Sugar can sometimes get a bad rap in the health food world, but with an “everything in moderation” policy, most of us can enjoy a sprinkling here and there. So let’s celebrate all this ingredient can do, and take a look at some of the best brands to shop for. Unlike white sugar, cane sugar is unrefined, and if you choose an organic option, it’ll be free of the pesticides that are commonly used on conventionally-grown sugarcane. In addition to starting with a higher quality ingredients, organic cane sugar also has better flavor because it’s less processed, which means your baked goods will taste even better.

What Are the Different Types of Sugar?

When you branch out from white flour in baking, a world of possibilities opens up, and sugar is no different. Plain cane sugar is a tried-and-true baking ingredient for a reason, but there are other sugar sweeteners that can add depth of flavor.

• Cane sugar: Cane sugar is an unrefined sweetener made from the sugarcane plant. After the plant matures (which can take up to one year), the stems are harvested, flattened, and squeezed to expose all the natural cane juice, which gets boiled and turned into the sugar crystals you see inside each bag.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar undergoes a similar process to cane sugar, but the key difference is the addition of molasses. This thick sweetener is added to cane sugar to create the signature brown color (and rich flavor).
• Turbinado sugar: Sometimes referred to as “natural brown sugar,” turbinado sugar has notes of butterscotch and caramel, and a slightly milder flavor than brown sugar. It’s a star in banana bread and muffins, and can even sweeten your tea or coffee.
• Powdered sugar: For icings, there’s no better option than powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar. It’s regular sugar that’s been finely ground in a special mill that turns it into a soft powder so your creations will be free from clumps.

Top Cane Sugar Brands

When you open your baking drawer, these are the top cane sugar brands you’ll want to see inside.

Wholesome

Wholesome has been making baking products since 2001. The entire line is organic, pesticide-free, and fair trade, making it a great option to be your baking partner in the kitchen. There are a range of sugars to enjoy, as well as alternatives like agave and molasses.

Thrive Market

Thrive Market Goods offers a range of sweeteners to cover all your everyday baking needs. Choose from traditional options like cane sugar and brown sugar, or alternatives like honey and Switch. No matter what you reach for, it’s all organic, non-GMO, and ready for your next recipe.

Best Cane Sugar

For the best cane sugar, give these bags a try.

Thrive Market Organic Cane Sugar

This organic cane sugar isn’t refined or bleached like conventional sugars. Every bag is ethically sourced from fair trade farms, and can be used as a 1:1 swap for refined white sugar in all your favorite recipes.

Wholesome Organic Raw Turbinado Sugar

Sweeten up your baked goods with raw turbinado sugar. It’s golden in color and is known for its large, sparkling crystals. It’s perfect for using in recipes, but you can also sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of muffins and cookies to add the perfect crunchy topping.

Wholesome Organic Dark Brown Sugar

You’ll love the soft and moist texture of this organic brown sugar that’ll be right at home in your next pie, cake, or batch of cookies. You can also use it in savory recipes like BBQ sauces or baked beans.

Organic Cane Sugar

The best organic cane sugar is easy to find when you shop Thrive Market’s digital shelves.

Thrive Market Organic Light Brown Sugar

Made by cooking down fair trade and ethically sourced sugarcane juice, this golden powder is free from preservatives and chemicals.

Wholesome Organic Sucanat

As a stand-in for regular sugar, sucanat is a top choice. It’s a natural cane sugar that’s made by extracting the juice from sugarcane, then beating it with specially-designed paddles to form its signature granules.

Thrive Market Organic Powdered Sugar

This bag of organic powdered sugar is made by grinding cane sugar into a fine, white powder. A touch of tapioca starch helps keep the sugar from clumping, and you’ll love how easily it creates signature icings.

Recipes and Tips for Baking With Sugar

Don’t let all the choices stop you from getting into the kitchen.

Learn About White Sugar Versus Brown Sugar

Should your next cake use white sugar, brown sugar, or both? This post breaks down the key differences between these popular sugar options.

Try This Cinnamon Sugar Lip Scrub

Sugar isn’t just for the kitchen. You can use it to create an affordable DIY scrub that’ll make your lips extra smooth. It makes a perfect hostess or bridesmaid gift as well!

All About Raw Sugar

Bags of sugar in the raw are often within easy reach on restaurant tables, but what’s inside the bag? We take a look at how it’s made, and offer some substitutes if you’re looking to swap your sugar choices.