What Is Brown Sugar?

Home > What Is Brown Sugar?

Brown sugar is not a naturally occurring sugar. Brown sugar contains molasses, which gives it a soft texture, moist consistency, and a caramel-like flavor. It is very commonly used in coffee, baking, and cooking.

How Is Brown Sugar Made?

Brown sugar is made by combining white sugar (sucrose) with molasses, which is a thick, dark syrup byproduct of the sugar refining process.�

Ingredients:
- White sugar + molasses
Types:
- Light brown sugar: Contains about 3.5% molasses
- Dark brown sugar: Contains about 6.5% molasses

Reconstituted (Commercial) Brown Sugar

This is the most common method today:

White sugar is fully refined first.
Molasses (usually cane molasses) is then added back to the white sugar.
The mixture is thoroughly blended to create:
- Light brown sugar: ~3.5% molasses
- Dark brown sugar: ~6.5% molasses

This method is popular because it allows for better control of:

Color
Flavor
Moisture content

D.I.Y.

You can make your own homemade brown sugar by mixing 1 tablespoon of molasses with 1 cup of white sugar.