Sucanat vs Simple Syrup: Which is Better?

When it comes to sweeteners for your favorite sweet treats, two popular choices are simple syrup and sucanat. Simple syrup, also known as “sugar syrup,” is a liquid form of sugar that effortlessly sweetens cocktails, iced tea, lemonade, and more. Its liquid nature makes it easy to blend into chilled beverages. Not limiting itself to drinks, simple syrup can also add a touch of sweetness to fruits and baked goods, often as a drizzle or glaze. On the other hand, sucanat is a brand of whole cane sugar that retains its molasses content. This pure dried sugar cane juice undergoes mechanical extraction, heating, and cooling processes, resulting in tiny brown grainy crystals. This article will compare these two sweeteners to determine which one takes the crown.

Comparing Sucanat vs Simple Syrup

	Sucanat	Simple Syrup
Substitution ratio	1:1 with sucanat simple syrup	1:1 with sucanat simple syrup
Gluten-free?	Yes	Yes
Keto-friendly?	No	No
Paleo-friendly?	No	No
Common Allergens	Sugarcane	Depends on ingredients
Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed)	2 plus years	1-6 months
Best for baking	Any recipes that call for brown sugar	Cocktails and sweet iced beverages.

Differences Between Sucanat And Simple Syrup

Simple syrup, typically made with equal parts pure cane sugar and water, is a liquid form of sugar that serves as a versatile ingredient in various beverages like cocktails, iced tea or coffee, and lemonade. Its liquid nature allows easy blending in cold drinks, making it a preferred choice over regular sugar. Commercial simple syrups sometimes contain artificial sweeteners instead of sugar, increasing the shelf life.

Sucanat, derived from sugar cane juice, goes through minimal processing compared to table sugar. This minimal processing helps retain more natural nutrients and molasses, resulting in a darker and more flavorful sugar. Unlike regular sugar, sucanat contains glucose, fructose, and small amounts of additional minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium, naturally present in sugar cane molasses. Its prominent molasses undertones add depth and complexity to baked goods and recipes that call for brown sugar.

Taste and Culinary Uses

Classic simple syrup, with its sweet and one-dimensional flavor, is perfect for those who prefer a straightforward sweetness. Flavored simple syrups are also available, offering a delightful variety of tastes. Adding ingredients like vanilla, ginger, mint, cinnamon, or lemon to the sugar-water mixture makes these syrups ideal for specialty cocktails, flavored iced teas, and flavored hot or iced coffees.

For a more distinctive and robust flavor, sucanat is the way to go. With its deep molasses-like flavor and tannish-brown color, sucanat brings a unique texture to dishes. It enhances the taste of sauces, syrups, and beverages, greatly enriching their flavors. Sucanat can be used in both drinks and baked goods, expanding its culinary applications and making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

Are Sucanat and Simple Syrup Substitutes for Each Other?

Granulated sucanat and simple syrup aren’t suitable substitutes for each other, but you can make your own sucanat simple syrup instead! Simply use sucanat sugar instead of white sugar in the simple syrup recipe.

Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits

Simple syrup (2 tbsp)

• Calories: 80
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Sugars: 19 g
• GI: around 65

Sucanat (2 tsp.):

• Calories: 30
• Total carbs: 8 g
• Sugars: 7 g
• GI: 55

Simple syrup, while it can provide a quick burst of energy due to its high sugar content, lacks other nutritional value. On the other hand, sucanat contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in moderate amounts, making it a healthier sweetener choice.

Diet Suitability

Simple syrup may or may not be suitable for vegans, depending on the type of sugar used. It is not usually considered keto-friendly or paleo-friendly or approved for the Whole30 diet. To accommodate a keto diet, you can either purchase or make specific keto-friendly simple syrup designed to meet low-carb requirements. Similarly, individuals following a paleo diet have options to make or purchase paleo-friendly simple syrup, which aligns with the emphasis on consuming whole and unprocessed foods. Unfortunately, regardless of the type of sugar used, simple syrup is not approved for the Whole30 program, which restricts the consumption of added sugars.

If you’re seeking a vegan-friendly and non-GMO sweetener option, sucanat is a suitable choice. However, it is unsuitable for keto, paleo, or Whole30 diets.

How to Store Sucanat and Simple Syrup

To store simple syrup, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge until ready for use. As for sucanat, store it in a cool and dry place, avoiding refrigeration.

Price and Availability

Simple syrup prices vary depending on the size and type, starting from $4.00. On the other hand, sucanat prices range from $2.00 to $6.00 per pound and are typically found in specialty stores.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of sweeteners in the syrup industry can be significant, with key contributors being the sourcing of ingredients. Many syrups are made from sugar, which is commonly derived from sugarcane or sugar beets. However, these conventional sugar sources can have detrimental effects on the environment.

Sugarcane cultivation often leads to deforestation, as large areas of land are cleared for its production. This not only destroys natural habitats but also contributes to the loss of biodiversity. Moreover, the process of refining sugarcane into sugar involves energy-intensive procedures.

Alternative sweeteners like sucanat offer a more eco-friendly option. Sucanat undergoes minimal processing, resulting in a product that retains more of the natural nutrients present in sugar cane. This means fewer energy-intensive steps and a reduced carbon footprint.

Sucanat vs. Simple Syrup: The Ultimate Verdict

I prefer to make simple syrup using alternative sugars rather than just plain white table sugar. So my vote is sucanat, but make it into a sucanat simple syrup and have the best of both worlds!!

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