of sap, granulation of the syrup, drying, packaging of the refined sugar, etc.
-
Refining
Coconut sugar goes through fewer refining steps compared to white granular cane sugar (2).
Chemical composition and nutritional profile of cane sugar
Cane sugar is made up of equal parts of glucose and fructose molecules, chemically bonded together. The chemical formula is
C12H22O11 (Glucose that is C6H12O6 + Fructose that is C6H12O6) = Sucrose
Cane sugar in its typical form is refined. It does not provide significant minerals, vitamins, or other nutrients. The basic nutritional profile for 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of cane sugar
- Calories: 15 calories
- Total carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Sugars: 4 grams (1).
Chemical composition and nutritional profile of coconut sugar
The chemical composition of coconut sugar is a little complex. It includes the components-
- Sucrose is composed of glucose and fructose.
- Glucose is a simple sugar.
- Invert sugar- they break down complex sugars.
- Fiber- Coconut sugar contains dietary fiber.
- Minerals- although the level is low but potassium, magnesium, and zinc are found.
A basic nutritional profile for 1 teaspoon(4 grams) of coconut sugar
- Calories- approximately 15 calories.
- Total carbohydrates- approximately 4 grams.
- Sugars- approximately 4 grams (2).
Glycemic index and blood sugar impact: cane sugar vs coconut sugar
Cane sugar |
Coconut sugar |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flavor profile and taste comparison
Cane sugar |
Coconut sugar |
|
|
|
|
Environmental impact and sustainability
Cane sugar |
Coconut sugar |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health benefits of cane sugar
-
Energy source
It provides a quick source of energy due to its carbohydrate content.
-
Mental performance
Consumption of cane sugar helps release good chemicals in the brain, which increases satisfactory senses.
-
Boost function
Like other carbohydrates, cane sugar triggers your body to create serotonin, a hormone that raises your mood.
-
Increases concentration
Consumption of cane sugar increases the concentration power of the brain by releasing hormones, which help to focus.
-
Dental health
Cane sugar keeps the gums healthy and makes the teeth appear whiter and healthier.
Health benefits of coconut sugar
- Lowers the glycemic index- it has less glycemic index compared to cane sugar, meaning the increase in blood sugar level is slow.
- Rich in nutrients- Coconut sugar contains iron, zinc, and calcium, which can have many health benefits, including stronger bones.
- Rich in antioxidants- Since coconut sugar is just dehydrated coconut sap, it’s considered a raw food—this means that it retains all the rich antioxidants found in the original source. Antioxidants fight off the oxidation of cells in the body, which helps combat aging.
- Prebiotic in nature- it is derived from the sap of coconut palm trees, which makes it a natural sweetener.
- Special diet- Coconut sugar contains healthy fats that are known to help prevent high cholesterol, hence it is included in special diets (3).
Choosing between cane and coconut sugar: factors to consider
Topic |
Coconut Sugar |
Cane Sugar |
| Glycemic index | It has a low glycemic index(35-40), which means it causes a slower blood level rise. | It has a high glycemic index(65-70), which causes fast changes in blood sugar. |
| Sustainability | The production of coconut sugar is sustainable and ethical as it does not harm trees. | The production of cane sugar is associated with unethical practices such as child labour and environmental damage. |
| Taste | It has a caramel-based, coconut texture. | It is sweeter in taste and round in texture. |
| Processing | It is simply boiled down from the sap of coconut palm trees, hence less processed. | It goes through several processes to extract the sugar from the cane plant. |
| Nutrients | It is rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, etc. | It is a source of empty calories, providing no significant nutrients (4). |
Summary
- Cane sugar is derived from sugarcane plants, whereas coconut sugar comes from the sap of coconut palm trees.
- Cane sugar gives a clean, neutral taste, whereas coconut sugar gives a coconut-based caramel taste.
- Both of them contain sucrose, a mixture of sugars.
- Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index(GI) compared to cane sugar, making it healthier.
- Coconut sugar is also environmentally friendly compared to cane sugar, as it does not include deforestation, water wastage, unlike the cultivation of sugarcane to make cane sugar.
- Both sugars should be consumed in moderate amounts due to their sugar content.