Sweetener | Vegetarian Gluten Free

Sugar

Sucrose Allergen-Free
sugar

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae (sugar cane) or Amaranthaceae (sugar beet)
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sugar cane or sugar beets

The Forktionary Angle

"From balancing savory dishes to perfecting pastry, explore how sugar's chemical properties transform texture, flavor, and shelf-life in the kitchen."

Definition

A sweet crystalline carbohydrate, typically derived from sugar cane or sugar beets, used as a primary sweetener in food and beverages.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet
TextureCrystalline, granular, dissolved (liquid)
AromaNeutral, subtle caramelization when heated
AcidityNeutral

Technical Metrics

Browning Point (Caramelization)

320°F (160°C)

Primary Function in Baking

Sweetening, tenderizing, browning

Solubility in Water

180g per 100ml (20°C)

Nutrition Facts

Per 4g (1 tsp)
Calories400 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate100 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars100 g
Calcium1 mg
Iron0.01 mg
Potassium2 mg

Chef’s Secret

To prevent crystallization when making syrups or candies, add a pinch of cream of tartar or a few drops of lemon juice to acidify the solution.

Substitutions

Best Match

Honey

1:0.75 (adjust liquid)

Provides sweetness and moisture, adds distinct flavor, browns faster.

Maple Syrup

1:0.75 (adjust liquid)

Natural sweetener, distinct flavor, good for baking and beverages.

Agave Nectar

1:0.66

Sweeter than sugar, liquid, good for cold beverages and sauces.

Stevia (granulated)

1:1

Calorie-free, intense sweetness, can have an aftertaste.

Buying Guide

For baking, use fine granulated sugar. For health, consider less refined sugars like turbinado or coconut sugar sparingly.

Flavor Pairings

Coffee tea fruits baked goods chocolate vanilla cinnamon citrus.

Recipes Using Sugar

Course Pineapple 4 Hours Or Less Condiments Etc

2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake With Pineapple Sauce

Craving a delicious pineapple upside-down cake but watching your waistline? This unbelievably simple recipe from the American Heart Association delivers all the tropical pineapple flavor without the guilt! Made with just two main ingredients, this cake is incredibly moist and fragrant. The optional zesty pineapple sauce adds a burst of extra flavor and elevates this low-calorie dessert to the next level. Perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a healthy dessert option for any occasion.

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Preparation Course For 1 Or 2 Time To Make

2Bleu Cups Of Chocolate Lava Please

Indulge in pure chocolate heaven with this decadent hot chocolate recipe! Imagine a rich, velvety waterfall of warm chocolate cascading over your tongue, a truly unforgettable experience. This intensely flavorful, intensely *hot* drinking chocolate is unlike anything you've ever tasted. Created by bird for buddha, this recipe is divine and dangerously addictive. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special treat.

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Sauces Easy Tomatoes 15 Minutes Or Less

2Bleu's 2 Minute 2 Easy Pizza Sauce

Craving pizza but short on time? This unbelievably easy blue cheese pizza sauce is ready in just 2 minutes! Packed with bold, creamy blue cheese flavor, it requires NO cooking. Simply whisk together the ingredients, let it sit for a few hours to develop maximum flavor (optional), and you're ready to create the perfect pizza masterpiece. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend pizza party!

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Main Dish Main Dish Course

3 Bean Vegetarian Chili

This hearty 3-Bean Vegetarian Chili is bursting with flavor and will quickly become a weeknight favorite! No one will miss the meat in this satisfying and incredibly delicious chili. Perfect for meal prepping, it freezes and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet extraordinary recipe!

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Southern United States Squash Preparation Low Protein

Aunt Fanny's Baked Yellow Squash

A taste of Smyrna, Georgia! This recipe recreates the beloved yellow squash casserole from the legendary Aunt Fanny's restaurant. Now closed, their secret lives on. This creamy, comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners and potlucks. Get ready for a burst of buttery, savory squash with a perfectly crunchy topping!

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4 Hours Or Less Cobblers And Crisps Fruit Low Protein

Aunt Kathi's Fresh Apple Cake

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Aunt Kathi's Fresh Apple Cake, a treasured German family recipe passed down through generations. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a moist and delicious cake bursting with the sweetness of fresh apples. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy weekend brunches to special celebrations.

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Easy Low Saturated Fat Healthy Easy

Aunt Meda's Cranberry Salad

A family favorite, this cranberry salad recipe from Aunt Meda is bursting with tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, this easy-to-make salad requires minimal prep and chills overnight to develop its signature flavor profile. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation American Time To Make North American

Aunt Nan's Cranberry Pudding

This family-favorite cranberry pudding recipe has been a Christmas tradition for generations! Easy to make ahead and freeze for later, this delightful treat features tender cranberry-studded muffins topped with a luscious warm butter sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.

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Course Dietary Toddler Friendly Novelty

Authentic Cuban Rolls

Craving the taste of Miami? Authentic Cuban bread, the star of the famous Cuban sandwich, is notoriously hard to find outside of South Florida. But now you can make it at home! This recipe offers three methods—manual, mixer, and bread machine—so you can choose the easiest way to bake these delicious rolls. These perfectly crusty and airy rolls will transport you straight to a Cuban cafe. Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor! Don't forget to check out our recipe for the perfect Cuban sandwich (recipe #320914) to complete the experience!

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Fruit Preparation Holiday Event Fall

Autumn Apple Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Autumn Apple Cupcakes! Perfect for fall gatherings, lunchboxes, or a cozy afternoon treat, these easy-to-make cupcakes burst with the warm flavors of grated apple and aromatic spices. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they're the ultimate comfort food. Get ready for rave reviews! (Adapted from 'Bake and Freeze Desserts' by Elinor Klivans)

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Fall Cuisine Fall Occasion

Autumn Moon Cafe's Apple Crisp

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of our Autumn Moon Cafe's Apple Crisp! This classic dessert features a perfectly spiced apple filling nestled under a buttery, oat-crumble topping. A perfect fall treat for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Preparation Kwanzaa Vegetarian New Years

Awesome And Easy Non Dairy Ice Cream

Indulge in this incredibly versatile non-dairy ice cream recipe! Create endless flavor combinations – from fresh strawberry swirls and boozy liqueurs to rich chocolate and invigorating coffee. The secret? We partially freeze it for a luxuriously creamy texture unlike any other. Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to make this dreamy dessert!

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Dietary Bread Machine Small Appliance 4 Hours Or Less

Awesome Bread Machine Pizza Dough

Create the perfect pizza crust effortlessly with this bread machine recipe! This foolproof method yields a delicious, chewy crust, ready for your favorite toppings. Say goodbye to kneading and hello to amazing homemade pizza!

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Course Breads Time To Make Yeast

Awesome Butter Rolls

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of our Awesome Butter Rolls! These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth rolls are made with a secret ingredient: a small pat of butter nestled in the center of each roll before baking. The tops are brushed with melted butter for an extra-soft crust. Get ready for a taste sensation that's guaranteed to become a family favorite! (Rising times are not included in prep time.)

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Time To Make Coffee Cakes Course 4 Hours Or Less

Awesome Chocolate Chip Streusel Coffee Cake

Indulge in this 5-star, buttery, and moist chocolate chip streusel coffee cake! This recipe creates a supremely high-rising cake, bursting with chocolate chips and topped with a delightful crunchy streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Kosher Pasta Rice And Grains Kosher Greens

Azerbaijani Kefir And Greens Soup

Inspired by Gil Marks' "Olive Trees and Honey," this vibrant Azerbaijani kefir (or yogurt) soup is a refreshing and flavorful experience. Featuring tender split peas, fluffy rice, and a burst of fresh herbs, this unique soup is traditionally served warm after the main course. The subtle tang of kefir perfectly complements the earthy greens, creating a surprisingly light and satisfying finish to any meal. Get ready to impress your guests with this culinary gem!

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Breads Brunch Easy To Go

Bacon Cheddar Beer Bread

This insanely delicious Bacon Cheddar Beer Bread recipe is a game-changer! Inspired by Tastefully Simple, this quick bread boasts a crispy crust and a savory, cheesy interior thanks to the addition of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar. Get this amazing bread on the table in under 75 minutes – minimal effort, maximum flavor! Perfect for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or any occasion that calls for comfort food. Recipe adapted from Slow Roasted Italian.

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Time To Make Cookies And Brownies New Zealand Course

Kiwi Crisps

Craving a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth treat? These Kiwi Crisps are a New Zealand twist on classic chocolate chip cookies – delivering a delightfully crunchy texture you won't believe! Forget chewy; these cookies are all about that satisfying snap. This easy recipe is perfect for baking enthusiasts of all levels, and the results are undeniably delicious.

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