List of unrefined sweeteners

Unrefined sweeteners are types of sweeteners that have not undergone the process of refining, which typically involves the removal of impurities and other substances. These sweeteners are often considered more natural and healthier than their refined counterparts, as they retain more of their original nutrients and do not contain added chemicals.

Types of Unrefined Sweeteners

Honey

Honey is a sweet, viscous food substance made by honey bees and some related insects. Bees produce honey from the sugary secretions of plants or from secretions of other insects, by regurgitation, enzymatic activity, and water evaporation.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a syrup usually made from the xylem sap of sugar maple, red maple, or black maple trees, although it can also be made from other maple species.

Molasses

Molasses is a viscous product resulting from refining sugarcane or sugar beets into sugar. Molasses varies by amount of sugar, method of extraction, and age of plant.

Agave Nectar

Agave nectar, sometimes called agave syrup, is a sweetener commercially produced from several species of agave, including Agave tequilana (blue agave) and Agave salmiana.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is a palm sugar produced from the sap of the flower bud stem of the coconut palm.

Date Sugar

Date sugar is a type of sugar found most commonly in natural food stores since it is less processed than more conventional sugars. It is made from dried dates and adds a rich sweetness to recipes.

Health Benefits

Unrefined sweeteners are often touted for their health benefits over refined sugars. They are less processed, meaning they retain more of their natural nutrients. Some, like honey and maple syrup, even have medicinal properties.

See Also

• Sugar
• Refining
• Natural foods
• Health effects of sugar

This is a non-exhaustive food and drink related list.

Nutrition information of List of unrefined sweeteners

• USDA on List of unrefined sweeteners