Never miss a recipe! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cotter Crunch

Cotter Crunch

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • All Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Low-Carb
      • Nightshade-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • By Type
      • Breakfasts
      • Casseroles
      • Condiments
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Sides & Salads
      • Snacks & Appetizers
      • Stews & Soups
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Blender
      • Instant Pot
      • No-Bake
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Stovetop
    • Quick Meals
    • With Video
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Start Here
    • Gluten-Free Eating
    • More Diet Guides
      • Autoimmune Protocol
      • Anti-Inflammatory
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
  • Cookbooks
  • Search
Home › Resources › Nutrition Guides

Facts About Sugar and Unrefined Sugar Recipes

Avatar photo

by Lindsay Cotter Published: Feb 7, 2021

Jump to Video
titled photo collage of unrefined sugar meals and drinks

Having the facts about sugar and unrefined sugar can lead to healthier eating choices. Get started with these tips and our unrefined sugar recipes!

titled Pinterest image: Facts About Sugar You've Always Wanted to Know

Things are getting sweet around here! It’s refined sugar free recipes month and today, sweeteners are in the spotlight. If you don’t fully understand the difference between refined and unrefined sugar, don’t worry – you will soon!

We ALSO have a dozen or so recipes to share with you, all made with unrefined sugar. Healthier, better-for-you breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and desserts! Are you ready? Let’s get to it!

Disclosure: Lindsay Cotter is a certified nutrition specialist, and does not have a medical degree. The information in this post comes from reliable medical resources, but should not be taken as medical advice. We recommend that you consult with your doctor before starting any new eating program or making changes to your diet.

In this Post:
hide
  • Facts About Sugar
    • How much sugar a day is okay?
    • Refined Sugar List
    • Healthier Sugar Alternatives
    • The Facts About Sugar Alcohols
  • Recipes with Unrefined Sugar
    • Breakfast Recipes with Unrefined Sugar
    • Refined Sugar Free Lunch Ideas
    • Refined Sugar Free Dinner Recipes
    • Drinks and Desserts with Unrefined Sugar
    • Bottom Line – The Facts About Sugar and Your Body

Facts About Sugar

From the time of birth, our bodies crave sweet foods. The thing is, there’s a big difference between foods that are naturally sweet or made with raw sugar and those sweetened with refined sugar.

Raw Sugar vs Refined Sugar

Both raw, unrefined sugar and refined sugar come from the same source; sugar cane plants.

To create sugar, the cane is shredded, mixed with water, and crushed between rollers to extract the juice.
Then, before the juice is boiled and evaporated to form sugar crystals, the cane juice goes through filtration to remove any sediment.

In this state, the cane crystals are referred to as raw sugar, unprocessed sugar, or turbinado sugar. Turbinado crystals are golden brown in color, and much larger than refined sugar crystals.

To become refined sugar, it is processed further, to strip the color and any residual molasses from the crystals.

Here, let’s make this easier to understand.

VIDEO: The Facts About Sugar!

LET'S TALK ABOUT SUGAR!

How refined sugars affect the body, digestion, and metabolism

Sugar provides our bodies with important carbohydrates, but refined sugars (also known as sucrose) are processed sugars. Rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, refined sugar can cause unhealthy spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.

Even more concerning, those spikes can increase the risk of diseases like diabetes. *Note – people with type 1 diabetes will need to take supplemental insulin on an long term/daily basis.

There is some good news, though! Medical science shows there are significant health benefits to reducing the amount of sugar we eat!

According to research studies, lowering the intake of refined sugar can be beneficial in the following ways:

  • improve brain function, including memory retention
  • clearer, healthier skin and nails
  • increased energy and less general fatigue
  • deeper sleep and better sleep patterns
  • less bloating

How much sugar a day is okay?

According to the World Health Organization, no more than 5 percent of total calories eaten per day should come from added sugars. Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, that equals about 24 grams or 6 teaspoons of added sugars per day.

The American Heart Association, recommends that adult males consume no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day (36 grams, approx. 150 calories).

Adult females should consume no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day (24 grams, approx. 100 calories).

Is fruit sugar bad?

Fruit sugars, also known as fructose, aren’t bad when eaten in moderation. However, depending on your body, you may be sensitive to fodmap fruits. These are fruits with a higher glycemic content, like certain varieties of apples, apricots, cherries, and watermelon, among others.

If high-FODMAPs are a problem for you, see our low fodmap meal plan for suggestions.

Refined Sugar List

All of these foods are categorized as refined sugars and should be avoided while you’re on an unrefined sugar diet.

  • white flour
  • evaporated cane juice
  • instant starches
  • light and dark corn syrup
  • high fructose corn syrup
  • brown sugar (made by adding molasses back into refined white sugar)
  • fructose
  • processed artificial sweeteners

Sneaky Hidden Sugars

Here are just a few of the hundreds of chemical forms of sugar that are commonly found in processed foods:

  • Dextrose
  • Dextran
  • Dextrin
  • Sucrose
  • Maltodextrin
  • Maltose

If you see these on nutrition labels, be conscious of the amounts. You could be consuming more ADDED sugar than you realize and this can affect blood sugar. Be MINDFUL. I say that politely, and I’m reminding myself. 

The Facts About Sugar –> Be sure to always read nutrition labels. Swap out those foods with hidden sugars or refined sugars.

Healthier Sugar Alternatives

sugar swaps graphics

Here are some examples of unrefined sugar / naturally refined sugars.

  • Yacon Syrup – Made from the roots of the yacon plant. Not recommended for high heat cooking, but it has a third of the calories of white sugar!
  • Stevia – Made from stevia plant leaves. No calories and hardly has an effect on blood glucose levels.
  • Raw Honey – Nature’s candy! Be sure to look for PURE raw honey; it has a low GI, while cheaper kinds of honey have a high GI.
  • Sucanat – Whole unrefined cane sugar. Sucanat is basically pure dried sugar cane juice. Because it is unrefined, it contains trace amounts of minerals such as iron, Vitamin b6, potassium, and calcium. Sucanat also retains all of the cane’s natural molasses, which means it keeps that rich brown colors and molasses flavor.
  • Turbinado (raw sugar) – This is minimally refined cane sugar, so use it in moderation.
  • Pure Maple Syrup – Made from maple tree sap. Don’t confuse this sugar alternative with pancake syrup; there’s a big difference.
  • Agave Syrup/Nectar – The sugar alternative is made from the agave plant. Don’t go hog wild on this one though; it has a high percentage of fructose, which can potentially be harmful if consumed in high quantities.
  • Coconut Sugar – No, coconut sugar is not made from coconuts! Instead, it’s made from the sap of coconut palm tree blossoms.
  • Date Paste / Date Sugar – My favorite sweetener for those on Whole30! I use it quite often, especially for making things like Sticky Date Cake Yogurt Bowls.
    Making this sticky sugar substitute is simple to do! Check out my recipe post to learn how to make date paste.
  • Monk fruit, also called Luo Han Guo, has been used as low cal sweetener for centuries. Nowadays, it’s easier to find in grocery stores in the U.S.

    Monk fruit contains compounds that, when extracted, are natural sweeteners. This sweetener is almost 300 times sweeter than cane sugar, has little to no calories, and it doesn’t affect blood sugar.

    Again, be sure to check that the monk fruit sugar/product you’re using doesn’t contain additional additives with GMO-derived sugar alcohols.

The Facts About Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols are artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, etc. Despite the name, sugar alcohols don’t contain grain alcohol.

While they are low in calories, naturally derived, and can be substituted cup for cup, be mindful of how often you use them.

This is because sugar alcohols have been known to produce excessive bloating and frightful gas. Plus, many sugar alcohols are not sold in their pure state.

Many of the sugar alcohols used in foods and beverages today are derived from GMO sourced cornstarch. As a result, make sure to check the brand for added GMO starches, etc. (source)

packages of Bob's Red Mill coconut sugar and date sugar

There are some organic, non-GMO natural sugars available, which are great for easing your way into an unrefined sugar diet.

  • Coconut sugar
  • Date sugar
  • Minimally processed turbinado sugar

Recipes with Unrefined Sugar

Now that you know the facts about sugar, let’s get to work! Ready to swap out meals with added refined sugars for healthier meals?

Here are some of our favorite refined sugar free recipes!

titled photo collage of unrefined sugar meals and drinks

Breakfast Recipes with Unrefined Sugar

Breakfast – Sugar Swaps

Swap out your unhealthy breakfast for the meals below.  The average American breakfast is loaded with refined sugars!

We see them most often in the form of:

  • white sugar sweets like scones, donuts, and cinnamon rolls
  • dairy products with sugar
  • white flour
  • sweetened jam made with corn syrup and citric acid
  • canned fruit in syrup
  • microwavable instant oats
  • fast food breakfasts like egg sandwiches and smoothies with concentrated juices or syrups.
A hand rolling up a breakfast egg wrap filled with veggies.
Close up view chocolate almond butter breakfast cookies with almond butter drizzled on top.
sheet pan keto pancakes with toppings of sliced bananas, strawberries, and chocolate chips
  • Orange Vanilla Protein Overnight Oats – Swap the microwave oatmeal cups for a much healthier option, with fresh orange juice for extra vitamin C!
  • Paleo Breakfast Egg Wraps – Normal breakfast tacos often contain sauces with hidden sugars, and even the bread/tortillas could contain sugar. So, we are making our own fresh salsa and using high protein eggs as a wrap.
  • Chocolate Almond Butter Breakfast Cookies – No chance of hidden sugars when you’re using all-natural nut butter. For a fun flavor swap, make this recipe using homemade cashew butter. Skip the chocolate coating, or use pure dark chocolate for this recipe.
  • Sheet Pan Chocolate Protein Pancakes – Not only are these a fun way to make a healthier swap for traditional pancakes, but it’s also a quicker way to make them!

Refined Sugar Free Lunch Ideas

LUNCH – Sugar Swaps

Choose the meals below as a healthy swap for the refined sugar found in most deli meals.

Refined sugars hide in packaged condiments, dips, salad dressings, and deli meats. Even foods that label themselves as healthy may have refined sugar, such as gluten-free breads, chips, crackers, nut butter!

Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad Hoagies
Strawberry spinach salad in pink bowl with dressing being poured over top.
mango chicken salad cabbage wraps
  • Salad – A healthy salad for lunch doesn’t have to be boring, either. Make yourself a delicious Vegan Quinoa Salad for lunch.
  • Homemade dressings – The facts about sugar are, they hide everywhere, even in salad dressing! Make your own and hold the refined sugar. This Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing is amazing, and everyone goes crazy for my Spicy Vegan Ranch!
  • Sandwiches – Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad is full of plant-based protein, and you won’t find a lick of sugar in it. Stay away from the hidden sugars in store bought bread by making your own grain free naan or homemade Paleo bread.
  • Wraps – Miso Mango Chicken Salad Wraps are full of flavor without sugar. Add a side of homemade BBQ baked rutabaga chips to round out the sugar free lunch.
  • Swap out the sugary store bought peanut butter by learning how to make sunflower seed butter or homemade cashew butter.

Refined Sugar Free Dinner Recipes

DINNER – Sugar Swaps

The facts about sugar hidden in dinner may surprise you! These options are usually crammed with sugar:

  • Canned soups
  • Pasta sauces
  • Restaurant carry-out- Chinese sauces are loaded with sugar, for example)
  • Convenience deli or frozen meals (check all ingredients!)
  • Meats/fish with marinades or sauces that contain added sugar.

Enjoy these EASY refined sugar-free homemade dinners instead!

Instant Pot steak soup made  with unrefined sugar
overhead: woman's hands holding plate of maple mustard salmon with French green beans
Overhead view red serving bowl filled with satay style spiralized vegetables stir fry.
  • Instant Pot Steak Fajita Soup is a simple homemade soup that tastes fantastic, has no refined sugar, and is made in under 30 minutes.
  • 5-Ingredient Maple Dijon Salmon is an easy way to keep the sugary sauce out of your healthy fish dinner.
  • Many stir fry sauces are outrageously packed with sugar, but not this Satay Style Spiralized Vegetables Stir Fry!
  • Skip the Asian take-out and make Healthy Paleo Chicken Teriyaki.

Drinks and Desserts with Unrefined Sugar

  • Swap out your bubbly drinks and sugary soda  for this refreshing homemade fruit kvass.
A hand holding an ice cream cone with espresso dark chocolate sorbet scoops on top.
2 scoops of banana coconut milk nice cream in robin's egg blue ice cream bowl with spoon
caramalized banana vegan almond butter cups on silver backdrop

Desserts

  • There are plenty of so-called sugar free ice cream options at the store, but many of them have refined artificial sugars. For a healthier option, make Espresso Dark Chocolate Sorbet or fruit sweetened Banana Soft Serve Vegan Ice Cream.
  •  Have a craving for cookie dough? You will love these kid-friendly Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Cups.

Bottom Line – The Facts About Sugar and Your Body

At the end of the day, all sugars (yes, even NATURAL sugars) can have an impact on your overall health. It’s important to figure out the sugar intake that’s right for you.

Some people can handle a little bit of sugar in their diet, while for others, it may cause binge eating, rapid weight gain, and disease. Every individual is unique and you need to figure out what works for you. 

If you need or want support to help you along the way, we’re here for you!

Keep me posted on your progress. Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram, join our Facebook community, comment below, or email!

Cheers and have a DELICIOUS week!
LC

5403 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Categories: Has Video, Nutrition Guides, Recipe Round Ups Tags: refined sugar free

More recipes you’ll love!

photo collage titled Nightshade Free Recipes shows roasted vegetables snack platter
Nightshade Free Recipes Introduction
Best Food Storage Tips and Resourceful Recipes!
Meal prep containers filled with healthy meals for an anti-inflammatory meal prep recipes.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep Recipes Challenge
Coconut Apricot Fig Bliss Bites
Apricot Fig Energy Bites {Bliss Balls}
titled photo collage of unrefined sugar meals and drinks
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Aaron

    03/23/2023 at 8:45 PM

    Thank you for so many delicious dishes shared, I enjoyed and appreciated your articles.

    Reply
  2. Black Latte Drink Mix

    10/23/2020 at 12:59 AM

    The problem isn’t the sugar by itself, but the process and the amount that we use.

    Reply
  3. Jeremy D. Mann

    08/23/2020 at 12:20 PM

    This was a good read, Lindsay. Thank you for targeting “refined sugar” and not just added sugar.

    I wanted to add something: If you want to reduce the sucrose in your diet, you don’t actually need to buy a new sweetener over regular white sugar. You don’t even need to change up your recipes. No, not even for baking!

    Toast your sugar.

    Some call toasted sugar “granulated caramel,” which it techincally is. Call it whatever you want, it’s amazing! The more tan it gets, the less sweet it becomes while gaining a more complex flavor profile—from spun sugar to a nutty caramel, depending on how tan. The heat will degrade most of the complex sucrose into fructose and glucose, making it have a lower glycemic index—yet it can still be used 1:1 with white sugar (something brown sugar can’t do).

    The basics of toasting sugar: In glass bakeware tray, toast regular white sugar at 162C/325F (bake time depends on flavor desired and amount being toasted; it varies but a pound may take around 2 hours to get a medium tan). As long as you stir often, particularly around the edges and bottom of the bakeware (every 20 mins or so), it will retain its crystalline structure. Some clumping may happen which can be sifted out or added to food a processor.

    You can actually make your sugar taste better. And make it potentially less of a health hazard, just with an oven and glass bakeware. Win/win.

    Hope this helps someone.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      08/26/2020 at 10:40 AM

      Oh wonderful advice! Thank you for those tips Jeremy.

      Reply
  4. bienfaits de vinaigre de cidre

    06/28/2019 at 4:45 AM

    Sugar addiction is one of the reasons for the high levels of obesity in western society.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      06/28/2019 at 12:12 PM

      Processed sugars can definitely be hard on your health, that’s for sure!

      Reply
  5. Toni

    03/29/2019 at 12:12 AM

    This is really helpful! Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      03/29/2019 at 12:40 PM

      Anytime my friend! Thanks for feedback.

      Reply
  6. Beth

    03/26/2019 at 9:34 PM

    So much good information – thanks for taking the time to share it with us. I like to experiment with alternative sweeteners beyond white refined sugar.

    Reply
  7. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    03/15/2019 at 8:34 AM

    I love this! so informative!

    Reply
  8. Sabrina

    02/19/2019 at 8:16 PM

    great resource and reminder for some of these and a lot of new information, at least for me on others, especially in the natural sugar category, which ones are good and which bad for instance, thank you!

    Reply
  9. Leigh Ann

    02/19/2019 at 8:47 AM

    So much great information here! Thanks for laying it all out for us!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      02/19/2019 at 12:19 PM

      Happy to Help Leigh Ann! Great reminder for me too.

      Reply
  10. Matt Robinson

    02/18/2019 at 9:28 PM

    Thanks for this! I need to seriously cut down on my refined sugar intake.

    Reply
  11. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

    02/18/2019 at 3:49 PM

    Such great info! I could really use this. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Liz S.

    02/18/2019 at 5:22 AM

    This is excellent! Refined sugar free over there now, for sure.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      02/18/2019 at 11:35 AM

      Thank ya! ?

      Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      02/19/2019 at 1:35 PM

      Love it! What’s your favorite SF recipe? I know you must have one!

      Reply
      • Liz S.

        02/19/2019 at 5:56 PM

        Your Maple Tahini Brownies recipe and Kelly Leveque’s Freezer Fudge recipe.

        Reply
  13. [email protected]

    02/17/2019 at 10:24 AM

    It makes me happy this is focused on refined sugar, as opposed to nature’s sweeteners like fruit, dates, honey.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

titled photo collage of unrefined sugar meals and drinks
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Reader Favorites

  • photo collage of dairy-free gluten-free anti-inflammatory meal plan recipes
    Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan {Dairy Free, Gluten-Free Recipes & Tips}
  • cinnamon bites in turquoise bowl, top protein ball has bite taken out to show inside texture.
    Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites + Video
  • a bowl of curried cauliflower rice soup
    Curried Cauliflower Soup with Kale
  • Collage of 4 saucepans and skillets filled with 4 different varieties of gluten free roux.
    How to Make Gluten Free Roux for Keto Sauces + Soups
  • stack of dried orange slices on white background
    Dried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)
  • a skillet full of four balsamic roasted cranberry chicken thighs surrounded by roasted cranberries
    Balsamic Roasted Cranberry Chicken

Recipes by Diet

  • Dairy-Free
  • Egg-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Grain-Free
  • Low-Carb
  • Nightshade-Free
  • Nut-Free
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Whole30

Recipes by Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Blender
  • Instant Pot
  • No-Bake
  • Oven
  • Slow Cooker
  • Stovetop

Recipes by Type

  • Breakfasts
  • Casseroles
  • Condiments
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides & Salads
  • Snacks & Apps
  • Stews & Soups

Resources & More

  • Meal Plans
  • Nutrition Guides
  • How-To
  • Quick Meals
  • Videos
  • Round Ups
  • Cookbook
  • GF Start Here
titled photo collage of unrefined sugar meals and drinks
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Cotter Crunch
  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Contact

© 2023 · Cotter Crunch · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy

5403 shares