What Is Organic Evaporated Cane Juice?

Organic evaporated cane juice is a form of sugar commonly used to sweeten processed foods. To adhere to USDA standards of organic farming, it is created without pesticides, synthetics, antibiotics, bioengineering, or sewage sludge.

Origins

Like white sugar, cane juice derives from the stalks of sugar cane, an indigenous grass of New Guinea. The filtered juice evaporates into a golden, molasses-flavored syrup sometimes called dried cane juice, crystallized cane juice, or unrefined sugar.

Types

Texture and taste distinguish three main types. Milled cane juice provides milder flavor and smaller crystals than the darkly-sweet Demerara, while Muscovado cane juice boasts the finest texture with the boldest flavor.

Considerations

Since cane juice is sweeter than other sugars, consumers may be satiated with smaller amounts. Over-consumption of any sugar can contribute to obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Theories/Speculation

Manufacturers of organic snack foods tend to market cane juice as a healthier version of white sugar. They claim its less extensive refining process allows cane juice to retain nutrients not found in other sugars.

Expert Insight

Experts like Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., disagree. According to Weil, "other than some trace minerals ... there is no real difference between the two products." (http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA73912)

References

• Dr. Weil: A Better Kind of Sugar?
• The Sugar Association: What are the Types of Sugar?
• USDA: Organic Production/Organic Food