Turbinado Sugar: What is it and What Are Its Benefits?

Turbinado sugar is also known as cane sugar or raw sugar. Turbinado sugar resembles brown sugar in that it is brown in color. However, brown sugar has a finer grain and is a bit darker in color. In recipes however, the two can be interchanged with delicious results. Both sugars have high moisture content, so they should be kept in an airtight container with a lid.

How is Turbinado sugar made? It comes from the first pressing of the sugar cane. It has large crystals and retains some of the molasses flavor, which is a natural byproduct of the sugar process.

Turbinado sugar is a healthier alternative to white, refined sugar. It is lower in calories since it tends to hold more moisture. One teaspoon of white sugar packs 16 calories, as opposed to the Turbinado sugar, which has 11 for one teaspoon. Turbinado sugar isn't processed as much as white sugar, so it is naturally healthier for your body.

Friends often ask me if I can use it for everything - baking, cooking, etc. I always tell them to feel free to use the Turbinado sugar in place of white sugar in baked goods like muffins or cookies. I've used it in cakes and pies with excellent results. My children will only eat "Turbo" sugar (as they like to call it) on their cereal, sprinkled over fruit, or in their homemade lemonade. Instead of white sugar, I add Turbinado to my morning coffee or tea. Try it on top of cinnamon toast! It's delicious!

You can buy Turbinado sugar in your health food store and many of the large grocery stores. Prices usually range anywhere from $3.50 to $4.00 per pound. I have found a better alternative, and depending on where it is in the country you live, you could too. I grew up in northeast Ohio, close to Holmes County. Yes, Amish Country! The bulk food stores there will sell Turbinado sugar in 5-pound bags and up. I always ask for the 50-pound bag and then split it with several friends. It comes out to somewhere around $.75 to $.77 per pound. That's an excellent price! Check for bulk food stores in your area and if you have others with whom you can share it and you have space to store your portion, bulk is the way to buy Turbinado sugar.

Trust me, in our home we only use Turbinado sugar. We do keep white sugar on hand for our guests who just aren't yet ready to "make the leap". For those friends who have expressed an interest and just want to try some, I'll give them a pound for them to try at home. Many times, they'll come back and say, "hey, when are you headed to Amish Country?" Yes! Another convert to "Turbo"!