Cane Sugar

Sugarcane stalks
[photo via Britannica]

What is cane sugar?

Cane sugar is a dried, granulated sugar produced from sugarcane. Cane sugar is made by extracting the juice from crushed sugarcane stalks and boiling that juice into a syrup called molasses. The molasses is then put into a centrifuge and spun to separate out the crystallized sugar from the molasses. The separated sugar crystals are then packaged and sold as cane sugar. [1] This form of cane sugar is versatile and commonly found in home kitchens across the U.S.

Cane sugar crystals
[photo via enjoybigcountry.com/blog]

Is cane sugar good with tea?

Cane sugar is a versatile sweetener that can be used for a variety of different teas depending on your goals and preferences. If you are looking for a sweetener that has a balanced flavor profile with hints of caramel and molasses, cane sugar can be a solid option for your drink.

The main differences between organic cane sugar and white table sugar are the flavor profiles.  Organic cane sugar is minimally processed which allows it to retain the subtle notes of caramel and molasses. In contrast, white table sugar undergoes additional steps in the refinement process which gives it a pure white appearance and a more flatlined sweetness profile.  Organic cane sugar provides a richer sweetness with caramel and molasses undertones, while white table sugar’s flavor profile is more neutral.  

A bottle of Camellia Rd Tea Bar's simple syrup

Organic cane sugar is grown using natural fertilizers and is certified non-GMO, making it a cleaner, more thoughtfully sourced sweetener. [2] What truly sets it apart is the flavor. Unlike white cane sugar, organic cane sugar delivers delicate floral notes layered with rich caramel and subtle molasses undertones, creating a deeper, more expressive flavor profile. This added complexity enhances everything from tea to desserts. Organic cane sugar does come at a higher price, but the improvements in flavor and organic farming can be worth it.

Considerations

Cane sugar offers a rich sweetness with subtle caramel and molasses notes, which can contribute to a richer flavor profile in your tea.  Cane sugar has a coarse texture that can take time to dissolve in your drink, especially if it is cold. When used in the right amount, cane sugar can elevate a drink’s flavor without overpowering the natural taste of your drink. However, while cane sugar can sweeten and improve the taste of your tea drink, regularly consuming large amounts of sugar can negatively impact your health.

Conclusion

Cane sugar is a great choice of sweetener for your tea drinks that adds notes of caramel and molasses without overpowering the natural tea flavors. Organic cane sugar adds even more pronounced sugarcane flavors, and can be worth the extra cost.

At Camellia Rd Tea Bar, we sweeten each of our drinks with a simple syrup made in house using organic cane sugar. Organic cane sugar is versatile enough to pair with any of our strongly brewed tea bases. If you'd like to read more about or process for choosing a sweetener, visit our blog post here: https://www.camelliard.com/blogs/blog/engineering-the-ultimate-boba-milk-tea-part-4-sweetener

[1] https://www.restaurantware.com/blogs/bakery-resources/what-is-cane-sugar?srsltid=AfmBOoqeIh935ZISA5aqtkl-zmdik4ZOuEkFVRZRa9HnQHpSx5_-s9cD

[2] https://www.purelifeorganicfoods.com/difference-between-organic-white-sugar-and-regular-sugar/#:~:text=At a fundamental level%2C the,phosphoric acid%2C or bleaching agents.