Turbinado Sugar for Diabetics: Benefits, Risks & Alternatives

Turbinado sugar is a form of sugar created by the process of steaming unrefined sugar crystals. The resulting sweetener is a light brown color that has a taste similar to light brown sugar. Turbinado sugar is marketed as a healthier alternative to refined sugar.

Features

• Turbinado sugar has a light, golden brown color and larger crystals than brown sugar. It is dry, unlike brown sugar that is colored and flavored with molasses.

Effects

• Turbinado sugar is made from the juice of the sugar cane, which is sucrose. All sucrose products create a rise in blood sugar levels for diabetics.

Misconceptions

• Because turbinado sugar is made by steaming raw cane juice, it is marketed as healthier than refined white sugar. Raw sugar, or turbinado sugar, is not an alternative nonnutritive sweetener.

Considerations

• The amount of turbinado sugar, as with any sugar product introduced into the diet of a diabetic, should be discussed with a doctor. Turbinado sugar contains roughly the same amount of carbohydrates and calories as refined white sugar.

Fun Fact

• The name turbinado refers to the way raw sugar is made. The juice of the sugar cane is steamed to a syrup then spun in a centrifuge to create crystals, hence "turbine" from the spinning action.