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April 22, 2012

DIY Brown Sugar

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Did you know that brown sugar is even more processed than regular ole' granulated white sugar?

Yet another reason to avoid brown sugar... and white sugar

:)

It's a pretty easy thing to do when this stuff is around!


Compared to storebought brown sugar, this:
  • has 1/7th the calories and carbohydrates
  • is low glycemic (safe for diabetics)
  • is just as sweet and just as tasty!

Super soft, super fluffy, and full of flavor!

It even "packs" like real brown sugar, which is a big plus to me.  Not to mention, you can use it in any recipe to take place of brown sugar (yes, that means coookieeessss!!!)

So add this to your tea, sprinkle it over your dessert-for-breakfast, and use it in your desserts!


DIY Brown Sugar:  [fat free, low sugar, GF, vegan]
  192g (1 cup) Granulated Erythritol*
  21g (1 tbs) Molasses**

Directions:
1.  In a medium bowl, add the erythritol and the molasses on top.  Stir with a fork until molasses is fully mixed in (takes about 2-3 minutes).  Store it in an airtight container, as you would with regular brown sugar.

*Erythritol is a natural, calorie-free sweetener that looks and tastes exactly like sugar.  Erythritol isn't manmade like Sweet n Low, and doesn't contain ammonia like Splenda.  I'm sure granulated xylitol would work but I've never tried it.
**You can add about half a tablespoon more if you want darker brown sugar;  This is a good brand of molasses.

PS:  I made yummy cookie dough with this!


My DIY Brown Sugar nutrition label is on the left,
Storebought Srown Sugar's nutrition label is on the right:

   

I think we can all agree that the DIY version is a much better choice  ;D

1 cup = 16 tbs = 48 tsp

so...

1 tsp has 2 calories!!


:O

*makes shocked face*

16 comments:

  1. i didn't know it was that easy to make brown sugar! i feel so silly for buying it this whole time.....

    ReplyDelete
  2. This was an informative post and I will have to say I saw a comment that said "buy brown sugar because it is not processed"-how wrong was that statement?
    I will pass this along to a diabetic friend I have. I also see that yours has calcium and iron-unlike the other. Glad I popped in to see this, thanks for sharing. I hope you are enjoying the weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sadly, brown sugar is definitely processed. You may have heard about sucanat, which is a minimally processed, healthier sweetener that tastes like brown sugar, just doesn't have that "moist" quality like brown sugar. Hope you're enjoying the weekend too!

      Delete
  3. I make my own brown sugar all the time, but have been using granulated sugar. I want to try erythritol! I've never even heard of it. I'm so glad I found you through Foodbuzz!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Foodbuzz seems like such a great site! I'm so glad I joined. I hope you like the erythritol version :)

      Delete
  4. That's awesome! Definitely ordering erythritol so I can try this out. My sister can only have very limited amounts of sugar, as well as gluten and dairy and while I can make her things that are gluten and dairy free pretty easily, sugar free always trips me up a bit because most artificial sweeteners taste weird in baked goods! I'll definitely be trying this for her, seems perfect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds tough to live with, you should try stevia and erythritol because they are sugar/calorie-free and don't affect blood sugar levels.
      I'm glad you found this then! I hope you like it :)

      PS: this is where I buy my stevia (Comes in 2 large bottles and lasts forever! Only a few drops can sweeten an unsweetened beverage!):
      http://www.amazon.com/SweetLeaf-SteviaClear-Liquid-4-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001E5E3JY/ref=pd_ybh_3

      Delete
    2. If I did my math correctly, given the $34.50 price for 3 lbs (1360g), a cup of this sugar is $4.87.

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    3. Shanna- I never calculated the cost for this because, to me, health is wealth :) If I can indulge in an unhealthy-tasting snack without the guilt, I'm definitely willing to pay a couple more dollars. With this DIY version, I'm just providing a healthier alternative to people who many need it. You don't have to make it, but of course I'd encourage you to! :)
      -Jess

      Delete
  5. I don't really understand how Erythritol ((2R,3S)-butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol) mixed with molasses is less processed that brown sugar. I think I will stick with sugar that comes from a plant

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jason- White sugar is extremely processed with no nutritional value (1 tsp = 16 empty calories). Both white and brown sugar are detrimental to overall health (cause blood sugar spikes, sugar crashes, obesity, diabetes, depression, etc). Sugar may come from a plant, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you (kind of like butter). Personally, I have a vendetta against sugar because of my previous "addiction" to it (you can read about the About Me page if you like :) ).
      Erythritol is actually natural occurring in fruits and other plants and has been proven safe for human consumption. Erythritol is also a much better/safer/healthier alternative to white sugar, Splenda, Sweet n' Low, etc.
      It's your choice to consume white sugar, I'm just providing a healthier alternative to those who are looking for one.
      -Jess

      Delete
  6. I agree with Shanna, great idea, and wish I could do it, but that stuff is crazy expensive! Health may be wealth, but unfortunatly we are on a budget. It's a bummer though because it is brilliant! I just looked it up though and you can make it the same way with regular cane sugar and molases

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah- Yeah, brown sugar is pretty easy to make at home, only regular sugar isn't very nutritious for how many calories you get... I guess I am just more inclined to pay more for healthy food as I don't shop for clothes/makeup/accessories/other expensive stuff that normal girls get. Plus, I look for coupons like it's my job :P
      You could definitely try making brown sugar at home with regular sugar though! It's actually kind of fun to make, hehe ;)

      Delete
  7. Would it be ok to substitute the granulate erythritol with xylitol? I'm assuming it would produce the same results since both are granulated? Xylitol is easier to find where I am vs granulated erythriotl :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yup, xylitol should work just fine! :)

      Delete
    2. Awesome! I was thinking of using homemade brown sugar using Xylitol for a pumpkin pie recipe for Thanksgiving! Can't wait to try it :)thanks!

      Delete

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