What is the Difference Between Brown Sugar and Raw Sugar?

The main difference between brown sugar and raw sugar lies in their composition and processing. Here are the key differences:

1. Composition: Brown sugar is made by combining white refined sugar crystals with molasses, which gives it a moist texture and a strong, rich flavor. In contrast, raw sugar is made from evaporated cane juice and retains most of its natural molasses content. It is the least refined sugar and has a light, golden brown color with a mild, caramel taste.
2. Refining Process: Brown sugar undergoes a more extensive refining process compared to raw sugar. The refining process for brown sugar involves removing all non-sugar components from the sugarcane juice, resulting in dry, fully refined crystals of white sugar. Molasses is then added back to the white sugar crystals to darken it and add the characteristic moisture and flavor. Raw sugar, on the other hand, is only filtered, evaporated, and spun, resulting in a less refined product.
3. Molasses Content: Brown sugar contains varying amounts of molasses, depending on its lightness or darkness. Light brown sugar contains about 3.5% molasses, while dark brown sugar usually contains around 6.5% molasses. Raw sugar retains most of its natural molasses content but does not have the same added molasses as brown sugar.
4. Flavor and Texture: Brown sugar has a warm caramel flavor and a toffee-like taste due to the addition of molasses. Raw sugar has a richer flavor than traditional processed white sugar but is not as sweet as brown sugar.

In summary, brown sugar is refined sugar combined with molasses, while raw sugar is less refined and retains more of its natural molasses content. Brown sugar has a deeper, richer flavor and a moister texture, while raw sugar has a milder, caramel-like taste and less refining.

Comparative Table: Brown Sugar vs Raw Sugar

Brown sugar and raw sugar differ in their production process, composition, and taste. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

In summary, brown sugar is made by mixing refined white sugar with molasses, giving it a moist, clumpy texture and a rich, sweet taste. Raw sugar, on the other hand, is made from evaporated cane juice and has a dry, grainy texture with a slightly less sweet taste. Both types of sugar can be used as sweeteners, but their different properties may affect the texture and taste of baked goods.