Ingredient · Updated
Brown Sugar
Found in 27 productsSee all
Free Rein Get Up Ground Bean Coffee Bold Balanced Caramel Espresso 
Archer Grass-Fed Beef Jerky Mango Habanero 
Trader Joe's Organic Brown Sugar 
Costco Organic brown sugar 
COUNTRY ARCHER PROVISIONS Country Archer Teriyaki Beef Jerky 
Pacific Gold Teriyaki Beef Jerky 
Sprouts Market Honey Butter Ripples 
bear naked Oats and Honey Granola What is Brown Sugar?
Brown sugar is a type of sugar that contains a small amount of molasses, giving it its characteristic color and flavor. It is produced by either adding molasses to refined white sugar or by partially refining sugar to retain some molasses content.
Brown sugar is used as a sweetener in various food and beverage products. While it has slightly higher mineral content than white sugar due to its molasses content, it is essentially similar to white sugar in its effects on health. Excessive consumption can contribute to health issues like weight gain and metabolic disorders.
When you see brown sugar on a label, it is primarily there to enhance flavor and provide a slightly richer taste and color to foods. Its caloric content and impact on blood sugar levels are comparable to those of other sugars.
Commonly found in: baked goods, sauces, beverages, cereals, ice cream
What to watch
- Brown sugar can contribute to excess calorie intake if consumed in large quantities, leading to weight gain.
- Like other added sugars, it may contribute to increased risk of dental cavities.
Benefits
- Brown sugar provides a unique flavor due to its molasses content, which can enhance the taste of baked goods and sauces.
The FDA generally recognizes brown sugar as safe for consumption without any specific restrictions.
Research indicates that brown sugar has a similar nutritional profile and health impact to white sugar, with little difference in health effects.
Brown sugar is typically vegan, but some processing methods may involve animal-derived products, depending on the manufacturer.
Scout's take
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
The case against
Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain, dental issues, and increased risk of metabolic diseases.
from the analysis of Whole Foods Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookie · echoed in 5 other analysesHigh sugar intake is associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities.
from the analysis of Nairns Gluten Free Biscuit Breaks Oats & Ginger · echoed in 1 other analysisExcessive consumption can lead to health issues such as obesity and dental cavities.
from the analysis of Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cinnamon · echoed in 1 other analysisCan lead to similar health issues as white sugar, including obesity and dental problems.
from the analysis of Tate's Bake Shop CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIESExcessive consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
from the analysis of Jeni's Double DoughThe case for
Provides a richer flavor compared to white sugar due to the presence of molasses.
from the analysis of Tate's Bake Shop CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES · echoed in 2 other analysesProvides a source of quick energy but should be consumed in moderation.
from the analysis of Quaker Oatmeal Squares Honey Nut · echoed in 1 other analysisProvides a rich flavor and color to baked goods, but offers no significant nutritional benefits.
from the analysis of Nairns Gluten Free Biscuit Breaks Oats & GingerProvides a unique flavor profile that enhances the taste of baked goods.
from the analysis of Whole Foods Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk CookieProvides quick energy but lacks significant nutritional benefits.
from the analysis of COUNTRY ARCHER PROVISIONS Country Archer Teriyaki Beef JerkyMore from Scout's analyses
Refined added sugar.
from the analysis of Free Rein Get Up Ground Bean Coffee Bold Balanced Caramel EspressoBrown sugar is a refined sugar that contributes to increased calorie intake without providing significant nutrients. It is processed similarly to white sugar, with added molasses for color and flavor. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
from the analysis of Nature's Path Gluten Free Brown Sugar Maple Instant OatmealBrown sugar is a refined sugar with minimal nutritional value. It contributes to the sweetness of products but can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. It is slightly less processed than white sugar but still lacks significant nutrients.
from the analysis of Jeni's Double DoughAll 27 products with Brown Sugar
+ 3 more products in the Scout app
Where Brown Sugar shows up
Higher-scoring picks without Brown Sugar
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Brown Sugar, scoring 80 or above.
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