Demerara Sugar

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Common questions

Is Demerara Sugar healthy?

Demerara Sugar scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Demerara sugar is a processed culinary ingredient primarily composed of refined sugar and cane molasses.

How processed is Demerara Sugar?

Demerara Sugar is NOVA Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients.

Which ingredients drive Demerara Sugar's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sugar is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Demerara Sugar

Tesco
65 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Tesco PLC
Category Condiments
Summary

Demerara sugar is a processed culinary ingredient primarily composed of refined sugar and cane molasses. While it is less refined than white sugar, it still provides empty calories with no significant nutritional benefits. The high sugar content can contribute to health issues such as obesity and diabetes when consumed in excess, which affects its overall health rating.

Key ingredients 2

Cane Molasses
Neutral

Cane molasses is a byproduct of sugar production that retains some minerals and nutrients. It is less processed than refined sugar and contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals. However, it is still high in sugar content and should be consumed in moderation.

Risks

Excessive consumption can contribute to high sugar intake and related health issues.

Benefits

Contains trace amounts of minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, which can be beneficial in small quantities.

See more about Cane Molasses →
Sugar
Bad

Sugar is a refined carbohydrate that can contribute to various health issues when consumed in excess. It is highly processed and lacks nutritional benefits, providing only empty calories. Excessive intake is linked to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.

Risks

High consumption of sugar can lead to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities.

See more about Sugar →

Processing

Group 2 · Culinary ingredients

Processed Culinary Ingredients

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