Brown sugar is an unrefined or partially refined form of normal sugar, and it gets its brown color due to the presence of molasses. Often considered the better version of white sugar, is brown sugar gluten free? Can celiacs have brown sugar?
Brown sugar is gluten free. Brown sugar is made from normal sugar by mixing it with molasses. Again, molasses are the byproduct of sugarcane or sugar beets that are also inherently gluten free.
But making gluten free food choices requires much more information than this. I have written an extensive article describing brown sugar, how it’s sourced, and its gluten status. So let’s begin.
Table of Contents
Is Brown Sugar Gluten Free?
As also mentioned earlier, brown sugar is gluten free. Brown sugar is made of crystalline sugar and molasses to give it a nice brown color. Both the ingredients used are safe for people dealing with gluten allergies.
The sugar crystals and molasses have nothing to do with gluten grains like barley, wheat, or rye. Gluten is a protein found in these grains, and it acts as a binding agent. Brown sugar does not have any such properties, so it is safe for anyone dealing with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
The only concern with even naturally gluten free products is the fear of cross-contamination. If the brown sugar production utensils come in contact with gluten containing products, they may contaminate the brown sugar with gluten.
Such an insignificant amount of gluten may not harm people with minor gluten intolerance, but it’s not at all safe for celiac disease people. Therefore, while buying packaged brown sugar, always check the package labeling.
What Is Brown Sugar Made Of?
Brown sugar and white sugar both are actually the same and made from the same ingredients. The only difference between the two is that brown sugar contains molasses, giving it its color, distinct flavor, and moisture.
Sugar is made by refining sugarcane or sugar beets, and the granulated sugar is coated with molasses to make brown sugar. Commercial producers also make brown sugar by adding molasses syrup to boiling sugar crystals. Brown sugar contains around 85% of sucrose.
Is Brown Sugar Vegan?
Yes, brown sugar is completely vegan. There are no animal derived products used in the manufacturing. Both brown and white sugars are made from completely plant-based elements, so vegans can consume them without any issue.
Is Brown Sugar Healthy? Also Better Than White Sugar?
People consider brown sugar to be healthier than white sugar. Is it true? Well, not. It’s actually a myth that brown sugar is better than white sugar. The initial process of making both the sugar varieties is the same.
And brown sugar and white sugar have almost the same calorie content. Brown sugar contains only 0.25 fewer calories than white sugar, which actually does not make any difference.
The number of calories found in white and brown sugar is also the same. But white sugar is a simple carbohydrate with no other nutritional value, but brown sugar contains some amount of zinc, calcium, iron, copper, vitamin B6, phosphorus, potassium, etc.
But these nutrients are present in very few amounts, so you cannot take brown sugar as a healthier substitute for white sugar. In fact, consuming too much brown sugar can lead to obesity, risk of diabetes, and other health issues.
Let’s take a look at the nutritional difference between brown and white sugar.
| Per 100 g | Brown sugar | White sugar |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380 | 385 |
| Calcium | 83mg | 1mg |
| Carbs | 5 g | 99.98g |
| Protein | 0 | 0 |
| Fat | 0 | 0 |
| Dietary fiber | 0 | 0 |
Can You Make Brown Sugar At Home?
Yes, you can make brown sugar at home. It’s actually pretty simple and requires just two ingredients: white sugar granules and molasses. Now all you need to do is combine both the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until the granulated sugar is well coated with the molasses.
For one cup of granulated sugar, you’ll need one tbsp of molasses, so adjust the quantity accordingly. You can store the homemade brown sugar in airtight containers to retain the moisture.
Try This Gluten free Pound Cake Recipe With Brown Sugar
Check out this delicious Brown Sugar Pound Cake recipe that will surely make you drool.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 eggs
- 3 cups gluten free flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup sour cream
Ingredients for the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup pecans (chopped)
- 2 to 3 tbsp half and half cream
- Dash of salt
Method
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Take a fluted tube baking pan, grease it, and dust it.
Step 2:
Blend brown sugar and butter until nice and fluffy. Start adding the eggs one by one while continuously beating. Add vanilla extract and beat again.
Step 3:
Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl and add gradually to the butter, sugar, and egg mixture. Now gradually add sour cream, beating after each addition. Keep beating until everything is well combined.
Step 4:
Transfer the batter to the greased pan and bake for approximately 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick, and if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Let the cake cool down in the pan for ten minutes, and then transfer it to a wire rack.
Step 5:
Let’s make the glaze. Take a pan to medium heat, and add butter and pecans. Stir continuously for four to five minutes until the butter turns brown. Now add vanilla extract, powdered sugar, salt, and cream. Mix well until you get a drizzling consistency. Pour the glaze over the cake and let it set.
FAQs
Is Domino Brown Sugar Gluten Free?
Yes, Domino brown sugar is gluten free. The makers have stated that none of their sugars contain wheat or barley additives.
Is Great Value Brown Sugar Gluten Free?
Yes, Great Value brown sugar is also gluten free. It’s wheat and barley-free, hence safe for those having issues digesting gluten.
Is Brown Sugar Dairy-Free?
Yes, brown sugar is dairy-free. It’s made from molasses and granulated sugar; hence, it is completely free from dairy products like- milk, cream, cheese, eggs, etc.
Can Celiacs Have Brown Sugar?
Yes, celiacs can have brown sugar. But while buying packaged brown sugar, check the ingredient label to prevent cross-contamination risks.
Is Honey Gluten Free?
Yes, plain honey is gluten free but be careful of flavored honey as the added flavorings may contain gluten.
