Globally, there is increasing awareness about the ill effects of too much of sugar consumption. Consequently, there has been a noticeable change in dietary habits of fitness conscious individuals. This includes the use of alternatives for sweetening, and the shift is towards natural sources of sweeteners as substitutes. This has long been overdue as the need for an alternative has given rise to an unhealthy trend of consuming products that have been linked to adverse health issues. While brown sugar has been acknowledged as a healthy alternative to sugar, there are variations available, such as light brown sugar. We will look at the difference between light and dark brown sugar to understand if the variations have any impact on the user. This in-depth view will provide factual information about the variations and provide the right perspective to help you choose rightly.
What is brown sugar and what is the difference between light and dark brown sugar?
Essentially, brown sugar is sourced from molasses, and is an unrefined form of sugar. As a result of the raw form, it has greater nutritional value than white sugar, apart from the most important difference of lesser calories than its white counterpart. The presence of other natural components in the raw sugar ensures that it delivers better nutritional value. Before we look at the difference between light and dark brown sugar, it is important to understand a little more about brown sugar.
The brown color in the sugar is attributed to the molasses in the sugar crystals. As the sugar is either unrefined or partially refined the brown color (with subtle variations) is retained. This quality of sugar is distinct by the lesser granularity and the relatively moist condition of the sugar crystals. There are various gradations that are used to measure the quality or category of brown sugar. For instance, as a benchmark, brown sugar is expected to contain 88% of sucrose, and the percentage of molasses varies from 3.5% to 6.5% though certain categories have as much as 10% of molasses.
Two types of brown sugar
There are basically two types of brown sugar – (1) unrefined or partially refined and (2) refined. Unrefined or partially refined brown sugar, as the name suggests, is a product that retains the molasses from the refining activity. Refined brown sugar refers to the product that is made by the addition of molasses refined white sugar. As we look at the difference between light and dark brown sugar, it is important to understand that the latter category of brown sugar is known as the commercial brown sugar.
What exactly is the difference between light and dark brown sugar?
There are various differences between the two types of brown sugar. To begin with, light brown sugar contains 3.5% molasses while dark brown sugar contains 6.5% molasses. Other qualities and differences include the amount of moisture in the sugar. Dark brown sugar is moister than light brown sugar, and in terms of weight for similar volumes/mass, dark brown sugar weighs heavier than light brown sugar. Another difference that is relevant in the context of preparation is the higher acidic content in dark brown sugar. The difference between light and dark brown sugar is not only restricted to the appearance and the qualities, but is also important in the context of the outcome of food preparation.
For instance, it is possible for a trained eye to spot the difference merely by looking at the color of prepared products. Cookies or other products made with dark brown sugar will be a shade darker in color than similar products made with light brown sugar. Similarly the marginal increase in moisture makes the consistency of products slightly differ. Though in most cases it may be negligible, as the difference is not heavy, it does have an impact that can be noticed by seasoned cooks. One difference between light and dark brown sugar that is noteworthy is the flavor of the products. Food products made with dark brown sugar are known to have a deeper flavor which is why it is preferred for making toffees.
Impact on preparation
The two different types of brown sugar have their own impact on preparation methods and timings. By virtue of being more acidic in nature, dark brown sugar is known to swiftly activate baking soda. Consequently, during preparation of baked products, there is a possibility that the cookies may rise higher and faster, when compared with similar products made with light brown sugar. Baking soda is alkaline and requires acid to create the carbon dioxide gas required for the batter to rise. As dark brown sugar is more acidic, the reaction is slightly stronger, comparatively, resulting in faster rising of the dough. However, it is important to note that the difference is not too significant, and will not seriously impact the preparation methods. Therefore, while there is a difference between light and dark brown sugar when it comes to baking, the difference may not be too much to be easily discernible.
What is the difference between light and dark brown sugar in terms of taste of products?
The difference in taste can be discernible more easily, and this depends on the product, the proportion of ingredients and the method of preparation. For instance, dark brown sugar creates a distinct caramel type flavor that is deeper and rich. The molasses in dark brown sugar have more of a dominating flavoring quality in preparation and the proportion of dark brown sugar in the ingredients can be used effectively to get the right taste. This is one of difference between light and dark brown sugar that needs attention during preparation. If you prefer to have a very subtle flavor that is not too rich or deep from the molasses, you can opt for light brown sugar which will blend with the other ingredients easily. This will ensure that the taste is not impacted by the molasses.
Comparison of calories of dark brown sugar and light brown sugar
Here is a simple comparison of the calories from dark brown sugar and light brown sugar. Both the varieties have 15 calories in every 04 grams – this effectively means that from a nutritional point of view, the difference between light and dark brown sugar. The difference is primarily in increased moist nature, dark color, deep flavor and the acidic property of dark brown sugar. The result is mainly experienced in the preparation method, and not in the nutritional value of the prepared products. Both the varieties have 4 grams of carbohydrates in typical servings.
Are the sources of white, dark brown and light brown sugar different?
The source of white sugar, dark brown sugar and light brown sugar are the same – sugarcane or sugar beet. The difference is not in the source for the sugar but the processes used in making white sugar, dark brown sugar and light brown sugar. Here, it is not out of place to add that the source of the sugar will have a slight difference in aroma. Both sugarcane and sugar beet have high sucrose levels and this makes the commercial grown crops suitable for extracting sugar. However, sugar extracted from sugarcane will taste sweeter, with an aroma that is fruity in nature, while sugar extracted from sugar beet has a burnt flavor and more earthy in nature.
Therefore when it comes to checking out the taste difference between light and dark brown sugar it is essential to compare both varieties that have the same source – cane or sugar beet. Choosing one variety from cane sugar and another from sugar beet can result in a different aftertaste and this could be one of the reasons why individuals often misconstrue this as the difference between the two.
What are the overall differences that need attention?
It is therefore settled that the difference between light and dark brown sugar is mainly more about the texture, the color, the acidic nature and the flavor. Other than these differences there are no differences in terms of nutritional value or impact on health. Therefore, choose dark brown sugar or light brown sugar as per your preferences – the color, the texture and the flavor.
From a natural product standpoint of view, dark brown sugar is unrefined, which means that it is more natural when compared with light brown sugar or white sugar. The latter two categories involve refining processes that make them less natural. The only difference between brown sugar (both types) and white sugar is the mineral content in brown sugar. However, this does not have too much of a positive impact on health and cannot be considered as an advantage in terms of offering benefits. The nutritional value of all three types of sugar – white, dark brown and light brown are more or less similar – consequently, there is hardly any impact on health. Brown sugar is preferred as an ingredient when baking, especially when the product needs to have a deep and rich flavor.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.
Exclusive 30% OFF for New Customers!
