Brown sugar is a staple in baking, but is brown sugar gluten free? This is a common question that comes up when you are on gluten-free diet. If you have celiac disease or have gluten allergies this blog will help you in solving queries related to brown sugar and its relation to gluten.
All You Want To Know About Brown Sugar
Sugar is widely used to sweeten foods. It is obtained from sugarcane or sugarbeets, it is refined into two types of sugar. One is white sugar which is fully refined and turns into white sugar crystals. However, while refining adding the molasses content will turn it into brown sugar. Molasses add color and flavor to brown sugar.
Is Brown Sugar Gluten Free?
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein that is present in wheat and other grains like rye and barley. It strengthens the dough by providing elasticity due to which the dough hols shape and rise during baking. However, gluten can cause disorders in some individuals. It may cause allergic reactions and digestive problems for those who suffer from celiac disease and have gluten sensitivity.
When it comes to whether brown sugar is gluten-free or not. The answer is Yes, it is gluten free. Both main ingredients sugar and molasses are gluten free. Hence, the refined product that is brown sugar is gluten-free in nature.
Avoid Cross Contamination
Although brown sugar is gluten free if it mixes with gluten-containing ingredients it may cause reactions to gluten intolerance. Hence, to avoid cross-contamination keep brown sugar separate from gluten-containing ingredients. Use separate bowls and measuring cups for gluten-free ingredients.
Gluten Free Brown Sugar Brands
As we know brown sugar is gluten free, but we are not sure about brands whether they take safety measures to avoid cross-contamination or not. Brands usually don’t mention whether brown sugar is gluten free or not. But if you have gluten sensitivity it is better to consume brown sugar that is certified gluten free. Here are some brands that claim to be gluten free.
- Domino Sugar
- C&H Sugar
- Bob’s Red Mill
- Imperial Sugar
- Wholesome Sweeteners
- Tate & Lyle
- Silver Spoon
- Billington’s
Homemade Brown Sugar
Homemade brown sugar is also a good alternative to avoid cross-contamination. You can make gluten free brown sugar by combing refined white sugar and molasses in a food processor. Use a teaspoon of molasses for every one cup of sugar.
Storing Brown Sugar
Brown sugar has a high moisture content that’s why it may get hard if comes in contact with air. Use an airtight container or jar to store brown sugar, it is better to seal the packet with a sealer and then place it in the jar.
If your brown sugar gets hard in the pantry then add moisture to it to make it lump-free. For this purpose, you can add a piece of gluten free bread. Avoid using regular wheat bread to retain moisture as it contains gluten and can contaminate brown sugar with gluten.
Dark Brown Sugar vs Light Brown Sugar
Dark brown sugar and light brown sugar have a slight difference that comes from the amount of molasses content present in them. The dark brown sugar has more molasses content as compared to light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar has around 6%-10% of molasses whereas light brown sugar has 3%-5% of molasses. Dark brown sugar has a richer flavor than light brown sugar.
Variety of Sugar
Besides brown sugar and white sugar, other varieties of sugar are use to add sweetness to different recipes.
Demerara Sugar: This is raw and less processed sugar. Demerara is utilize to decorate cupcakes, cakes, and pies. It has a coarse texture with large crystals. It has a rich golden brown color, and due to molasses content, it is sticky.
Turbinado Sugar: Turbinado is similar to demerara sugar but its crystals are not as large as demerara. Also, it has less molasses as compared to demerara and is less sticky in nature.
Maple Sugar: Maple sugar is gained from the maple tree. The refining process of maple syrup removes liquid to get a concentrated sugar. It comes in blocks and granules. It is sweeter than refined or regular sugar.
Pearl Sugar: Pearl sugar has large and round sugar grains with no melting and dissolving properties. It is use to decorate cakes and muffins.
Muscovado Sugar: It is crumbly brown sugar with high molasses content. It is unrefined brown sugar that is obtained from sugar cane. It is dark in color and has a slightly bitter molasses flavor.
Alternatives of Sugar
Coconut Sugar: It is obtained from the sap of the flower of coconut tree. Coconut sugar or coco sugar is an alternative to regular sugar. Its composition includes sucrose, a small amount of fructose and glucose. It is less refined alternative to sugar. Coco sugar is dark brown color like brown sugar and is gluten free.
Date Sugar: It is non-refined alternative to sugar that is made from dried dates. It has high nutrient value with vitamin K and vitamin B.
Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that is gluten free. It is a healthy alternative to sugar. It is a staple in baking and cooking.
Related Queries
Is powder sugar gluten free?
Powder sugar may contain starch, brands add starch to avoid lumps in the sugar. You can check the ingredients before purchasing the powdered sugar, or go for the label gluten free powdered sugar.
Is white sugar gluten free?
White sugar is obtained from sugar cane or sugar beet which are gluten free. However, if you are not sure about cross contamination then make sure to check the label.