Stevia turns bitter when baked.
Splenda is fake sugar, and not even an option for me.
So in researching the refining process of sugar here is what I have found, in order of least to most processed.
Muscovado- 11 calories / 100 grams (4 tsp) This is a very dark very moist and sticky sugar crystal. Most of the molasses remains on this. The juice is boiled slightly to help remove impuriets, and then dehydrated. It is not washed at all. This form of sugar actually has some nutritional benefits.
"Mineral content of Muscovado Sugar (per 100g):
- Total mineral salts 740 mg max.
- Phosphorus (P) 3.9 mg max.
- Calcium (Ca) 85 mg max.
- Magnesium (Mg) 23 mg max.
- Potassium (K) 100 mg max.
- Iron (Fe) 1.3 mg max"
Dermerara- It has the same calorie count as the muscovado sugar, but slightly less mineral salts. "To make demerara sugar, sugar producers press sugar cane and steam the juice of the first pressing to form thick cane syrup. The cane syrup is allowed to dehydrate, leaving behind large golden brown crystals of sugar. Demerara sugar is not refined, so it has a rich, creamy,molasses-like flavor which enhances baked goods. The large grains also remain crunchy through cooking, which makes demerara sugar a great choice of sprinkled topping on scones and similar dishes which might otherwise have a uniform texture." What out when purchasing this one. It is often labeled Dermerara, but is just Turbinado with molasses added back in.
Trubinado, or RAW Sugar.-- Turbinado has 20 cal / 100 grams (4-5 tsp) "The first pressing of the sugar cane yields Turbinado sugar. It looks notably different from granulated sugar because it has much larger crystals and is golden to brown in color. It also is considered by some to be “healthier” since it receives less processing than does whitesugar.
Unlike granulated sugar, Turbinado sugar tends to hold more moisture, and is lower in calories. A basic teaspoon of Turbinado sugar contains 11 calories, while granulated sugar contains 16. Because it is a little moister than white sugar, Turbinado sugar can become hardened if exposed to too much air. Those who manufacture turbinado sugar recommend storing it, like brown sugar, in an airtight container."
White Sugar- 387 cal / 100 g (1/2 cup) Pretty much everyone know that white sugar is not good for you at all. It lowers your metabolism. Uses your bodies stores of minerals. Leads to obesity and diabetes. The list goes on. Here is one informative link.
Unfortunately we live in world where less processed means more expensive. It doesn't add up to me! You would think if it costs less to produce, it would cost lost to purchase!! The good think is, most of the recipes I've seen that use Muscovado, requires far less sugar. Usually no more than a 225 g (about 1/4 cup) in cakes, sometime just a few tablespoons. I'm very strongly considering making the change. It's costs more, but you use less, and it actually has some health benefits!
Unfortunately we live in world where less processed means more expensive. It doesn't add up to me! You would think if it costs less to produce, it would cost lost to purchase!! The good think is, most of the recipes I've seen that use Muscovado, requires far less sugar. Usually no more than a 225 g (about 1/4 cup) in cakes, sometime just a few tablespoons. I'm very strongly considering making the change. It's costs more, but you use less, and it actually has some health benefits!
