Unrefined Sugar vs. Raw Sugar: Benefits and Differences

There are a number of different types of sugars available in the market. Typical markets offer choices of natural and artificial sweeteners. Sugar cane, stevia plants, corn and honey are some of the more common sources of sweeteners available and appear in a variety of forms in the grocery store aisles.

Unrefined Vs. Brown Sugar

• There are a number of conventions for labeling products, particularly when it comes to sweeteners. When it comes to sugar, the "unrefined" and "raw" types are identical in composition.

Definition

• Unrefined and raw sugars are those made from sugar cane juice that has been dehydrated in order to concentrate flavors. Unlike white, or "refined" sugar, molasses is allowed to remain, giving the sugars a distinctive taste and color.

Benefits

• Unrefined raw sugars are by definition less processed that typical white table sugar. Because sugar cane has negligible amounts of nutrients and minerals to begin with, neither varieties can be said to be beneficial for health. According to the World Health Organization, the consumption of all added sugar in the diet -- raw, unrefined or, otherwise -- should be limited to no more than 10 percent of daily caloric consumption.